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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #213067

Title: Conducting a Prescribed Burn and Prescribed Burning Checklist

Author
item VOLESKY, JERRY - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
item STUBBENDIECK, JAMES - UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
item Mitchell, Robert - Rob

Submitted to: Extension Circular
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/29/2007
Publication Date: 8/1/2007
Citation: Volesky, J., Stubbendieck, J., Mitchell, R. 2007. Conducting a Prescribed Burn and Prescribed Burning Checklist. Extension Circular. University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service ED121, 15 pp. 2007.

Interpretive Summary: Prescribed burning is an important tool for maintaining the desirable attributes of grasslands. Characteristics such as desirable species composition, increased grazing livestock performance, and invasive weed control can all be accomplished with a single prescribed burn. However, there is an inherent risk associated with prescribed burning. Safe and effective prescribed burning requires training, planning, and site preparation. This publication covers the legal obligations, necessary equipment, burning prescriptions, proper firequard construction, ignition techniques, smoke management, and personnel requirements for prescribed burning. Additionally, a prescribed burning checklist is included to help land managers conduct a successful prescribed burn.

Technical Abstract: Grasslands of the central Great Plains developed with periodic fire. Prescribed burning is an important tool for managing grasslands to maintain desirable species composition, increase grazing livestock performance, maintain productivity, and control invasive weeds. The safe and effective use of prescribed burning requires training, planning, and site preparation. This publication covers the legal obligations, necessary equipment, burning prescriptions, proper firequard construction, ignition techniques, smoke management, and personnel requirements for prescribed burning. Additionally, a prescribed burning checklist is included to help land managers conduct a successful prescribed burn.