Burns to preserve unique barrens habitat STATE COLLEGE, Feb.

Clearing vegetation close to houses is the best way to reduce impacts of severe bushfires, according to a team of scientists from Australia and the USA who examined house loss after as a result of Black Saturday, when a series of fires raged across the Australian state of Victoria, killing 173 and injuring 414.

Climate change, land use and other human-driven factors could pit savannas and forests against each other by altering the elements found by Princeton University researchers to stabilize the two.

A researcher from Texas A&M University had published research showing how tree rings can provide clues to events such as forest fires, some of which might date back hundreds of years.

Year One results in reducing wildfire concerns for nearby communities and takes steps to preserve Barrens unique habitat STATE COLLEGE, Pa., March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced they plan to begin the second phase of controlled burns on the Scotia Barrens on State Game Land 176 in Patton, Ferguson and Halfmoon Townships, Centre County, to improve habitat conditions within this unique ecosystem.