An interview with biologist John Richardson on the subject of controlled burns in prairie habitat near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington

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  • Date: 2021-09-22

    Creator: Jeff Rice

    Description: Comments from JBLM fire manager and biologist John Richardson on the subject of controlled burns in prairie habitat

    Notes: Raging wildfires can be an ecological disaster, especially as the planet warms due to climate change. But in small doses, some wildfires are actually beneficial. In prairie habitats, fires can enrich soils and maintain native plant species. In late September 2021, state wildlife biologists in Washington oversaw several controlled burns near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) as part of an effort to preserve habitat for the endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. Less than 3% of Puget Sound's prairies now remain and are mostly concentrated along the region's southern edges, including land on the military base. Listen to a recording of some of the action, including comments from JBLM fire manager and biologist John Richardson.

    Location: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Wash.); Pierce County (Wash.); Washington

    Recording Equipment: Telinga Stereo Dat Pro 6 parabolic to a Sound Devices 722 recorder in a mono pattern ; Shure VP88 microphone to a Sound Devices 722 recorder

    Duration: 00:02:16

    Acknowledgments: Joint Base Lewis-McChord; United States Army

    Audio Rights: Audio file copyright Jeff Rice; All rights reserved

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