re: Tree Canopy and controlled burns

Southwest facing slope like that probably would have burned infrequently, although more often than the types of woods we've been talking about.

South slopes are always more fire prone than north slopes because of the amount of sunlight they receive.

As far as when and how to burn it, I'd be doing a disservice if I tried to tell you. I'm a flatlander in South Louisiana--we don't deal with alot of slope when burning down here...

There should be a biologist in your area that's familiar with that sort of habitat and burning it.

I'd also recommend the Native Habitat Managers Group on Facebook. With the right information, one of those guys should be able to point you in the right direction.