MDC offers prescribed fire workshops in mid-Missouri

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Published Date
01/24/2017
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COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host landowners interested in learning about prescribed burning as a method of boosting wildlife habitat and reducing less desirable plant species. MDC staff will discuss methods and techniques for implementing controlled burns, safety considerations, and proper weather conditions for conducting a burn. The workshops will also cover how to create a burn plan and time the burn based on your management objectives and landscape.

“These workshops are a great opportunity for landowners to learn how to properly conduct a prescribed burn on their property,” said MDC Private Land Conservationist Ryan Lueckenhoff.  “Prescribed fire is a great tool for creating early successional habitat, maintaining plant diversity and stimulating new growth. In these workshops we’ll talk about the use of burn plans, conditions that affect fire behavior, how to use burn equipment, and much more.”

Each workshop will consist of a classroom session, followed by a demonstration burn, weather permitting (Columbia workshop will not include a demonstration burn).   Attendees should bring field clothing (cotton or wool; no synthetics), leather boots and gloves to wear for the demonstration burn. The workshops are free to attend, but participants must pre-register. 

Find a prescribed fire workshop near you, and register today:

  • MDC Central Regional Office — 3500 E. Gans Road in Columbia
    6 – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22
    Register by Feb. 17
    Call Ryan Lueckenhoff, Private Land Conservationist, at 573-875-5540 ext. 114
  • Jamestown Community Center – 130 E. Row St. in Jamestown
    8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, March 11
    Register by March 8
    Call Dean Stucker, Private Land Conservationist, at 573-796-0286
    Or email Dean.Stucker@mdc.mo.gov or Cory.Gregg@mdc.mo.gov
  • Big Spring Fire Department – 758 S. Highway 19 near New Florence
    9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, March 18
    Register by March 16
    Call Jamie Barton, Private Land Conservationist, at 573-564-3715 ext. 110
  • Whetstone Creek Conservation Area near Williamsburg
    9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, April 1
    Register by March 30
    Call Jamie Barton, Private Land Conservationist, at 573-564-3715 ext. 110

MDC works with you and for you to sustain healthy fish, forests, and wildlife. For more information on prescribed fire, go to http://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire/prescribed-fire