JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDSU) – Implementing prescribed burns in a livestock operation and how burning can improve a plant community are a few of the topics that will be discussed at a prescribed burn workshop hosted by NDSU’s Central Grasslands Research Extension Center on Feb. 25.
The one-day workshop, held at the Baymont Inn on 25th Street in Jamestown, will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. A buffet lunch will be provided.
“This workshop is a great opportunity to learn about the role of prescribed burning to enhance ecosystem services and livestock performance,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist and CGREC interim director. “Although fire is often viewed as dangerous due to the catastrophic impacts of wildfire, planned prescribed burns are designed to be safe and strategic to achieve a positive outcome.”
This event is free and open to the public, and anyone interested is encouraged to attend. The topics of discussion may be especially interesting to livestock producers and rangeland managers.
“We will have speakers provide the latest science on burning and grazing in the Northern Plains, including the role of burning with grazing on wildlife habitat, plant community composition and forage quality, and cattle performance,” says Ben Menapace, CGREC research specialist and workshop organizer. “Attendees can expect engaging talks from agency representatives, livestock producers, researchers and conservationists from across the Northern Great Plains.”
Attendees will have scheduled opportunities to ask questions and discuss the issues involved with implementing prescribed burns on rangelands in North Dakota.
Topics addressed at the workshop will be:
- General introductions to the logistics of implementing prescribed fire
- The role of the North Dakota Prescribed Fire Cooperative
- How fire promotes floral expression
- Impacts of patch burn grazing on grassland birds
- How fire can improve livestock performance and forage nutritional value
- Optimizing fire return interval and time of year for prescribed burning
- How burning can improve a plant community
- Rancher perspectives: Implementing prescribed burns in a livestock operation
- Building and sustaining a “burning culture” in the Dakotas
Preregistration is highly encouraged in order to provide sufficient meals and seating. Register online at ndsu.ag/prescribedburn.