Kaitlyn Nelson, Livestock Production Agent

Photo Courtesy of RVED

Prescribed fire has long been one of the most valuable land-management tools available to ranchers, conservationists, and pasture managers. Burning pastures reduces the fuel load in millions of acres of grassland. Another reason to burn is because it is a management tool to prevent invasion of woody vegetation and promote new growth of native grasses. Burning is a part of the natural ecosystem of the prairie and is essential to maintaining the prairie ecosystem.

Join the River Valley District for a three-night burn school to be held in Washington on February 26th, March 5th, and March 19th. The program will start at 6 pm each night and refreshments will be provided. Join range management specialist Molly Reichenborn from K-State as she discusses pasture burning. Each night will have a different topic that will build upon each other. Participants will learn introduction to prescribed burning which will include the ecology, history, and land management as it relates to burning. Another topic that will be covered is practical considerations which look at the different equipment needed, safety of those involved, and planning for a burn. Participants will round out the series by learning about the essential components of a burn plan: weather conditions, ignition patterns, smoke management, legal considerations, and required equipment.

This program will be held at the FNB Bank basement (101 C St, Washington, KS 66968) for all three nights.

We ask for an RSVP to be submitted by February 23rd by calling the Washington office at 785-325-2121 or by following the link https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3elsSHi0P5haMsK.