DECISION MEMO Prescribed Burn and Commercial Thinning ...

Total Area 312 Gross Acres
D. Forest Plan Goals and Objectives
C. Purpose and Need
Prescribed Burning
The intensity and frequency of fire in the Piedmont has played a significant role in the
development of pine and hardwood stands. In a vast majority of these stands, the objective is
to reduce the amount of fuels available so that a destructive wildfire will not occur. A
subsequent benefit of these low intensity burns is the development and maintenance of fireadapted
grasses, forbs, and flowering plants. These plant species benefit wildlife and
maintain or increase plant diversity. Additionally prescribed fire makes the area more open
and visually appealing.
The primary objective of burning these stands is to reduce fuel loads, which decreases the
risks of, and from, catastrophic wildfire. Flammable fuels, such as pine needles, can build up
to hazardous levels within a few years. The majority of the areas proposed for burning have
not been burned in at least 15 years and the fuel build up in these areas needs to be reduced to
decrease wildfire hazards.
These areas will be implemented as part of the Enoree Ranger District's annual program of
approximately 10,000 to 15,000 acres. The burn block will be several hundred acres in size.
Small blocks may be necessary in certain circumstances. These areas are scheduled to be
burned during the dormant season (December - March). In order to treat this increased
number of acres, ignition of the large block will be accomplished using a helicopter and
plastic sphere dispensers ("ping-pong balls"). Use of aerial ignition will depend upon the
availability of a helicopter. The remaining areas will be ignited manually, using "drip
torches". All burning must be completed within specific burning parameters, which limits the
number of acres that can be prescribed burn within a year (USDA, 2008).
A secondary benefit is an improvement in wildlife habitat for a variety of game and nongame
species. The understory component of many of the areas proposed for burning are lacking in
herbaceous vegetation. Prescribed fire generally increases the growth of grasses and forbs
and other understory plants.
Commercial thinning
Many stands of older, mature timber are very crowded (have high basal areas) that result in
increased competition for growing space, water, nutrients and light, increasing stress on
individual trees and the potential for disease and insect infestation.
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