The JBLM Fish & Wildlife Program aims to maintain and enhance ecosystems on the base to support biodiversity and the military mission. Approximately 97% of prairie habitat in the region has been lost due to degradation, forest encroachment, development, and agriculture. The program is restoring prairies through a 3 phase process: 1) removing invasive species mechanically, chemically, or with controlled fires, 2) planting native vegetation, and 3) restoring natural ecosystem processes like periodic fires. Certain prairie, pine, and oak habitats in Western Washington evolved with frequent low-intensity fires historically set by Native Americans. Reintroducing carefully controlled fires helps restore these fire-dependent ecosystems.