By Blake Jackson
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Upper Osage Grasslands Prescribed Burn Association (UOPBA) are offering a two-part educational program designed to help landowners and land managers learn how to safely and effectively use prescribed fire as a land management tool.
The training will provide participants with practical knowledge about using prescribed burns to improve grasslands, fields, and wildlife habitats.
Topics will include burn equipment, firebreak installation, weather conditions suitable for burning, ignition techniques, safety procedures, and other prescribed fire management practices.
MDC staff and UOPBA members will lead the program and demonstrate the equipment commonly used during controlled burns.
To participate in the hands-on portion of the training, attendees must first complete the Official Missouri Prescribed Burn Course online.
The course, available through a third-party provider, takes approximately two to four hours to complete and requires a $25 fee. Participants must bring proof of course completion to the field event.
The second portion of the program will be a demonstration burn field day, scheduled for September 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MDC Schell-Osage Conservation Area in Schell City, Missouri. Weather permitting, attendees will observe and participate in a live prescribed burn while learning proper fire management techniques in the field.
Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to wear leather boots, leather gloves, safety glasses, and cotton clothing suitable for outdoor conditions. A light lunch, water, and additional equipment will be provided.
The workshop is intended to give landowners the skills and confidence needed to use prescribed fire safely while improving habitat quality, vegetation management, and natural resource conservation on their properties.
For registration, visit https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220456.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-isidhe
Categories: Missouri, General