The research underscores the ecological importance of periodic fires in maintaining forest health and biodiversity. Longleaf pine ecosystems, which are fire-adapted, have been significantly altered due to fire suppression and land-use changes. The findings also highlight the loss of Indigenous land stewardship practices, which played a crucial role in sustaining these ecosystems. Without regular fires, forests face risks such as overgrowth, reduced biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to uncontrolled wildfires.