Prescribed Burning
PlantWise has completed more burns in Michigan than any other contractor and is certified to burn in Ohio
Since our founding in 1998, we have completed nearly 1,300 burns totaling over 19,000 acres on public, residential, land trust, and corporate lands on remnant and planted sites. Burn units range from urban residential sites of 1/4-acre or less to rural sites of hundreds of acres in size.
PlantWise prescribed burns have proven effective at controlling numerous invasive species while simultaneously stimulating native plants and encouraging the return of a broader diversity of animals.
Before widespread European settlement, fire was the dominant natural process sculpting our natural areas. Most prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands would burn on a regular basis. With the exclusion of fire from the landscape during the last 200 years and the introduction of numerous invasive plants, the diversity of native plants and animals has declined dramatically. By reintroducing fire through prescribed ecological burns, we are able to simulate a natural, historic process and return diversity and balance to our natural lands.
PlantWise is insured with a policy that specifically covers claims relating to prescribed to burns (though we have never had a claim!) At PlantWise, we use safe, proven techniques to complete successful burns. During our spring, summer, and fall burn seasons, we:
- Develop burn plans that outline the burn objectives, suitable weather
conditions, crew needs, contact information, and more - Secure necessary burn permits from the local fire jurisdiction(s)
- Work with landowners to notify neighbors
- Conduct safe, controlled burns using a full complement of fire control and personal protective equipment
University of Michigan – BioStation
PlantWise crew conducts burn at University of Michigan BioStation. The “forest chronosequence” is one of the longest-running experiments of its kind in the U.S.
Protecting Rare Animals with Fire
U of M Biological Station Research Plots
PlantWise Drone Videos
Success Story
Portman Preserve Restoration
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is one of our longtime stewardship partners. When SWMLC bought their stunning Portman Preserve near Paw Paw, MI they asked us to assist them with restoration efforts to enhance habitat for several rare animal species. The first winter we started with intensive shrub removal to set up the SWMLC team with a good base for follow-up invasives control. In the following years PlantWise has been implementing prescribed burns in both upland and wetland zones at Portman to continue the effort to restore this remarkable site.
What Our Customers are saying
Testimonials
“PlantWise has conducted burns for the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway since 2001. Their crew is very knowledgeable and always very professional. Our many properties pose challenges with boardwalks, buildings, wooded and aquatic habitats and they have always performed as promised – delivering safe and quality service. After 13 years of working with PlantWise we have seen a significant decline in invasive species on properties and an increase in native plant diversity. We highly recommend PlantWise as a quality resource for prescribed burning and habitat management.”
Travis Williams
Executive Director
Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway
“We’ve been working with David and crew for over 15 years. They are fabulous folks to work with, we always learn a lot on our burns with PlantWise, and they also work with our staff and volunteers which provides great education and training opportunities. They are efficient, flexible, capable, and very in tune with our needs as the landowner. Maybe the thing that stands out the most is that David and his crew have “cool heads” during the whole process. No matter what is going on they stay calm, communicate often, and have the ability to adapt in real time without getting frazzled. No small feat dealing with fire!”
Mitch Lettow
Stewardship Director
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy