In this cell a controlled burn was conducted in April 1994. Notice that casual observation shows that the same type of plants occur as in the other areas you have seen or are about to see. However, analysis of the plants indicates that the diversity is higher in this area than other cells. Also, the amount of open space is greater in this area. It is easier to walk off the trail.

The wetland area within the bum cell also burned. The dead slash pines along the edge of the wetland were not killed directly by the fire. When pine habitats don't burn frequently, leaf litter builds up and the pines extend their fine feeder roots into leaf litter. Fire, when it does occur, burns the leaf litter and the feeder roots, weakening the tree. Sawyer beetles, able to smell smoke from long distances, rapidly move into the area and start feeding on the weakened tree, eventually killing it.

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