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• Seasonaj tizning can have a profound effect on species composition. Cunent research <br />information indicates that spring fires, conducted prior to April 15, tend to favor cooi <br />season grasses and summer-blooming forbs. Late spring fires {April 15 -- June 1) <br />tend to favor warm season (usually native) grasses and usually negatively effect forbs <br />and tree/shrub species. Summer burns would mimic lightning set fires, and although <br />these did occur, they appear to have been less of an influence on the presettlement <br />lancEscape than human-set �res_ Current information indicates that fall fires (after <br />September 15) are most effective at maintaining a balancc between grass and forb <br />s�ecies 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 tail grass prairie region of the Upper Midwest. <br />� Mowing can also be used on sites with adequate accessibility and Iow 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 timina 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 t�e entire area upon which these species depend. An <br />example would be not burning an entire prairie at once; this �vould leave refugia for <br />the species of concern and allow for potential recoloni-r_ation oi burned areas. <br />• Monitor the effectivcness of mana�ement activities, and changes in plant and animal <br />species in managed areas. Adjust activities, as needed, based on monitorin� results. <br />This is a very important part of sound naEural resource rnana�ement. <br />City of Roseville 28 <br />Yarks Natirral Resource Mmangenient <br />