MDC offers prescribed burn workshop in Osceola

THIS CONTENT IS ARCHIVED
News from the region
Kansas City
Published Date
02/11/2014
Body

Osceola, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a prescribed burn workshop 8:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 10, at the First Baptist Church, 505 Walnut St., in Osceola. This workshop is free and will interest landowners or property managers who wish to improve wildlife or grazing habitat on farms.

Prescribed burns are fires that help manage fields and woodlands to improve wildlife habitat. They aid in control of unwanted invasive species. The burns can boost native prairie or woodland plants that evolved with wildfires. Thinned cover or tender regrowth can also be beneficial food sources and travel areas for wildlife. But a prescribed burn always involves advance planning, established procedures and safety equipment.

The workshop will cover basic practical information for safely conducting prescribed burns. Participants will gain a familiarization with prescribed burning tools and techniques for habitat management. Topics such as smoke management, effects of weather, follow-up evaluation and benefits to grasslands will be discussed.

Lunch will be provided. If weather permits, a demonstration burn will be conducted in the afternoon. Participants should dress appropriately and wear leather boots.

Advance registration is requested by March 5 to assist with planning for lunch and materials. For more information or to register, call 417-646-8108, ext. 3. Participants may also call MDC’s El Dorado Springs office at 417-876-5226.