Events

State Burn Boss at Hobbs State Park to explain the benefits of prescribed burns

At 2:00 p.m. on July 20th, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will host Fred Sutton, Arkansas’ state burn boss. Sutton will discuss why prescribed fire is a valuable tool for maintaining healthy forests and explain the work that goes into planning and implementing a successful burn.

Smokey the Bear didn’t have it right years ago to completely suppress any fire in the woods. The results of no fire are years of accumulations of massive concentrations of flammable materials: leaves, pine needles, dry grass, and twigs. When lightning starts a wildfire under these conditions, the fire is intense and often completely out of control. Routinely scheduled prescribed fires reduce the fuel load on the ground, lessening the impact of wildfire.

Prescribed burns also remove young trees that choke the forest. Trees that grow close together compete for resources, making them more susceptible to disease, insect infestations, and severe wildfires. Prescribed fire creates diverse wildlife habitats by opening areas in the forest, creating opportunities for new vegetation to grow and produce seeds and berries as forest animal food.

For more information, call the park at 479-789-5000.