Embracing Change: Growth and Fire Go Hand in Hand

Guest post by Clemson Summer Program student Nick D'Onofrio -  

I gained a lot insight from Dr. Hagan’s section during the beginning of this week of the Montana CI. It made me all realize that change is necessary for growth. If things were to remain the same forever then the ecosystem would not be able to support itself and collapse. In order for sustainability to even occur we must first accept that there is a problem so that we may be willing to fix it. The Montana Prairie has the potential for change I can see it in the land and in the people. But in order for this change to occur there needs to a be a big push by the people that benefit from the land, in other words, the landowners must desire and seek out the change necessary for growth. On this trip I have seen many black dead trees burned to a crisp from previous wildfires which serve as reminder to both the effects of climate change and forest mismanagement. The rising temperatures from climate change are creating conditions for wildfires to occur and at the same time not enough prescribed burns are being done on the land to reduce the risk of wildfires. Even in the aftermath of these big wildfires every few years there is still not enough being done in order to prevent them. Many landowners seem to think there way is the only way and they can continue doing the same thing over again because that is what works for them. However there is enough evidence to support that there way of upkeeping the land is harmful and does more harm to themselves and the land they live on. 

Dr. Hagan reminded us that prescribed burns are necessary for the health and growth of the ecosystems. These controlled fires help prevent fuel buildup such as trees growing too close together and grasses that are too dry and long. If let unburned for too long, these fuel buildup conditions can allow wildfires to quickly spread and grow out of control. On the other hand, controlled burns can reduce competition and allow opportunities for new plants to grow and flourish. Dr. Hagan hammered these concepts home to us. When Dustin, Jeff and Noah from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (Montana DNRC) visited us they understood these effects on the land but explained that while they can implement these prescribed burns on state land it is up to the landowners if they want their help on the private land. However there is still hope. I still see a great potential for change. Noah described the need to restore the land to its natural grassland state by removing all trees and reducing the fuel. Noah even described how some landowners have allowed them to work on their and implement prescribed burns. This is enough to show me that while change is occurring at a slow pace it is enough to turn the tides and hopefully build a better tomorrow.

There are many invasives plant species that outcompete the native plant species and cows seem to be the most common animal by far. However, the native plant and animals species can still be found throughout the land which fills me with hope. Within this endless ocean of green, I see beauty and endurance. I have seen many flamboyant pink prairie smoke flowers with their long seed heads outstretched towards the sky. The grasses are mixed species that come in colors of brown, yellow, green, and blue that work together as a canvas to complement the sky. I have seen many pronghorn foraging alongside cattle. Within the charred forest of dead trees, I can still find long green grasses that make up the foundation of the land and beautiful wild flowers that shine deep within the sea of green grass. All this tells me that despite all the hardships nature faces, life still persists. These species have withstood the test of time and despite all the harm we have done to them and land they depend upon, they remain undeterred. The time for action is now. The Montana Prairie is beautiful and so vast, this ocean of green contains hope which is enough to spark the change necessary for growth.