Fire to Save Vermont’s Rare Oaks

In Vermont’s Chandler Ridge, ecologists are reviving prescribed burns to restore fire-adapted oak woodlands threatened by century-long fire suppression. These controlled fires aim to boost biodiversity, support wildlife from bears to songbirds, and build forest resilience against future wildfires. But locals worry about fire spread and stream impacts, while a conservation group questions oak regeneration and opposes herbicides—feedback the Forest Service has already incorporated. Challenges remain, including deer browsing young oaks, and debates swirl over timing and scale. As large-scale prescribed fires grow rarer in New England, this experiment highlights a bold, controversial strategy to heal ecosystems—one that’s sparking both hope and concern. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0b47c161f5e7e9a1