Prescribed Fire

Burning, grazing, and rest are generally the most powerful tools for managing local wildlife habitats. It may seem simple to light a match, stock some cattle, or erect a fence, but accomplishing specific habitat management goals with these tools requires considerable study and management. This article addresses some fundamentals of prescribed burning.

As with many livestock producers, empty feedsacks really can start to pile up this time of year. The big question is what to do with them. Traditional recycling is an option in some places that requires a little effort, but it is worth it.

When burning costs are mentioned, fireguard establishment and labor for a burn are usually the topics of discussion. However, some argue that burning native grass pastures may have more significant costs such as decreasing plant diversity, destroying wildlife habitat, decreasing forage production or adversely affecting soil chemistry.

A green fireguard can be a useful alternative to a bare soil fireguard or other types of fireguards. A green fireguard is managed to promote green vegetation and to minimize mulch.

Equipment and labor needs for prescribed burning are misunderstood by some people. The equipment and labor truly needed for a prescribed burn depend upon the burn plan and the burn site. The most...

This article was revised in 2006. Fire can be a wonderfully useful and flexible land management tool. So why don't more people use it? Why do so many people think fire is generally bad? Probably...