Helping Flyer with Fire: Burn helps butterfly habitat

On Friday, October 16, 2015, crews from Philomath Fire & Rescue and Department of Forestry conducted a prescribed burn as a training exercise at Lupine Meadows, a Greenbelt Land Trust property near Philomath. IAE is working with Greenbelt to improve habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly, which exists in small numbers at Lupine Meadows. The burn removed thatch from approximately seven acres of upland prairie and created an ideal seed bed for follow-up seeding of native flowering plants. The seeding, which will occur this fall, will increase the available nectar sources for the butterflies. IAE's work at the site is funded by the US Fish and Wildlife's Willamette Valley Multi-species Cooperative Recovery Initiative.

Philomath Fire & Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry personnel discuss the plan of action for the prescribed burn
Philomath Fire & Rescue and Oregon Department of Forestry personnel discuss the plan of action for the prescribed burn

One of the fire engines at Lupine Meadows
One of the fire engines at Lupine Meadows

Lighting the thatch with a drip torch
An ODF fire-fighter lighting the thatch with a drip torch.

A Philomath Fire & Rescue fire-fighter lighting thatch with a drip torch
A Philomath Fire & Rescue fire-fighter lighting thatch with a drip torch

Lupine Meadows upland prairie in the process of being burned to improve habitat for butterflies.
Lupine Meadows upland prairie in the process of being burned to improve habitat for butterflies.

Wetting down the mowed fire line to control the perimeter of the fire.
Wetting down the mowed fire line to control the perimeter of the fire.