Wildlife Resources Division biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeing positive results from prescribed fire management efforts across several Wildlife Management Areas in the state.

Following a recent prescribed burn, Georgia DNR game management biologists conducted post-burn monitoring to evaluate whether management goals had been achieved. During the assessment, they documented several native herbaceous plant species benefiting from the burn.

Among the species observed were woodland pinkroot and tall green milkweed at Berry College Wildlife Management Area, redring milkweed at Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area, and fire pink at John’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

According to DNR officials, prescribed fire is a critical wildlife management tool that helps maintain healthy habitats, reduce excessive vegetation buildup, and encourage the growth of diverse native plant communities that support Georgia’s wildlife.

Wildlife experts say many native plants and ecosystems have evolved alongside periodic fire and often respond with renewed growth and increased biodiversity following properly managed burns.

Additional information about prescribed fire and its benefits is available through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.