In the Southeastern United States, the practice of controlled burns is making a comeback, thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Cultural Burn Association. Led by Lumbee tribe member Courtney Steed, these groups are working with landowners to reintroduce controlled fires to the region. This approach, which has been proven to promote healthy ecosystems and reduce the risk of destructive wildfires, was historically utilized by Indigenous peoples before being suppressed by colonization and government policies.

The Southeast has seen a significant increase in the number and intensity of wildfires in recent years, with major fires occurring twice as frequently compared to the late 20th century. This poses a serious threat to both the environment and communities, particularly in the wildland-urban interface areas where forests meet residential areas. In North Carolina alone, nearly half of the state’s homes are located within this zone, putting them at risk of wildfire damage.

Challenges to restoring controlled burns in the Southeast include the high percentage of privately owned land and the perception of fire as a threat. Many landowners are hesitant to conduct controlled burns on their property, and government agencies like the U.S. Forest Service lack the capacity to address the backlog of requests for controlled burns. This leaves groups like the Cultural Burn Association as the primary option for implementing these crucial fire management practices.

The impact of climate change, including drought, higher temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns, has made wildfires more severe and frequent across the country. In the Southeast, where a large population resides near the wildland-urban interface, the risk of destructive wildfires is particularly high. Efforts to restore controlled burns and other Indigenous land management practices are essential for mitigating this risk and promoting healthy ecosystems in the region.

As the threat of wildfires continues to grow, it is crucial for homeowners and communities in the Southeast to recognize the danger and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their properties. By supporting initiatives like controlled burns and promoting fire-resilient landscapes, residents can help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and safeguard their communities for future generations.

In wildfire-prone areas, homeowners are learning that they may be uninsurable due to the increased risk of destructive wildfires. Without proper mitigation efforts, major fires become almost inevitable in regions where aggressive fire suppression has led to a buildup of fuel and more intense, difficult-to-control fires. Climate change is exacerbating these conditions, with warmer and drier weather creating a perfect storm for devastating wildfires.

One example of these dynamics playing out occurred in April 2023, when a fire in North Carolina’s Croatan National Forest rapidly grew from 7,000 acres to 32,000 acres in just two days, burning for 10 weeks. In 2016, the Great Smoky Mountain fire in eastern Tennessee resulted in 14 fatalities, the destruction of 2,500 structures, and $2 billion in damages. This event prompted renewed interest in controlled burning and the restoration of Indigenous practices.

Research has shown that traditional Indigenous techniques such as low-intensity fires and selective thinning of underbrush can significantly reduce the severity and occurrence of wildfires. Despite government restrictions on controlled burning, communities like the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina have continued to use these methods. Organizations like the North Carolina Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association have worked with landowners to conduct controlled burns, helping to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Landowners like Lori Greene have embraced controlled burning after learning about its benefits. Greene, who was initially intimidated by the idea, became a certified burner and organized a controlled burn on her property. While some neighbors were apprehensive at first, they eventually came to appreciate the positive impact of the burn on the landscape.

Indigenous communities like the Lumbee tribe and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are leading efforts to restore managed fire practices in their regions. These controlled burns not only help reduce fuel loads and prevent wildfires but also play a vital role in cultural and ecological restoration. By reintroducing fire to the landscape, these communities are reviving traditional practices that have been passed down for generations.

Ultimately, the use of controlled burns and other Indigenous land management practices can help mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires and foster healthier ecosystems. By working together to restore these practices, communities can better protect their homes and lands from the threat of wildfires while also preserving cultural heritage and ecological diversity.

Photo courtesy of Lori Greene

The relationship between Indigenous tribes and the land they inhabit is a sacred and vital one. For the Lumbee tribe, this connection is deeply rooted in their history and culture. “We’re still on our homelands,” said a member of the tribe. “They weren’t successful in removing us. So we’re also known as keepers of the homeland. We possess and retain a lot of stories and a lot of practice that we just haven’t been able to do. Right now, we’re starting to awaken. I think during this awakening, we could actually showcase some of our ancient practices.”

Studies have shown that the healthiest forests lie on tribal land, and that recognizing Indigenous land is the best way of protecting and conserving nature. After a long history of forcing Indigenous peoples from their land, the U.S. government has recognized those facts and, although it has not yet returned ancestral land, it is taking steps to give them greater say in how federal land is managed.

