MDC workshops teach prescribed fire as land, wildlife management tool

WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at Prescribed Fire Workshops presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Five workshops are planned in February and March throughout the Ozark Region. 

• Texas County: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 16, at the USDA Service Center, 6726 S. Hwy. 63 South of Houston behind Steve’s Tire and Arpco Pump. Seating is limited so advanced registration is required. To register, call 800-879-8894, ext. 129 by Feb. 14.
• Howell County: 6:30 to 9 p.m., Feb. 16, at MDC’s Ozark Regional Office in West Plains. Seating is limited so advanced registration is required. To register, call (417)255-9561 by Feb. 14.
• Shannon County: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb 18, at the Eminence Forestry Office. Seating is limited so advanced registration is required. To register, call (573)226-3241 ext. 106 by Feb. 15.
• Carter County: 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 23, at the Ozark National Scenic Riverway Park Headquarters in Van Buren. Seating is limited so advanced registration is required. To register, call (573) 996-7116 ext. 3 by Feb. 17.

• Dent County: 6 to 8:30 p.m., March 14, at Salem Community Center at the Armory. Seating is limited so advanced registration is required. To register, call (573)226-3241 ext. 106 by March 9.

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 Brad McKee, MDC’s private lands regional supervisor for the Ozark Region.

McKee said the workshop 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 loan equipment.

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