Prescribed burn workshop scheduled

A Prescribed Burn Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Daviess County Public Library in Gallatin, MO. The USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Missouri Department of Conservation sponsor the workshop. Topics to be covered will include: benefits/timing of prescribed burns; planning a prescribed burn; how to conduct a prescribed burn safely; and an equipment demonstration. You will be shown how to get the help and burn equipment you need to do your own prescribed burns and how to get some additional training.

Fire has always been an important factor in determining which plants grow in the prairies, plains, and forests. Here on the western edge of the hardwood forest, and the eastern edge of the great plains, prairie may have shifted hundreds of miles over the centuries as the combined effects of drought and fire pushed the grasslands eastward, only to be reclaimed by trees during cooler and wetter years.

Research and experience have shown that fire can be used to manage native grasslands and planted cool-season and warm-season grasses. Fire can control tree sprouts, stimulate desirable grasses, improve poor grazing distribution, reduce wildfire hazards, improve wildlife habitat, and increase livestock gains. To realize these benefits, fire must be used under specified conditions and with proper timing. This is termed prescribed burning.

Prescribed burning is a cost-efficient way to maintain CRP grasslands. Burning native warm season grasses every three to five years is necessary to maintain a healthy stand of grass. Prescribed burning, when properly timed, helps to bring back legumes and encourages wildflowers. As with all farming operations, it requires a certain amount of planning, equipment, and experience to be used effectively and safely. All landowners are welcome to this workshop. If you would like to attend please call the Daviess Co. NRCS/SWCD office at (660) 663-3703 ext. 3.