MDC offers prescribed burn workshop in Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.-- Fire has been used as a land management tool by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for more than 30 years, but it isn't as simple as dropping a match and watching it burn.

To assist landowners who want to safely use prescribed fire on their own property, the MDC is hosting a workshop beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the MDC Northeast Regional Office, 3500 South Baltimore in Kirksville. The workshop is free, but you must register by March 2.

MDC staff will discuss methods and techniques for implementing controlled burns, safety considerations, and proper weather conditions for conducting a burn. Plus, the workshop will cover creating a burn plan and timing the burn based on your management objectives and landscape.

"This workshop is great for new or current landowners who would like to learn about using prescribed fire as a tool to improve wildlife habitat on their property," said MDC Private Land Conservationist John Murphy. "While uncontrolled wildfires can harm habitat and property, controlled use of prescribed fire can actually improve the health of natural ecosystems."

The workshop will begin with a classroom session, followed by a demonstration burn, weather permitting. Attendees should bring field clothing (cotton or wool; no synthetics), leather boots, and gloves to wear for the demonstration burn.

For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Murphy at 660-651-0644.

To learn more about the use of prescribed fires as a land management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire/prescribed-fire.