Texas Land Conservation Assistance Network

Patch burning is a relatively new concept to range management; however, it has been occurring naturally for hundreds of years from lightning strikes. Native Americans purposely started fires to drive out enemies, herd wild animals, and manage fuel loads. Herbivores such as bison and antelope were attracted to the new lush, green vegetation and began to seek out these burned areas. As a result, these animals would travel from burned area to burned area to graze. This heavy concentration of animals on a seasonal basis is one of the first examples of grazing systems utilizing prescribed fire. 

Download Full Article