Controlled burn in Conowingo provides future, healthy growth

CONOWINGO — Fifteen people representing the Maryland Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy worked together Tuesday to conduct a controlled burn of 18 acres of land known as The Serpentine Barrens along Old Conowingo Road.Chase McLean was the Fire Boss for this operation.“Based on the immediate fire effects, it appears that we were able to meet our ecological objectives for the burn, although the real results won’t show until next growing season,” McLean said. “Everyone remained safe and we did not have any incidents during the operation. Fire plays a vital role in the Serpentine Barrens ecosystem, and this burn will help us to enhance and maintain the health and resilience of this unique site.”Deborah Landau, director of ecological restoration for The Nature Conservancy, was also happy with the results.“The burn was 18 acres, took about four hours, and was a complete success,” Landau said.

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