In Massachusetts, pine barrens are found in coastal areas and in the interior, on old glacial deltas and glacial outwash. Because these areas are level and sandy, they are easily developed and many have been completely destroyed or severely fragmented by housing, commercial buildings and airports. These habitats are also scarce because periodic burns, which are actually necessary for the maintenance of this habitat, have traditionally been suppressed. Without fire, other hardwood species are able to invade and outcompete the fire-dependent species. Today, at this site known as the Montague Plains, managers are using controlled burns to help maintain this special habitat and the diversity of plant and animal life it supports.