Cape Girardeau workshop Feb. 13 teaches prescribed fire as land, wildlife management tool

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Southeast Regional Office, Tuesday, Feb. 13. Two times are offered for the workshop to provide landowners opportunity to attend. Those who register may choose to between 1 to 4:30 p.m. or 6 to 9:30 p.m.

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 Tony Jaco, MDC’s private lands regional supervisor for the southeast region.

Jaco 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 573-290-5730. For more information about prescribed fire, go online to mdc.mo.gov/property/fire/prescribed-fire.