Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Dalton Daily Citizen
THOMASTON — Participants of all ages are invited
Saturday, March 13, to “Fire on the Mountain!” a celebration of an
ongoing effort to conserve areas of rare montane longleaf pine habitat
through the use of prescribed fire at Sprewell Bluff State Outdoor
Recreation Area near Thomaston.
Watching safely from the banks of the Flint River, visitors can observe
the fascinating practice of prescribed burning as professionals
carefully set fire on Pine Mountain ridge.
“Fire is essential to maintaining many species of wildlife and their
habitats found here at Sprewell Bluff,” said Nathan Klaus, a senior
wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Resources Division. “Natural
resource professionals feel that it is important to share this knowledge
about fire with local citizens, and what better way to do that than with
a safe, first hand experience.”
Beginning at noon, festival goers will enjoy the sounds of bluegrass
music, the tastes of festival foods sponsored by the Future Farmers of
America and crafts and games all surrounded by the natural beauty that
makes Sprewell Bluff such a special place.
Throughout the afternoon, natural resource agency staff will provide
demonstrations on how and why prescribed fires are conducted,
presentations on Georgia’s unique and diminishing longleaf pine
forests, and live animal programs showcasing some of the wonderful
wildlife that call the Piedmont eco-region home.
“With acceptable wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity
as ‘prescribed’ in our burn plan, we will begin the prescribed fire
demonstration on the mountainside, giving spectators a close up look at
Mother Nature’s fireworks set in the natural amphitheater of the Flint
River Valley,” Klaus said.
Historically, frequent natural fires swept across the unfragmented
landscape, helping shape the diversity of plants and animals found
there. And fire is still an important tool for maintaining healthy
longleaf pine ecosystems throughout the southeastern United States.
Prescribed fire helps prevent the encroachment of competing hardwoods
and restores a grassy understory lush with ferns, wildflowers and other
herbaceous plants. It also helps establish important habitat for many
wildlife species such as the bobwhite quail, wild turkey, Bachman’s
sparrow and endangered red cockaded woodpecker.
Wildlife Resources biologists and other burn teams use prescribed fire
on thousands of acres each year throughout Georgia to manage wildlife
habitats and reduce the risk of damage from wildfires.
Sprewell Bluff State Outdoor Recreation Area boasts more than 3,000
acres along the Flint River. The park and natural area are popular among
outdoor enthusiasts for their wildflowers, wildlife, and scenic, rocky
bluffs overlooking the river.
The event organized by the Wildlife Resources and State Parks &
Historic Sites divisions of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
the Georgia Forestry Commission, The Flint River-Keepers, The Nature
Conservancy of Georgia, Callaway Gardens, Georgia Power and The
Environmental Resources Network (T.E.R.N.).
For more information on Fire on the Mountain at Sprewell Bluff State
Outdoor Recreation Area in Thomaston, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.
Please visit the Web site before March 13 for updates on possible event
cancellation due to inclement weather.
