I am against prescribed burning because it alters plant community structure, and it can help spread weeds and increase the erosion rates of steep slope soils. It also removes much of the ground and near ground habitat structure, and makes life very difficult for small mammals and some reptiles. I believe that most of this wildlife dies because it has no where else to go. By removing leaf litter off the forest floor it interrupts soil formation process. Plant matter that would otherwise break down into soil humus is instead turned to ash. It is necessarily done in cool weather with slightly damp fuels that result in incomplete combustion which results in more toxic smoke. Continued burning could alter soil structures and the controlled burns