Veteran forestry technician urges landowners to embrace prescribed burning and sustainable land practices to protect the region's forests
ASHLAND CITY, TN / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / As wildfire risk grows and forest health declines across the Southeast, Keith Ray, a seasoned forestry technician with the Tennessee Division of Forestry, is calling on landowners, communities, and educators to take action in restoring and protecting Middle Tennessee's woodlands through prescribed burning, forest education, and sustainable land stewardship.
"A healthy forest doesn't happen by chance," says Ray. "It takes boots on the ground, smart fire, and people who care about what happens after they're gone."
With over 18 years of field experience, Keith Ray has seen firsthand how controlled fire and thoughtful land management can prevent large-scale wildfires, improve biodiversity, and restore native ecosystems. His work across Cheatham, Dickson, and Montgomery counties includes prescribed burn operations, timber stand improvement, wildfire prevention, and landowner consultation.
Wildfire Risk Is Rising-But Preventable
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the U.S. has seen an average of 7 million acres burned annually over the past decade - an increase of nearly 50% compared to the 1990s. In Tennessee, 2023 saw over 21,000 acres impacted by wildfires, with many linked to fuel build-up from decades of fire suppression.
Ray says much of this damage is preventable with better education and planning.
"Prescribed burning is one of the best tools we have," he explains. "It reduces dangerous fuel loads, brings back native plants, and creates habitat for wildlife. If we don't use fire the right way, we'll deal with it the wrong way-when it's out of control."
A Call for Community Engagement and Landowner Action
Beyond managing public land, Ray spends time mentoring young conservationists and working directly with private landowners to guide responsible forestry practices. He offers practical help: burn planning, timber assessment, invasive species control, and reforestation advice.
"You don't need to own a thousand acres to make a difference," Ray says. "One property managed right can stop a fire, save habitat, or keep a creek clean."
He encourages landowners and residents to:
Learn about prescribed burns and how to schedule one safely
Consult forestry professionals before harvesting or clearing land
Plant native trees and remove invasive species
Get involved in local soil and water conservation programs
Ray also leads workshops and community events to help the public understand how forests function-and how their choices affect everything from soil health to water quality.
Forests Are More Than Trees
Ray's advocacy goes beyond fire. His work is grounded in the belief that forests are living systems, connected to human health, local economies, and future generations.
"It's not just about trees," he says. "It's the soil, the water, the wildlife. It's our kids having a place to hike, fish, or just breathe clean air. You take care of the land, it takes care of you."
He sees forest stewardship as both a personal responsibility and a community opportunity.
"Stewardship isn't a government job-it's everyone's job," Ray adds. "We need more folks out there asking, ‘What can I do to keep this land healthy?'"
What People Can Do Now
Ray offers this advice for Tennesseans who want to help:
Talk to your local Division of Forestry office for advice on managing your land
Join a volunteer conservation or tree-planting group
Attend a prescribed burn workshop or fire safety class
Plant native species in your yard to support pollinators and local ecology
Teach your kids about the outdoors, not just from books, but through time outside
Final Message: Every Acre Counts
Keith Ray's message is grounded in action, not theory. Through two decades in the field, he's learned that change doesn't come from one big program-it comes from thousands of people making better choices about their land, their fire, and their forests.
"I've seen what happens when we don't manage the land-and I've seen how fast it can come back when we do," he says. "You don't need to be a forester to make a difference. You just need to care."
CALL TO ACTION
Don't wait for a wildfire to care about your forest.
Learn how prescribed fire, native planting, and simple land management choices can protect Tennessee's forests. Start with your backyard. Talk to your neighbours. Be the reason your community has trees tomorrow.
Media Contact:
Read the full Interview here.
Email: keithray@emaildn.com
SOURCE: Keith Ray
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire