MDC and partners offering prescribed burn workshop for public land managers March 16

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Prescribed fire is a valuable tool that help can those who manage public land cultivate natural habitats, native plants and wildlife.  Done properly, prescribed burning can even by utilized in urban land tracts and parks with excellent results.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), along with Great Rivers Greenway and Forest Park Forever are offering a free public workshop for public land managers and parks department staff. The workshop will teach participants the techniques to safely utilize prescribed fire for the management of prairies, forests and other natural habitats in public green space.

The workshop will be held this Thursday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Trolley Room at Forest Park’s Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center.  It will include indoor instruction and a field demonstration, if weather permits.

The indoor classroom portion will run from 9 a.m. to Noon and be followed by lunch, which will be provided.  From 1-4 p.m. the field portion will consist of a demonstration burn to put the principles and concepts learned in the classroom into action.

Any parks and land management staff interested in the benefits of prescribed burning for preventing habitat succession and promoting native plants are encouraged to attend. 

Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions and bring protective eyewear, leather gloves and boots, and a handkerchief or bandana. It’s also best to wear cotton clothes and avoid any synthetic garments.

The workshop is free but advanced registration is required by March 10.  Call MDC’s Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center at 314-301 – 1500 to register.  For more information about the workshop contact Josh.Ward@mdc.mo.gov.  The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center is located at 5595 Grand Avenue in Forest Park.

 For more information on the use of prescribed fire, go to https://goo.gl/unfjm1.