MDC restoration efforts improve woodlands at Marshall Junction Conservation Area

Management strategy improves forest health, wildlife habitat

MDC woodland management at
Marshall Junction Conservation
Area enhances biodiversity, wildlife
 habitat, and overall forest health.  

MARSHALL JUNCTION, Mo. – Nearly a decade of woodland management efforts by the Missouri Department of Conservation has created better hunting and nature viewing at Marshall Junction Conservation Area. 

The MDC management strategy has included a timber harvest, additional firewood permits, prescribed fire, and mechanical removal of undesirable woody vegetation.  Recently, MDC managers knocked back nearly 40 acres of overgrowth, helping to stimulate greater diversity of woodland plants and animals. 

“Over time, a diverse ground-layer of plants will develop, providing excellent browse for deer, and excellent nesting and brood-rearing habitat for wild turkeys and other small game,” said Area Manager Steven Noll. “Watch also, for improved growth of native grasses and wildflowers like big bluestem and grey-headed coneflower in areas where management practices have opened up the forest floor.” 

MDC works with and for Missourians to sustain healthy fish, forests, and wildlife. Learn more at MDC.mo.gov

MDC workshop shows prescribed fire as land, wildlife management tool

Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation at Mineral Area College in Park Hills. (Photo by Erin Tuttle)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Mineral Area College in Park Hills. This workshop will be given two different times to provide landowners a better opportunity to attend. The first will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and the second from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Prescribed fire is an ancient technique used to manage grasslands, CRP and old fields for forage production and improvement of wildlife habitat. Used first by Native Americans, the technique is now taught by MDC across the state.

“Prescribed fire is a low cost method for landowners to use,” said Julie Norris, one of MDC’s Private Lands Conservationists.

Norris 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 quail habitat. Norris said participation in this workshop will qualify landowners to have a prescribed burn plan prepared for their fields and use available loan equipment.

Attendees will also be invited to optional demonstration burns held later   to demonstrate the use of tools and techniques.

To register for one of the workshops, please contact MDC at (573) 290-5730. For more information about prescribed fire, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property.

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MDC workshop shows prescribed fire as land, wildlife management tool

Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Mineral Area College in Park Hills. (Photo by Erin Tuttle)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Mineral Area College in Park Hills. This workshop will be given two different times to provide landowners a better opportunity to attend. The first will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and the second from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Prescribed fire is an ancient technique used to manage grasslands, CRP and old fields for forage production and improvement of wildlife habitat. Used first by Native Americans, the technique is now taught by MDC across the state.

“Prescribed fire is a low cost method for landowners to use,” said Julie Norris, one of MDC’s Private Lands Conservationists.

Norris 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 quail habitat. Norris said participation in this workshop will qualify landowners to have a prescribed burn plan prepared for their fields and use available loan equipment.

Attendees will also be invited to optional demonstration burns held later   to demonstrate the use of tools and techniques.

To register for one of the workshops, please contact MDC at (573) 290-5730. For more information about prescribed fire, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property.

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