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Cape Girardeau Nature Center holding prescribed-fire workshops
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Tuesday, March 6, at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. The 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 still used today to manage grasslands, Conservation Reserve Program lands and old fields for forage production and improvement of wildlife habitat. Used first by Native Americans, the technique is now taught by MDC staff across the state.
“Prescribed fire is a low-cost method for landowners to use,” said MDC Private Lands Conservationist Brad Pobst.
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. Participation in this workshop will qualify landowners to have a prescribed burn plan prepared by MDC staff and to use MDC equipment available for loan.
Attendees will also be invited to optional demonstration burns held later in the spring to show the use of tools and techniques.
To register for one of the workshops contact MDC at (573) 290-5730 or (573) 290-5218. For more information about prescribed fire go online to www.mdc.mo.gov.