Photo by: Stormy Staats
Why did Indigenous Peoples set Prescribed Fires?
Prescribed fire has multiple ecological and cultural benefits, and is a fundamental part of Indigenous Spiritual practice and livelihoods.
Baskets
When many shrubs are burned, they re-sprout and produce straight, unbranched stems. These stems are great for weaving baskets, which are used for many purposes, such as for food gathering, carrying, processing, cooking, and serving food. Other uses include baby cradles, storage, fish-and-bird-traps, and ceremonial purposes (caps and regalia).
California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica) is one example of a species Indigenous peoples burned for basketry. The hazelnut shrub in this photo has straight stems ready for gathering, one year after they were burned on the Yurok reservation in Northern California.
California hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica) is one example of a species Indigenous peoples burned for basketry. The hazelnut shrub in this photo has straight stems ready for gathering, one year after they were burned on the Yurok reservation in Northern California.
Clearing Land for Visibility and Ease of Travel
In areas where fire has been excluded, dense living and dead woody vegetation accumulates. These areas are fuel for uncontrollable fires, invite vermin, and make hunting difficult. Prescribed fires help clear undergrowth allowing Indigenous peoples to access resources with ease.
|
Replenish of Native Wildflowers
This process also permits more sunlight to reach the forest floor, increasing habitat for a variety of species, like the wild onions (Dichelostemma capitatum) shown here, which is also an important Indigenous food.