Conservation That Pays: How To Manage Understory When Prescribed Fire Won't Work
Tue Jan 20 2026
In this episode, we break down one of the most common—and frustrating—habitat challenges landowners face: how to manage overgrown understory when prescribed fire isn’t working or isn’t an option. Years of fire suppression have allowed midstory vegetation to block sunlight, eliminate native ground cover, and stall wildlife habitat across much of the Southeast.
Joe Baya and Butch Thierry are joined by Jody Pagan of Ecosystems Protection Service and Brian Sheppard of Brush Clearing Services, two seasoned habitat professionals who explain the difference between manipulating land and truly restoring ecosystems. They walk through how to evaluate soils, vegetation, and disturbance history, why sunlight is the key driver of habitat, and how to recognize when fire alone can no longer do the job.
The conversation then shifts to mechanical and chemical alternatives, including forestry mulching, timber harvest, and herbicide work. Brian explains when mulching makes sense, its limitations, and why follow-up fire and maintenance are critical for long-term success. Real-world restoration examples highlight how resetting vegetation can quickly bring back ducks, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife.
We also discuss how landowners can use NRCS and Farm Bill programs like EQIP and CSP to help offset costs and accelerate habitat work.
Whether you’re managing timber, wetlands, or a hunting property, this episode delivers a clear, practical roadmap: restore sunlight, reset vegetation, reintroduce fire, and maintain the system the land was built for.
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In this episode, we break down one of the most common—and frustrating—habitat challenges landowners face: how to manage overgrown understory when prescribed fire isn’t working or isn’t an option. Years of fire suppression have allowed midstory vegetation to block sunlight, eliminate native ground cover, and stall wildlife habitat across much of the Southeast. Joe Baya and Butch Thierry are joined by Jody Pagan of Ecosystems Protection Service and Brian Sheppard of Brush Clearing Services, two seasoned habitat professionals who explain the difference between manipulating land and truly restoring ecosystems. They walk through how to evaluate soils, vegetation, and disturbance history, why sunlight is the key driver of habitat, and how to recognize when fire alone can no longer do the job. The conversation then shifts to mechanical and chemical alternatives, including forestry mulching, timber harvest, and herbicide work. Brian explains when mulching makes sense, its limitations, and why follow-up fire and maintenance are critical for long-term success. Real-world restoration examples highlight how resetting vegetation can quickly bring back ducks, turkeys, quail, and other wildlife. We also discuss how landowners can use NRCS and Farm Bill programs like EQIP and CSP to help offset costs and accelerate habitat work. Whether you’re managing timber, wetlands, or a hunting property, this episode delivers a clear, practical roadmap: restore sunlight, reset vegetation, reintroduce fire, and maintain the system the land was built for.