Prescribed fire workshop planned for landowners

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation on Tuesday, March 6, at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. This workshop will be given two different times to provide landowners a better opportunity to attend. The first will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and the second from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Prescribed fire is an ancient technique used to manage grasslands, CRP and old fields for forage production and improvement of wildlife habitat. Used first by Native Americans, the technique is now taught by the MDC across the state.

"Prescribed fire is a low cost method for landowners to use," said Brad Pobst, on of MDC's Private Lands Conservationists.

Pobst said the workshop will include classroom discussions on methods, equipment, safety, and why and when to use fire as a management tool. Emphasis will include how to conduct a safe and effective burn to control sprouts, encourage beneficial plants and create better quality quail habitat. Pobst said participation in this workshop will qualify landowners to have a prescribed burn plan prepared for their fields and use available loan equipment.

Attendees will also be invited to optional demonstration burns held later in the spring to demonstrate the use of tools and techniques.

To register for one of the workshops please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 290-5730 or (573) 290-5218. For more information about prescribed fire go online to mdc.mo.gov.