Westover fire crews work Friday with a team from the U.S. Forest Service to use prescribed fires to burn about 300 acres of grasslands at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. The controlled burn reduces the chance for wild brushfires, discourages invasive weed growth, encourages native grass growth and eliminates habitats for raptor prey, like mice. It also creates a more suitable habitat for two state-listed rare bird species: the upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow. Prescribed fire is a recognized natural resource management tool. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ Jack Moriarty)