The Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area is a region in southwest Wisconsin that is unique for its exceptional populations of grassland birds, a high number of prairie remnants, concentrations of rare plants and animals, extensive surrogate grassland, and spring-fed streams, all set within a working agricultural landscape. A partnership of non-profit organizations and government agencies has teamed together to conserve these rare and important natural resources.
 
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Photos and fact sheets for educational, non-commercial, or news media use only. Please credit the photographer and/or the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area.

Yellow coneflower, by Paul Ohlrogge
Firebreak Firebreak Fireline and safety gear

Fire breaks are prepared in advance of the prescribed burn to allow for ease of control and accessibility.
Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts

  


Fire breaks are prepared in advance of the prescribed burn to allow for ease of control and accessibility.
Credit: WDNR
Location: Marsh Haven Nature Center		  

 

 Fire pulls away from the firebreak. Crew member in foreground is wearing Nomex(TM) (flame-retardant clothing) and a helmet with face shield.
Date: April 2, 2005
Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts
Ignition
Savanna burn
 Prairie burn
An ignition specialist lights fire along the edge of the firebreak while crew members extinguish fire along the break using a pumper unit. A pumper is a truck with a gas-powered pump, 100+ feet of hose, and a reservoir that holds 100-300 GAL of water. Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts     The burr oaks in this oak savanna are adapted to fire, having a thick, corky bark. They will benefit from the fire as it reduces competition from non-fire-adapted woody species that tend to invade in the absence of regular burns. Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts     The fire will remove excessive thatch from the prairie, which would otherwise slowly smother many prairie plants. It will also limit invasion by trees and brush. Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts Location: Pleasant Valley Conservancy
Prairie burn
Tieing off the burn
 Post-burn inspection
Prescribed fire is an essential management tool for this dry prairie in Dane County, Wisconsin. Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts Location: Pleasant Valley Conservancy     Ignition specialists finish tieing off the burn; burns are done in a 'ring pattern' to afford complete and predictable control. Credit: The Prairie Enthusiasts     A burn crew member inspects site after burn is completed. Credit: Katie Abbott Location: The Nature Conservancy's Barneveld Prairie
Lighting strips    
This ignition specialist promotes moderate flame heights in this woodland burn by lighting in parallel strips. He is wearing a two-way radio in a chest harness to communicate with his crew. Credit: WDNR Location: Marsh Haven Nature Center      
     
     

Fact Sheets:
Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area
Grassland Birds
Invasive Species
Prairie
Oak Savanna
Prescribed Burning
Tree and Brush Clearing
Stream Management

Maps:
Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area
Places to Visit

Photos:
Click on thumbnail for larger image.
Looking for a different image? Contact the project coordinator.
Please credit the photographer, if given. If no photographer is named, please credit the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area.

Wild Bergamot, by Katie Abbott
 
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