AGFC hosting prescribed burn workshops across Arkansas

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hosting a number of special classes across the state beginning next month to teach landowners how to use fire to substantially improve wildlife habitat on their property.

The nearest workshop for Polk County residents interested in this topic is scheduled to be held in De Queen on Feb. 10. The workshop is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. at the UA Cossatot campus in De Queen. These free in-person workshops have limited seating, and registration is required through the AGFC’s online scheduling program at Upcoming Events – Arkansas Outdoor Skills Network. 

According to AGFC Private Lands Biologist Clint Johnson, fire is one of the best and least expensive tools landowners can use to increase the amount of grasses and seed-producing annual plants on their property but decades of suppression have left many landowners intimidated by its use.

The first set of workshops will focus on the basics of how fire is used, what equipment is needed and proper procedures to ensure a safe prescribed burn. A second set of classes for people who have taken the first class will dig deeper into the use of fire and help landowners organize burn crews, learn how to predict fire behavior and go over the legal requirements for conducting a prescribed burn. The second workshop also will include a student-led burn, pending weather and site conditions.

Even landowners who eventually choose a third-party contractor to carry out a prescribed fire on their land can benefit from these workshops. By learning about the process ahead of time, a landowner can be prepared to answer the questions a contractor would have in establishing a burn plan and will be more informed about realistic results and conditions.

In addition to the lessons learned, each workshop offers a meeting hub for landowners to meet with biologists in the AGFC’s Private Lands Program.

Visit www.agfc.com/habitat for more information about the AGFC’s habitat programs for private landowners. 

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