Burn It Down

Apr 4, 2023

I drove to Chincoteague a few weeks ago, minding and handling my business. As I was buzzing along the causeway, enjoying the island breeze, I saw a freakish sight.

Not one, but two hefty plumes of smoke were engulfing the area of Assateague Island, the neighboring national seashore.

My stomach began to knot, knowing it was Assateague - an area full of gorgeous marshland, Atlantic beaches, and wild ponies.

I scanned the causeway as I creeped closer to the island. Why wasn't everyone leaving? And why am I still driving towards it?

I turned right on Main Street, and popped into the library. I had to print something anyway, so I figured someone would know what's going on. I asked the sweet librarian to come look out the front door with me, as I pointed intensely towards the plumes. Unphased, she told me, "Honey, that's more inland. We're fine."

More inland? Then why are we standing here? I digress.

She wasn't worried, so I took that as a sign to keep on trekking. I couldn't not see what was going on - and there were no roadblocks stopping me. So, off to Assateague I went.

As I crossed from island to national seashore, I was greeted by this:

Ok, now. I'm picking up what you're puttin' down.

Relief. Sweet relief.

And since there were no roadblocks entering Assateague, you know I drove on.

It wasn't overwhelming as I headed towards the beach, but when I turned back around - woah. The smoke was strong and drifting my way. I could see the area being burned, and yes, it was the trail I planned on walking.

Bikers stopped in the thick of it, snapping photos.

I left.

But I learned some things that day because I can be a wee bit curious. I asked the park rangers for more info as to why they were doing a controlled burn. I had some ideas, but it's always interesting to hear from the source.

From what I gathered, Assateague has an invasive species, called phragmites. Us locals call them reeds. They're non-native grasses, and it's affecting the natural diversity of the seashore. It wrecks the waterways on how they flow and filter. Which then destroys the natural habitats for native species.

There's more to it, but you get the point.

In all my years, I've never seen a burn there before. I know farmers have burns to remove weeds, prevent disease and such. I also know that it can be great for soil.

I even remember a park ranger telling us in Wyoming that forest fires have beauty as well. Seeds get spread and germinate because of the heat generated.

Which got me to thinking...