IWM Technique: PRESCRIBED BURN

When is burning recommended?

• The weed is an annual plant, such as yellow starthistle, that reproduces by seed
• The infested area has a large amount of decadent material or thatch
• The infested area does not have many desired species that could be negatively impacted by the fire

Limits to Success:

• There must be intensive planning to ensure the burn is safe and contained
• There must be a plan for restoration or reseeding after the burn on the newly disturbed area.
• Seedbanks of noxious weeds can still remain after fire
• Specific noxious weed species respond with increased growth after fire and this method can be counter productive