BENEFITS OF A PRESCRIBED BURN
Owning recreational land can provide year-round activities and enjoyment and this time of year can be prime time for performing prescribed burns.
A well-planned burn with plenty of helpers on site can yield satisfying results, especially where native grasses and forbs are getting established. You’ll see new growth of plants in spring and summer and likely find a few shed antlers along the way. One of our family’s favorite activities at the farm has been shed hunting in early spring. An area that has recently been burned will expose these bony sculptures that make kids shout with glee and will provide another family memory and a souvenir for the antler rack.
Several years ago, we were planning to burn a large field of tall native grasses that surrounded the lodge on our property. We worked closely with our local Private Land Conservationist and reached out to the local Volunteer Fire Department to coordinate when they could provide assistance. The Fire Chief appreciated the opportunity to have his crew on site and involved for training purposes. We spent the day working hard alongside the fire crew and got to know some great guys from our community. We were so appreciative of their help that we made a donation to the Volunteer Fire Department following a safe and successful prescribed burn.
PRESCRIBED BURN SAFETY
When considering a prescribed burn on your property, safety should be your top priority. Many factors need to be taken into consideration including humidity, wind, safety equipment and even the clothing you wear. Be sure to consult with your local Private Land Conservationist to develop a plan and attend a burn workshop. You can also hire a professional contractor to provide assistance or equipment for your prescribed burn.
PROACTIVE LAND MANAGEMENT
Proactive land management can help increase the value of your recreational property. When working with your Private Land Conservationist ask him/her to help you with a Forestry Stewardship Program. They will assess the timber that you own and determine the areas that will benefit from a burn and advise how often you should do so. This will aid in the growth of the hardwoods in your timber and contribute to the long-term value of it for future generations.
Watch video highlights of our latest Prescribed Burn – March 2021 in Lincoln County, MO here: https://youtu.be/VEBu-e8h2cg
Helpful Resources:
The Missouri Prescribed Fire Council promotes safe and responsible use of fire as a land management tool and provides helpful information on their website along with a list of contractors and vendors under their resources tab at https://moprescribedfire.org
Missouri Department of Conservation prescribed fire information: https://mdc.mo.gov/property/fire-management/prescribed-fire
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Missouri
Prescribed Burning – Detailed Conservation Practice Info Sheet:
https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/MO/PrescribedBurn_InfoSheet_4_08.pdf
Phil Brown is a Broker/Partner at Trophy Properties and Auction and is licensed in MO, IL and IA. If you are interested in buying or selling property, contact Phil at (314) 753-7444 or PhilBrown@TrophyPA.com
Photo credit: Jake Brown, Phil Brown – Trophy Properties and Auction
