Iowa DNR Begins Annual Spring Burns: Why It’s Important

As spring arrives in Iowa, so does an important annual event for the state’s natural landscapes — prescribed burns conducted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These controlled fires, set in designated wildlife management areas, may seem alarming at first glance, but they play a crucial role in maintaining Iowa’s ecosystems.

According to a news release, the Iowa DNR’s Maquoketa Wildlife Unit will oversee burns in several counties, including Scott, Clinton, Jackson, Jones, Dubuque, Delaware, and Clayton, this year. Specific sites such as Lost Grove Lake, Whitewater, Backbone State Park, Big Springs Fish Hatchery, and several others will experience controlled burns aimed at improving habitat quality and reducing wildfire risks.

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Why Burn the Land?

Fire has long been a natural part of prairie and forest ecosystems. Before modern fire suppression efforts, periodic wildfires helped shape the landscape, clearing out dead vegetation, controlling invasive species, and making room for new growth. Without fire, many native plants struggle to thrive, and aggressive species can take over.

In my early days, my elementary school joined the local DNR on one of the mandatory burns to see how they are conducted and why they do it. Essentially, by conducting prescribed burns, the Iowa DNR mimics the natural process of a forest or prairie fire in a controlled, safe manner. These burns help rejuvenate the land by:

• Encouraging Native Plant Growth: Fire removes accumulated plant debris, allowing sunlight to reach the soil and aiding in the growth of native grasses and wildflowers.
• Controlling Invasive Species: Many invasive plants, such as honeysuckle and garlic mustard, can outcompete native species. Fire helps keep these invaders in check.
• Enhancing Wildlife Habitat: Many species, from deer to pollinators like butterflies and bees, benefit from a landscape renewed by fire. The fresh vegetation that follows a burn provides food and shelter.
• Reducing Wildfire Risk: Ironically, controlled burns help prevent larger, uncontrolled wildfires by clearing out dead plant material that could become dangerous fuel in dry, windy conditions.

Timing and Safety Measures

Prescribed burns in Iowa typically take place from mid-March through mid-May, with each burn carefully planned to ensure safety. Fire crews monitor weather conditions, wind direction, and humidity levels to ensure that the fire remains under control. Most burns are conducted in the late morning or early afternoon and are finished by evening.

Of course, safety is a top priority. Trained professionals carry out the burns with specialized equipment, and firebreaks are used to keep flames contained within designated areas. If conditions aren’t ideal, a planned burn may be postponed or canceled to avoid unnecessary risks.

While the sight of smoke on the horizon might be unsettling to some, these fires are an essential tool for conservation. In the weeks following a burn, the landscape quickly begins to transform. Blackened ground gives way to fresh green shoots, signaling the beginning of a new cycle of life.

For anyone with questions or concerns about the prescribed burns, local Iowa DNR wildlife biologist Nick McClimon is available for inquiries at 563-219-4148. In the meantime, as you enjoy Iowa’s parks and wildlife areas this spring, take a moment to appreciate the science and strategy behind these controlled burns. Sometimes, a little fire is exactly what nature needs.