Land Management through Prescribed Fire

One of the most effective management tools for public or private land is prescribed fire. Proper utilization can facilitate native species growth and mitigate chances for catastrophic fire.  However, prescribed fire has obvious safety concerns and also things to consider with regard to getting the best results.  MDC is offering guidance.

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Missouri offers free prescribed burn workshops March 5 and 12 in western Missouri

Workshops at Blue Springs and El Dorado Springs will teach techniques to achieve goals

MDC will offer free prescribed burn workshops
 with skills field days in Blue Springs
 on March 5 and near El Dorado Springs
on March 12.
Photos by Bill Graham,

Missouri Department of Conservation

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free prescribed burn workshops to assist private landowners with habitat management on March 5 in Blue Springs and March 12 near El Dorado Springs. These workshops, in conjunction with an online study course, will teach the equipment and strategies needed to use prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat or manage cattle forage.

After registering for the workshop, participants will be required to complete an online study course as a prerequisite to attending the field day skills session. Completion of both will enable participants to obtain their Certified Burner Certification from MDC. The Certified Burner Certification is proof that you have successfully completed all the prescribed burn education requirements in Missouri.

Properly used, prescribed burns can be a valuable tool for enhancing native plant diversity and for reducing undesirable vegetation. This workshop will teach about the planning, equipment, weather factors, and techniques needed to execute a successful burn for grassland or woodland management.

The prescribed burn workshop in Blue Springs will be offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and Conservation Area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44A.

The prescribed burn skills field day near El Dorado Springs will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at MDC’s Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie Conservation Area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44d.

These burn workshops are open to participants ages 18 and older. COVID-19 precautions will be observed. If weather conditions permit, organizers will conduct a demonstration burn. Participants are asked to wear leather boots, cotton pants, cotton long-sleeved shirts or jackets, leather gloves, and safety glasses.

To learn more about prescribed fire as a tool for vegetation management, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrf.