AgriLife Extension event to address benefits, timing, concerns with prescribed fire
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present an interactive, in-person workshop July 30 for attendees to learn about prescribed fires and associated best practices for landowners and land managers.
The program will take place at Spicewood Ranch, located on 840 County Road 411 in Spicewood. It will take place from 8-10:30 a.m., with checkin starting at 7:30 a.m.
Space is limited, so attendees must register in advance. For more information and to register, contact Teri Gaston at 830-988-6157 or <teri. gaston@ag.tamu.edu>.
Driving directions will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop.
The workshop will address broad concepts related to the benefits of prescribed fire, burn timing, liability concerns, wildlife and livestock management, and how to find resources and cost assistance.
Benefits of prescribed burns
“The primary goal of the workshop is to educate attendees on the benefits of prescribed burns, provide information on best practices, and help landowners find opportunities to participate in hands-on experiences with prescribed burns,” said Maureen Frank, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde.
Frank will host the workshop with Kaitlyn Restivo, graduate research assistant, Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, Bryan-College Station.
“The format of the prescribed fire workshop is moderated peer-to-peer learning, so participants will learn from each other about their experiences with prescribed fire in the Texas Hill Country,” Frank said.
Prescribed fire is an important tool for land management and can provide many benefits to an area’s flora and fauna, added Restivo.
“Prescribed fire is an effective but underutilized tool for both vegetation control and increasing the quality of wildlife habitat,” she said. “We are hoping this workshop will enhance landowner awareness of the many positive outcomes prescribed fire can provide.”