MDC hosts prescribed fire workshops

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer two workshops in the Kansas City region for property managers interested in using prescribed fire to improve grasslands and benefit wildlife habitat. Both workshops are free and will cover all aspects of how prescribed fire can be safely used to benefit wildlife and people.

A workshop is scheduled 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Trails Regional Public Library, 432 North Holden St. in Warrensburg. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants are asked to register by Jan. 26 by calling 660-747-8200, ext. 117.

MDC and the St. Clair County Soil & Water Conservation District will host a prescribed burn workshop 8:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Circle S. Feed Company near El Dorado Springs. Lunch will be provided. If weather permits, a demonstration burn will be conducted in the afternoon. Attendees are asked to wear leather boots and bring leather gloves if they wish to participate in the demonstration burn. Those interested are asked to register by calling 417-646-8108, ext. 3. Or they may call the MDC office in El Dorado Springs at 417-876-5226.

Prescribed burns can improve grassland quality. Fire when used under carefully monitored conditions and property safety techniques can help control unwanted plant species in grasslands and boost forage. Prescribed burns can benefit native grasses and wildflower species in acreage enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.

The workshop topics will include: planning a prescribed burn, benefits from burns, safety, proper equipment, fire behavior and history, organizing burn teams and follow up evaluations.

For more information on MDC programs to assist farmers and boost nature on private lands, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov.