Reznet

SMSC Land Department To Conduct Prescribed Burns

By Anonymous

Land Department staff from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community are
planning to conduct several prescribed burns on Community land between
mid-April and mid to late May 2008. A prescribed burn is an
intentionally lit, low intensity fire used by land managers to
replicate natural fires. Prescribed burns benefit natural communities
by removing dead biomass, adding nutrients to the soil, releasing
native seed banks, and killing non-native species.

Prescribed burns have to meet specific weather requirements. Three
components are considered: relative humidity, temperature, and wind
speed and direction. The fire will be out of prescription and not lit
if any component exceeds plan limits. 

In a natural setting, a low intensity fire would burn a
prairie/wetland complex on a 3-5 year cycle. Fire prevention activities
leave most natural areas overgrown and susceptible to being invaded by
non-native species. Most of SMSC's restoration areas are four to six
years of age and need burning. SMSC Land Department staff conduct the
prescribed burns with Mdewakanton Emergency Services and Bureau of
Indian Affairs fire personnel. 

As a steward of the land, the SMSC engages in a number of
restoration activities to preserve and protect the land for future
generations. The SMSC Land Department and Natural Resources Department
has re-established native prairies and wetlands on more than 500 acres
of former farmland. Wild rice is sowed in Community wetlands. Maple sap
is collected from Community trees, and maple syrup is made. Trees and
other native flora are planted. Environmental specialists are also
active in restoring and managing wetlands, surveying wildlife, and
taking an inventory of existing natural communities. Hydrologists
assess water quality, coordinate the Community's Wellhead Protection
Program, plan projects to improve water quality, and implement erosion
control. 

For more on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, click here.