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these did occur, they appear to have been less of an influence on the presettlement <br />landscape than human -set fires. Current information indicates that fall fires (after <br />September 15) are most effective at maintaining a balance between grass and forb <br />species and for controlling brush. There is also reason to believe, based on historical <br />records that frequent fall burns most closely mimic the presettlement burning pattern <br />used by Native Americans in the tall grass prairie region of the Upper Midwest. <br />• Mowing can also be used on sites with adequate accessibility and low risk for site <br />disturbance. Mowing somewhat mimics the effect of grazing and can give many of <br />the effects that prescribed burning can. Proper timing and techniques in mowing can <br />be used to maintain a healthy balance between grasses and forbs. <br />• Management of native communities, especially prairie, must also consider effects on <br />the animal populations that are dependent on the community. The influence of <br />management activities i.e. burning are not completely understood on animals such as <br />butterflies (invertebrates). To minimize the potential for devastating impacts on <br />community obligate species and /or fire sensitive species, management should be <br />carried out so as not to influence the entire area upon which these species depend. An <br />example would be not burning an entire prairie at once; this would leave refugia for <br />the species of concern and allow for potential recolonization of burned areas. <br />• Monitor the effectiveness of management activities, and changes in plant and animal <br />species in managed areas. Adjust activities, as needed, based on monitoring results. <br />This is a very important part of sound natural resource management. <br />City of Roseville 30 <br />Parks Natural Resource Management <br />