Prescribed Fire

[Parkerson Cattle Co.]

I was wondering, what is the main consensus of board member to prescribed burning. The reason I ask, is because over the last 50-100 years, the United States has done a good job of taking fire out of ecosystems, through stemming fear by using characters such as Smokey bear, etc. Now we have a huge problem, and fire is returning with catastrophic results. The use of prescribed burning helps to control those catastrophic effects, where, it can be used. However the build up of fuels in some areas, creating ladder fuels etc., makes prescribed burning a bad idea. In grass lands, fire has many positive effects. So being part of my studies, what is your position on fire. For, or against.

 

[Bluestem]

According to research that I've been told of. Land around me was burned naturally or otherwise about every 25 years.
With some burning every 8-10 years. I am for burning. It should be done in patches and at different times of the year.
With that said. I would stress that the utmost care and planning needs to take place before starting. A forty foot wall of fire from 6 foot high grass will pucker you right up. I have the equipment that a fire department would bring to a grass fire plus a tractor with a front end loader, with carefully constructed fire breaks. I do lack the man power that a fire department can supply. Call the fire department or sheriff and let them know you have a controlled burn. Might also let the neighbors know as well.

 

[Parkerson Cattle Co.]

Yes, it is with utmost care, that this should be done, and I suggest a company do it. I actually work for a prescribed burn company, and I am also red carded. Time of year, wind, amount of fuel, type of fuel, humidity, and temperature are only a few factors. I really don't recommend, someone just go light their pasture, there is so much more that goes into a proper burn than just torching. Proper equipment should always be used, and never "guess" that the conditions are right. So much research has to be done before the actual burn. Also, its pretty awesome to see 3,000 acres go up in flames according to plans.....

 

[KenB]

I am all for it.
In the past the state department of forestry would do a prescribed burn for an individual for $1 per acre. But due to lack of funding they no longer have the man power to do it.
I am all for low taxes, but there are some services that the government needs to fund.

 

[milesvb]

I suppose you can put me in the "for it" category but it depends on what the goals are for a given site.

I will say I'm not in favor of the government doing it for me at taxpayer expense less a buck an acre. Fire is a land management tool. I wouldn't expect the government to shred or spray weeds for me.

 

[Beef11]

Is it cheaper to do it controlled or pay for the suppression of a fire that needs to burn again and again. Seems the government is saving a little money on this.

 

[milesvb]

Is it cheaper to do it controlled or pay for the suppression of a fire that needs to burn again and again. Seems the government is saving a little money on this.

On public lands I would agree wholeheartedly. I figure that good stewardship on private land is the responsibility of the owner in most cases but I see your point.

 

[Parkerson Cattle Co.]

It's my opinion the government doesn't do enough on public lands, which is why they are in pretty horrible shape. The government agencies have the mind set to suppress everything that ignites, leading to bigger problems.

I do agree that it is the land owners responsibility on private land. But, something that still isn't done often enough.

 

[Jogeephus]

I live in a fire ecosystem and I am definitely pro burn. I burn on a regular basis and will burn several hundred acres each year. Nature hates a vaccum. If you don't burn it, she will. Here, we try to mimic nature in so much as possible to enhance wildlife habitat and keep the woods clean. Without fire, we would not have the quail or turkey populations we so much enjoy. The judicious use of fire is the cheapest and most efficient tool we have for accomplishing many objectives.

 

[Wewild]

I live in a fire ecosystem and I am definitely pro burn. I burn on a regular basis and will burn several hundred acres each year. Nature hates a vaccum. If you don't burn it, she will. Here, we try to mimic nature in so much as possible to enhance wildlife habitat and keep the woods clean. Without fire, we would not have the quail or turkey populations we so much enjoy. The judicious use of fire is the cheapest and most efficient tool we have for accomplishing many objectives.

Good post.

Being decisive is not a weakness for you.

 

[hillrancher]

Here in the past everyone would burned. Since the eco and tree hugger have moved in no one seldom burns, if so the FD try to arrest the person that does it. We have eastern red cedar taking over, that is bad nothing will grow around them or live. The oak bores have about killed all the red oak because of not burning. Burning is good if done correctly.

 

[grannysoo]

We burn, our neighbors burn, everyone in our area burns. As Jo stated, it's going to burn, whether we do it or nature does. So many benefits from burning.......

 

[ga. prime]

Last year:

This year:

 

[ga. prime]

Pasture burning is good also:

Turkeys love to strut on a burned place.

 

[Parkerson Cattle Co.]

Good pics, wildlife love burned areas.

 

[Jogeephus]

GP, don't you just love those night fires! We'll try to get all the fire strung out by two or so then when we are sure everything is off the breaks a safe distance, we'll have a gathering. Sometimes we'll BBQ or just shoot the breeze. Let the kids ride the ATV's to "monitor" the fire. They have a great time and it teaches them a little about fire and responsibility. On one place I usually do a grand finalle' for the benefit of myself and the kids. If the wind is out of the South, I can set a headfire into a patch of bamboo. If it gets up enough steam, the fire will run into the patch of bamboo and it sounds like we set off a case of firecrackers. The "kids" love it!!

 

[ga. prime]

Yeah Jo, the nightime is the best time. Safer and less stressfull, because of the increase in humidity and decrease in wind. That allows you to put a fire line about anywhere you want without it getting too hot.

 

[Jogeephus]

Did a little burning today. Here's some shots.

Before

Setting the head fire

Feeling a little heat - Sorry no sound but suffice it to say the train was pulling out of the station.

From a distance

A couple hours later

Finally got some after-school help

Birds are going to love this as will the deer. Gobblers are already strutting on field edges.

 

[Brute 23]

I live in a fire ecosystem and I am definitely pro burn. I burn on a regular basis and will burn several hundred acres each year. Nature hates a vaccum. If you don't burn it, she will. Here, we try to mimic nature in so much as possible to enhance wildlife habitat and keep the woods clean. Without fire, we would not have the quail or turkey populations we so much enjoy. The judicious use of fire is the cheapest and most efficient tool we have for accomplishing many objectives.

Good post.

Being decisive is not a weakness for you.

:nod: Pro Burn also, BUT be responsible with it please. We had 3K acres go last weekend. Some thing like 25 control burns got out of hand this past month when the judge lifted the burn ban. :|

 

[Parkerson Cattle Co.]

Ok, I can't take it anymore lol..

Controlled burn = Fire in a can completely controlled, safe, enclosed, not going to escape

Prescribed burn= FACTORS, temp, humidity, wind, fuel load, wind shifts,precipitation .... they do get out sometimes they aren't completely controlled. Has the ability to escape which is why fire managers carry 1million in insurance......


Just a little tidbit of information :cboy: