Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat

Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat

Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission March 4, 2026 Duration: 56:06
Prescribed fire is a HOT topic in Pennsylvania!  Fire Program Manager Bryan Whitmore and Southcentral Assistant Regional Forester Brent McNeal join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of prescribed fire as the ultimate habitat management tool that directly benefits game species and how meticulous practices ensure safety and promote healthy native wildlife habitat.     Episode Highlights:  Current status of the 15-year PGC fire program What an ideal burn day looks like What a burn plan is and why it’s so important Why prescribed fire is an effective habitat management tool  The difference between prescribed fire and wildfire Driving the future of the fire program through refinement   Resources:  Learn more about the PGC prescribed fire program.  View our online mapping system for upcoming prescribed fires.  Sign up for prescribed fire notifications in your area. Check out the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council.    

There’s a particular feeling that comes from swapping stories with good company under an open sky, and that’s the spirit we try to capture in every episode of Call of the Outdoors. Produced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this podcast brings together voices who live and breathe the state’s wild places. You’ll hear from biologists, wardens, hunters, and conservationists, all sharing their deep, firsthand knowledge. Conversations range from the intricate management of local habitats and the science behind tracking species, to the timeless traditions of hunting and the simple joys of noticing nature’s details. It’s not all serious talk-expect genuine laughter and personal anecdotes that remind you of a friendly chat around a campfire. Each installment offers a specific, grounded look at a piece of Pennsylvania’s natural world, whether it’s following the journey of a black bear, understanding the role of prescribed fires, or exploring how communities get involved in protecting their local environment. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that connect you to the ongoing story of wildlife and wilderness stewardship in the Keystone State.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 71

Call of the Outdoors
Podcast Episodes
Ep.59 | Tree Trailblazers: Forest Stewardship & Wildlife Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:20
Tree Trailblazers: Forest Stewardship & Wildlife Strategy Managing over 1.5 million acres of land may seem daunting — but not for Pennsylvania Game Commission’s habitat management staff. Northwest Regional Forester Scott…
Call of the Outdoors Episode 55: The Bear Necessities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:44
Question: what kind of bear is best? Black bear! The Game Commission’s new Black Bear Biologist Brandon Snavely joins host Matt Morrett to provide insight into the latest black bear science, a look at a year in the life…