Stay in Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and manage your subscription
Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
EMINENCE, Mo. – Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at two upcoming prescribed fire workshops presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in Eminence and Salem. The first will be Monday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Salem Community Center. The second option is Saturday, Jan. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eminence Forestry Office. The same information will be shared at both workshops.
Prescribed fire is an ancient technique used to manage grasslands, woodlands 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 to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuel for wildfire,” said Cody Roberts, a MDC private lands conservationist.
Roberts said the workshops 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 wildlife habitat. He said participation in this workshop will qualify landowners to have a prescribed burn plan prepared for their fields and use available equipment on loan from MDC. Those who attend will be invited to future demonstration burns to demonstrate the use of tools and techniques.
To register for the workshop, call 573-226-3241, ext. 106. For more information about prescribed fire, go online to mdc.mo.gov/property/fire/prescribed-fire.
