Smoke on the Horizon: managing Healthy Forest Ecosystems
Submitted by Kayla Stuart, Knoxville TN- A blog about controlled burns.
I was getting out of town to visit my brother in Nashville when traffic started to slow eventually turning into a creep along I-40 W. After a few miles I was able to see hazard lights, smoke, and hard hats. I anticipated seeing scattered debris from a recent car accident, but there wasn’t any. Instead, I see a modest crew of people scouring the hillside of a foliage covered ground with moderate red flames lit all around. Lost ecosystems, climate change, and decreased carbon sequestration are my thoughts when I envision deforestation in any form. So you can imagine the draw on my face when I see the hillside ablaze here in East Tennessee! ‘How can humanity let a forest burn!?’ says the environmentalist in me. This made me curious, and had not left the shadows of my mental sky until recently when I was educated on controlled burns. The words seemed to antagonize each other, however through my research I have found reasoning and rationale behind this necessary process.
In my native region of East Tennessee I found out that we have several biologically invasive species from trees, to beetles, to moths and more. As a newly induced student of forestry I used my resources to take a deeper dive into these wildly fascinating controlled burns. In science, it is understood that microorganisms run the living world! There are unseen microbial battles and relationships going from the depths of the soil to the tops of the trees. Biodiversity is mandatory for a healthy food chain, but that balance can and will be offset if an invader out competes the native life. Through our anthropogenic ways dating back thousands of years, fires have provided that management. This process is executed with precision and backed by science. It is necessary. Humans finding a solution for a problem we likely created? Sounds about par for the course! However, this is not a modern practice; there is a deeply rich history and nobility behind these prescribed fires. Tom Tidwell, former Forester Chief under the USDA, made a speech that outlined the cohesive strategy triangle for fire management which is, in short, to restore ecosystems, build fire adapted human communities, and to respond appropriately to wildfires.
Dust off your boots after a hike, know your native and invasive species, and most importantly do your research. These are effortless ways us humans can allow nature to be nature. Knowing more about fire management in forests has provided me solace and gratitude for the people that dedicate their lives to the biodiversity of the planet. I have two young daughters who love to hike and be in nature so when the opportunity arises to fill their noggins with science, I take heed and pour out my knowledge. Please do the same.
To learn more: https://www.fs.usda.gov/speeches/thinking-mountain-about-fire
Find Gratitude in November 2020
In November 1942, Artist Norman Rockwell painted one of his most recognized oil paintings titled Freedom From Want. The painting was part of a series of four that were inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of Union Address defining the four freedoms. In his words from that speech:
“The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:
- Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
- Jobs for those who can work.
- Security for those who need it.
- The ending of special privilege for the few.
- The preservation of civil liberties for all.
- The enjoyment — The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.
These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.”
When the painting was completed in November 1942, the United States was deeply entrenched in World War II with both an East and West Theater. The painting was symbolic of abundance in life- family, food, and civil liberties to gather. At time when many young men were fighting overseas for their countries, it was a hopeful affirmation of American ideals post war.
In this year of COVID where American freedoms seem eroded and empty seats will be the norm at many holiday tables, it is important to recall other times in history that required gratitude in the face of great difficulty.
The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council Celebrates World Fish Migration Day 2020
The Tennessee River Valley is known for its aquatic diversity and tournament fishing lakes. On October 24, we recognize the importance of conserving aquatic habitat and the work of the Tennessee Valley Authority for their management of the almost 41,000 square miles watershed basin comprised of streams, rivers, and lakes.
Annually, World Fish Migration Day is celebrated as a way to raise awareness of migratory fish and threats to their migration on waterways around the world. This 2020 event will be held on October 24th, with a theme of “Love Flows”. Organized by the World Fish Migration Foundation, this one-day global initiative calls attention to the needs of migratory fish to ensure that more natural river networks remain connected, and those already fragmented can be restored.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) plays an important role in balancing waterways to protect the health of the aquatic basin. Dating back to the 1930’s the TVA was legislatively charged with controlling devastating flooding in the Valley and to manage the Tennessee River for navigation. This resulted in the building of dams that impeded the natural flow of water. To correct the delicate balance between the tailwaters and the reservoirs, TVA developed a method to manage the temperature of water to support native fish species below the reservoirs.
Recently outdoor angler and writer, Etta Pettijohn caught up with TVA Engineer, Jessica Brazille to learn more about how the “hot/ cold” system at Tims Ford Dam regulates the Elk River downstream. “The success of the program is critical to fish habitat and species.” said Etta. “The Tennessee and Cumberland River systems have the highest number of rare fish species in the country, with the Upper Elk alone having nine federally listed endangered aquatic species, including eight mussel species.” To learn more click here.
When you take to the rivers to fish or to simply enjoy the beauty of the waterways, take a moment to appreciate the ongoing stewardship activities that protect and conserve the aquatic life just below the surface of the water.
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