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Fire's ancient practice returns to help Nebraska’s wildlife thrive

Conservationists in Nebraska are reviving the ancient practice of controlled burns to restore vital habitats for sandhill cranes and other species.

Brandon Withrow reports for the BBC.

In short:

Controlled burns clear away overgrowth, benefiting birds like sandhill cranes by creating open areas for feeding and nesting.
These fires mimic natural and Indigenous land management practices, which are key to maintaining grasslands and promoting biodiversity.
Species such as bears, prairie chickens and even pollinators like bees benefit from the new growth that follows controlled burns.

Key quote:

"The best way we can make sure that the grasslands stay grasslands, is by making sure that we're using tools to keep it in that habitat — tools like prescribed fires."

— Amanda Hefner, education manager, Rowe Sanctuary

Why this matters:

In Nebraska, the practice of prescribed burning is breathing new life into local species, from the cranes that rely on open spaces to the bears that find renewed food sources in berry bushes. This ancient practice could be one of the best ways to combat the wildfire risks and biodiversity loss we face today. Read more: Hands on the land, heart in community: Returning cultural fires.

www.bbc.com

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