The Use of Prescribed Fire in Forest Management at Hobbs State Park Principles of Biology, Spring, 2011 Northwest Arkansas Community College Kurtis Cecil, Instructor
Overview Materials and Methods Geology History Ecology Description of Study Areas with maps Importance and benefits of burning How a prescribed burn is conducted
Materials and Methods Materials Video camera, cameras and research Methods Field work Studied area before burn Studied area right after burn Studied area again a few weeks after burn to see the difference
Materials and Methods Use of outside sources arfirenetwork.org Na.fs.fed.us/fire_poster/managed.htm Google Earth Interview with Mark Clippinger Superintendent of Hobbs State Park
Geology of Hobbs Arkansas largest state park at 12,056 acres Along the southern shore of Beaver lake in Northwest Arkansas Lies in the Ozarks region of Arkansas Elevation is 300-1850 feet above sea level
Geology of Hobbs Some amazing features: Many different trails Disappearing streams, springs and seeps Bluffs, rocky outcrops, ridges and valleys formed by dissolving limestone Cave features and sinkholes Common rocks Limestone Chert
History of Hobbs Originally Native American Indians used controlled burning on their land Used as a method for: Hunting Crop management Warfare/Signaling Clearing areas and trees Pest management Fireproofing areas
History of Hobbs Indians found fire improved growth for grass, seed plants, berry plants, and tobacco The Indian Act of 1830 forced Native Americans out and white settlers in
History of Hobbs One of the settlers, Peter Van Winkle, moved to Hobbs in 1851 By 1858 he established the first steam powered sawmill in Northwest Arkansas
History of Hobbs Roscoe Hobbs and four partners started the Ozark Land and Lumber Company in 1912 Acquired over 12,500 acres of Van Winkle s land and mill Purchased by the state of Arkansas in 1979 from the Nature Conservancy 11,644 acres Managed by: Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
Ecology of Hobbs Plant Communities Trees -Pine, Hickory, Sycamore, Oak, Maple, Dogwood, Red Bud, and Elm. White Oak Pine Post Oak Dogwood
Ecology of Hobbs Other types of plants -Deerberry, Green Brier, flowers, fungi and moss. Deerberry Green Brier
Ecology of Hobbs Invasive species -Sericea Lespedeza, Garlic Mustard, Fescue Grass and Bush Honeysuckle, and Kudzu Garlic Mustard Bush Honeysuckle
Ecology of Hobbs Animal Communities Mammals white tailed deer, bob cat, black bear, raccoon, and beavers Reptiles and Amphibians turtles, snakes, frogs, toads and salamanders In addition: birds, fish, turkeys, and various insects
Study Areas Study Area 1 Located at: 36 17 04.48 N 93 55 27.72 W Elevation 1374 feet Visitor Center Future Study Area 1
Before and After Controlled Burn
Study Areas Study Area 2 Located at:36 18 37.91 N 93 58 49.66 W Elevation 1357 feet Non burned comparison Future Study Area 2 VanWinkle Hollow Gun Range
Area is more dense and has invasive species
Importance and Benefits of Burning Helps keep wildfires or crown fires from happening
Importance and Benefits of Burning Acts as a fertilizer to the ground and plants Keeps invasive plants from taking over the native plants habitat Native plants have adapted and the prescribed burning does not kill them; it is very helpful to them
Importance and Benefits of Burning Animals that are native to the area have adapted to prescribed burns and some wildlife would leave their home if prescribed burns did not take place
How a Prescribed Burn is Conducted Study should be the first step in using prescribed fire Qualified burn managers should be used Establish goals and a plan for each burn The overriding theme in prescribed burning should be safety and control Move heavy fuels such as logs, snags, and brush piles away from a fireguard on the burn side
How a Prescribed Burn is Conducted Gather adequate weather information the day before and the day of a burn Local fire departments, neighbors, and, depending on property location, some state agencies should be notified the day of a burn. Consider the impact of smoke on surrounding areas. Monitor the burn area for at least one day after the last smoke is visible, because sometimes a hidden ember can reignite fuel near the perimeter.
It takes a lot of man power And perfect weather conditions
Conclusion Better understanding of Ecology and Geology of the area History of Hobbs and prescribed burning How a prescribed burn is conducted Helps future NWACC classes gather data for further study using our research What you can do at Hobbs State Park: -hiking -swimming -trail biking -gun range -events at Visitor Center -lake tours -fishing, hunting -educational programs