The Importance of Fire in Michigan

Olivia Triltsch • October 17, 2024

Historical Impacts 


Historically, Michigan’s vast forests and grasslands have evolved to be dependent on fire over time. Certain species, including the native Jack Pine, have adapted to become fire-dependent for reproduction. Although some stakeholders may support preferences for wildlife, it is important to understand the habitats that native wildlife depend on as well. Fellow bird enthusiasts may appreciate the significance of Jack Pine reproduction and perpetuation for species such as the Kirtland’s Warbler. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Forest Service removed this bird from the Endangered Species list in 2019 per the after imitation of natural disturbances such as fire through Jack Pine stands achieved the desired stand attributes. Jack Pines rely on fire as the pinecones they create only open and disperse seeds when exposed to extreme heat. Hence, when wildfires or prescribed burns occur, the Jack Pine can spread and species reliant on young stands such as the Kirtland’s Warbler will again be able to establish.


Considerations 


While wildfires often have a negative connotation associated with their occurrences due to impacts on residential areas, prescribed burns emulate similar impacts while safety is emphasized through control. Fires in the landscape improve habitat for wildlife, control invasive species, promote regeneration of native biomes, and decrease the risk of uncontrolled fires negatively impacting communities. While organizing prescribed burns, natural resource professionals create a plan tailored toward creating a predetermined outcome. For a burn to achieve the desired outcome, the planning must take into consideration variables including seasonality, wind, precipitation, etc. During the burn, professionals note changing variables for safety and productivity as described by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.


Learn More

Want to dive deeper into the importance and procedures of prescribed burns in Michigan? Visit the Prescribed Burns page of Michigan DNR and check out the interactive Map. The Michigan Prescribed Fire Council also has resources regarding how prescribed burns work and how to get involved.




Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch April 24, 2025
Historically, Michigan experienced a lumber era in which the state was a leading producer for 50 years starting in 1860.
By Katelyn Helsel April 23, 2025
Rochester Hills, MI — On the Ground, MUCC’s volunteer stewardship program, celebrated its 250th habitat improvement project in Oakland County this past weekend. In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council , 62 volunteers removed more than 460 pounds of trash from the Clinton River watershed and surrounding areas, restoring more than 80 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Volunteers focused on picking up trash and other debris in the river near Yates Park and along various walking trails near the Yates Cider Mill. Many different items were collected, including a couple of tires, fishing line, old cans, a sign, and even a car bumper. “We definitely wanted to clean up as much trash as possible because that's going to help the watershed as a whole, and it’s going to clean up the river for both humans aesthetically, and also the animals that live in it, and create safer drinking water” said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC’s Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator.
By Olivia Triltsch April 17, 2025
In addition to their impact on water quality, these three orders of insects are an important part of the diet of game fish, making anglers, especially fly fishermen, interested in the conservation of these small animals.
More Posts