“We interface with all of the different organizations that are putting fire on the ground,” said Steed. A wildfire doesn’t recognize the boundaries of federal, private, or tribal land, and “the solution can’t either,” she said. “We have to all bring what we can offer to the table and find some common ground.”

Finding early adopters among private landowners can be tough, though. Unlike the West, where the federal government manages — and routinely burns — many millions of acres taken from tribal nations, most Eastern forests are privately held.

“Despite its widely known benefits, prescribed fire is rarely used on private lands in Pennsylvania,” Penn State researchers wrote last year. “Out of the 14,093 acres burned in 2019, only 340 acres were on private lands. This discrepancy is surprising when considering that 70 percent of the almost 17 million acres of forests in Pennsylvania are privately owned.”

For that reason, educating people about the need to burn is essential.

“It’s important to understand why PBAs are so crucial to this story,” Wimberley said. “If you’re going to get fire on the landscape, you’re going to work with private landowners.” Wimberley started his PBA informally, by inviting neighbors over to burn his land; “kind of an old-school thing,” he said. “Then, we’d go over and burn their land.”

Fire management isn’t just about protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire: It has myriad added boons like tick and other pest reduction, improved nutrient cycling, and better pasture growth. It also may also be the only way to preserve the unique ecology of an ecosystem that could provide a climate refuge, but faces mounting peril as the world warms.

Many keystone tree species of the region, including red and white oaks, depend on fire to curb undergrowth and create space within the canopy so sunlight can reach seedlings. In regions dominated by trees like Table Mountain pine and the pitch pine, fire is even more important. Their serotinous cones, coated in a sticky resin, can’t open and spread their seeds without it.

“A vast majority of these systems have evolved with fire, and a lot of them with very frequent fire. And so when we take fire out of those systems, we’re removing a fundamental process,” Donovan said. “We can see basically the entire system change. We see infilling of species that wouldn’t typically be there, that then can out-compete the fire-loving species and replace them. If we suppress fire long enough, we shift over to a new type of ecosystem.”

In short, burning may be the only way to preserve ecosystems already under existential threat from low regeneration, non-native species, and extreme weather. Donovan, a conservationist, emphasized the importance of boosting resilience in ecosystems by reintroducing fire to the landscape. He believes that this approach can help ecosystems adapt to various changes and challenges they may face.

Fire has historically played a crucial role in shaping landscapes and maintaining biodiversity. However, due to human intervention and fire suppression efforts, many ecosystems have become vulnerable to disturbances such as invasive species, droughts, and climate change. By reintroducing controlled fires, Donovan hopes to restore the natural balance and resilience of these ecosystems.

The idea is that by reintroducing fire, ecosystems can build up their resilience, allowing them to better withstand and recover from other environmental changes. For example, controlled burns can help reduce fuel loads, preventing catastrophic wildfires that can devastate habitats and species. Additionally, fire can stimulate the germination of certain plant species, promoting diversity and overall ecosystem health.

Donovan’s approach is not without challenges, as reintroducing fire must be done carefully and strategically to avoid negative impacts on wildlife and communities. However, with proper planning and management, controlled burns can be a powerful tool for restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Ultimately, Donovan’s goal is to help ecosystems adapt and thrive in the face of ongoing environmental changes. By boosting resilience through the reintroduction of fire, he hopes to create a more sustainable future for both wildlife and communities. The benefits of exercise are well-known and widely touted by health professionals and fitness enthusiasts alike. From weight loss to improved cardiovascular health, the positive effects of regular physical activity are numerous. However, one aspect of exercise that is often overlooked is its impact on mental health.

Numerous studies have shown that exercise can have a powerful effect on mental well-being. Physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. This is due in part to the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins are released during exercise, leading to what is commonly referred to as the “runner’s high” – a feeling of euphoria and well-being that can last long after the workout is over.

In addition to endorphins, exercise also triggers the release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are known to play a role in regulating mood and emotions. Regular physical activity has been shown to increase levels of these neurotransmitters, leading to improved mental health and a reduced risk of developing mood disorders.

Exercise can also help to alleviate stress, which is a common trigger for anxiety and depression. Physical activity has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, exercise can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve overall mental well-being.

Furthermore, exercise can improve cognitive function and enhance brain health. Regular physical activity has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, leading to improved memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. Exercise has also been linked to a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the mental health benefits are reason enough to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, or taking a yoga class, finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and can stick with is key to reaping the mental health benefits of physical activity. So next time you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or down, lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement – your mind will thank you.