In Memoriam
Henry Wright
1935-1994
Henry Wright. Photo credit: Texas Tech University
Dr. Henry A. Wright (1935-1994), a Horn Professor of Range Management at Texas Tech University (TTU) and former Chairman of the Department of Range and Wildlife Management at TTU was born in Modesto, California. He obtained three degrees in range management: a bachelor of science degree from the University of California Davis, a master of science degree from Utah State University, and a doctorate degree from Utah State University.
In 1967, Texas Tech received funding from the state of Texas to support research on controlling brush, which was posing an economic threat to Texas ranchers. Dr. Wright was hired the same year, and he became a foundational figure in the prescribed burning program at Texas Tech. A local rancher sought help with controlling juniper on his land from Dr. Wright, who, alongside his graduate students, led early exploratory burns which showed significant improvements in rangeland productivity, especially in mesquite-tobosa grasslands. Having found that fire increased grass yields and reduced mesquite stems, Dr. Wright combined field-based experiments with lab research. He conducted a cooperative study with electrical engineers to study the ignition properties of mesquite. Because chemical control of juniper was both costly and limited, Dr. Wright advocated for fire as a cost-effective ecologically sound solution to brush management. He also attempted to quantify differences between wildfires and prescribed burns and initiated long-term watershed studies to address concerns regarding vegetation recovery and erosion control. Dr. Wright played a critical role in identifying certain thresholds in fire behavior - he observed that fire behavior was significantly different when relative humidity was above 40% - this led to the development of the 40-60 Rule (or 60-40 Rule), which recommends burning when the relative humidity is above 40 percent and the temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Dr. Wright helped refine helitorch aerial ignition designs, which resulted in more consistent ignition patterns. He shaped the direction of future fire research in rangelands by planning studies on nitrogen cycling, vegetation response, and the use of prescribed fire in other plant communities. His fire science program at Texas Tech was nationally significant and he left lasting impacts on the field of fire science and rangeland management.
Photo credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Dr. Wright received a number of awards throughout his career, including the Barnie E. Rushing Jr. Faculty Distinguished Research Award in 1988, the Frederic G. Renner Award from the Society for Range Management in 1986, and the Faculty Distinguished Service Award for Published Research of High Excellence. He was a member of Delta Sigma Phi (a national fraternity), Alpha Zeta (a professional society for industry professionals and students in natural resources or agriculture), Sigma Xi (an honor society for scientists and engineers), Society for Range Management, Texas Chapter of Wildlife Society, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, and the Southwest Interagency Fire Council. Dr. Wright left a legacy as a highly influential figure in fire ecology and laid the foundation for modern fire management in rangeland ecosystems.
Selected Papers and books
Fire Ecology: United States and Southern Canada (1982, with Arthur W. Bailey)
“Fire ecology and prescribed burning in the Great Plains: a research review” (1980, with Arthur W. Bailey)
“Role of Fire in the Management of Southwestern Ecosystems” (1988)
Resources
The tribute above was written based on information found in the following sources. If you would like to include additional information, papers or books, personal quotes, or photos please email communications@fireecology.net.
Henry A. Wright Memorial Endowed Scholarship (Texas Tech University)
Juniper burning at Texas Tech (Carlton Britton; Texas Natural Resources Server)
Fire Science at Texas Tech (Sam E. Curl)
Obituary for Henry Wright (The Modesto Bee)
Wright, Dr. Henry A., papers (Texas Tech Libraries)
