February 11, 2009

The Prescribed Burn Task Force in west central Nebraska is hosting four prescribed burn schools in February, said Lara Fondow, Quail Forever wildlife biologist and task force president.

In recent years interest has increased in the use of prescribed burns to renovate CRP plantings and manage grassland composition and invasive species like eastern red cedar, Fondow said. The Prescribed Burn Task Force, a consortium of volunteer firefighters, federal and state agency personnel and private organizations, is providing education and access to equipment to help ensure safe prescribed burns.

Schools planned for the west central area include:

 

• Tuesday, Feb. 17 — Paxton
• Wednesday, Feb. 18 — Eustis
• Thursday, Feb. 19 — Oconto
• Friday, Feb. 20 — Pleasanton

The schools start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. To receive a card certifying participation, students need to attend one of these schools as well as a demonstration burn, Fondow said. The card will allow participants to rent prescribed burning equipment from the Prescribed Burn Task Force. Opportunities to attend demonstration burns will be announced at the training programs.

The $5 registration fee includes a meal, so please preregister with the hosting Extension office so meals can be ordered. For more information and specific meeting locations, contact the extension office in the county where the workshop is being held.

Faith Colburn
Communications Specialist, West Central RE