By Kent Hensley, Habitat Specialist Manager, KS

Prescribed fire is a habitat improvement practice that, when used well, can address a host of issues in a cost effective and holistic manner. Running a large prescribed fire requires perfect conditions, ample coordination, and most importantly, time for safe implementation. Waiting for the pieces to align can often take years and a degree of patience that Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Habitat Specialist Michael Daniels and Kansas Wildlife and Parks Public Land Manager Scott Thomasson are well familiar with in the Wilson Wildlife Management Area. The March prescribed fire state has been anything but perfect. After 3 failed attempts under inadequate circumstances, the burn was postponed and rescheduled. To fill the prescription of a successful fire elements to meet include planning, training, coordination, weather, preparation, and teamwork. A good plan will also highlight the complexity, location, wind direction and speed, manpower, and equipment among other factors.

Professionals like Michael and Scott go through specialized training from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and have annual fire refresher courses to be on the fire line with more advanced positions like Burn Bosses requiring additional training. With these qualifications, experience, and the proper environment, Michael and Scott found the right time to conduct the 1000-acre prescribed fire. Although the March timing typically leads to postponement due to moisture and high winds, their readiness paid off resulting in a successful burn, as a result, growth of warm season grasses and flowering plant species will flourish to benefit wildlife such as pheasants and quail. Deployment of prescribed fires (especially of this size) is only possible through partnership, communication with surrounding landowners, and partnership within the local community. After all, maintaining the standard requires more than just dropping a match.

More Than Just a Match

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