Native American Fire Management Practices

Native American fire management practices involved intentional, controlled burns to clear underbrush, promote plant growth, and maintain healthy ecosystems. These burns reduced wildfire risk, supported wildlife habitats, and encouraged the growth of useful plants for food and medicine. By understanding local fire regimes, tribes used fire as a tool for sustainable land stewardship, balancing the environment's needs with cultural practices. These methods were carefully planned, considering seasonal timing and weather, demonstrating a sophisticated knowledge of landscape management that fostered ecological resilience.