North Carolina is experiencing a revival of the ancient practice of prescribed burns, according to officials. Jesse Wimberley, a fourth-generation burner, is at the forefront of this movement, organizing groups across eight counties to conduct controlled burns. These burns are crucial in creating space for longleaf pine, a tree species whose seeds require bare soil to sprout. Wimberley's efforts have led to the formation of prescribed burn associations, which play a crucial role in conserving the longleaf pine range in the American Southeast.

Prescribed fire, which replicates natural fires, is essential for the health of forests. However, the practice requires more manpower than experts can provide. This is where volunteer teams, working on private land, come in. They fill the gaps in service and knowledge, one controlled burn at a time. In North Carolina, the burns are often followed by barbecues, as Southerners enjoy coming together and helping each other.

The movement to revive prescribed burns has gained traction not just in North Carolina but throughout the United States. Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified over 100 prescribed burn associations across 18 states, with the Southeast being a hot spot for new associations. Wimberley's Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association is considered the first in the region, and they have already assisted up to 500 people in clearing land or learning how to conduct controlled burns themselves.

This resurgence of prescribed burns is a direct response to the century-long policy of suppressing forest fires, which aimed to protect expanding residential areas but disrupted the natural fire cycles required for the longleaf pine ecosystem. Indigenous people and early settlers used controlled burns to simulate these natural fires. Now, conservationists, hunters, nonprofit groups, and government agencies are working together to restore the longleaf pine range and its associated ecosystems.

Private landowners play a crucial role in this restoration effort, as they own approximately 86% of forested land in the South. The coalition aims to enlist thousands of new landowners to support longleaf management on their properties. Prescribed burn associations are vital in educating these landowners and providing the necessary hands-on experience to confidently manage the pines.

While climate change poses challenges to prescribed burning, such as reducing the number of safe burn days, longleaf pines are becoming even more important for ecological resilience in the face of increasing storms, droughts, and wildfires. The deep roots of these trees anchor them during strong winds and provide access to water deep underground. The open canopies of the longleaf pine ecosystem allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, creating a diverse flora and providing habitat for various species, including the gopher tortoise.

The revival of prescribed burns is not just about planting trees; it aims to restore the entire value of the forest. The practice had fallen out of favor due to a late 1920s education campaign that turned public opinion against burning. This led to dangerous levels of flammable debris accumulating in the forests. However, public understanding of the importance of controlled burns is now returning, and more people are joining the ranks of prescribed burners.

For individuals like Keith Tribble, the owner of a tree farm in North Carolina, burning is not just about fire; it is about connecting with the land and with people. By conducting controlled burns on his property, Tribble has witnessed the positive impact on water flow and the return of rare bird species. Similarly, Courtney Steed, an outreach coordinator and member of the Lumbee Tribe, sees prescribed fire as a way to connect with the past and guide the future. She plans to lead her first burn in Wimberley's woods and manage her recently inherited family property.

Overall, the revival of prescribed burns is a collaborative effort between federal agencies, burn associations, and private landowners. Despite limited funding and liability concerns, the movement is gaining momentum, bringing back the proactive "fire culture" that was once integral to the region. With the restoration of the longleaf pine range, the Southeast is working towards a more resilient and biodiverse ecosystem.