Students complete prescribed burn at Selu Conservancy

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Students in Dr. Powers' Fire Ecology course planned and participated in a prescribed burn of an 8-acre grassland at the Selu Conservancy. Members of the RU administartion, the Virginia Department of Forestry, and RU Department of Biology all contributed to this successful team.

Pictured: Student Jessica Painter uses a drip torch to start the fire.

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The goals of the prescribed fire were to 1) continue the restoration of this grassland, in which native, warm-season grasses had been planted a decade ago; 2) reduce the fuel load and therefore decrease the chances of any harm by a wildfire, and 3) provide an educational experience for the 12 students participating.

Pictured: VDOF personnel guide students on the proper use of the fire tools.

 

 

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The fire burned for approximiately 1.5-2 hours before it was full extinguished. On-site assessment suggested a successful burn with all of the immediate goals met!

 

 

 

 

 

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Pictured: Powers and student Justin Bentley rake the fire line to ensure the fire stays within the desired confines.

 

 

 

 

 

Apr 14, 2017
Karen Powers
540.831.5146
biology@radford.edu