Reasons for the program:
PRESCRIBED
BURNING
for Private Landowners
Prescribed fire can be a valuable tool in the maintenance and improvement of native grasslands. Rangeland areas devoid of fire occurrence are often sites of problems involving invasive species. These invasive species such as Eastern Red Cedar can take away natural grassland acres that are necessary for grazing as well as for wildlife. Prescribed Fire enhances grazing and habitat by killing cedar trees and promoting native warm season grasses.
In addition, rangelands that are always grazed in the fall, or winter with no spring treatment may become areas dominated by native and non- native cool season grasses, and invasive weeds. These areas offer a reduced food value to livestock, and are of reduced value to native wildlife. When prescribed fire is used along with appropriate grazing practices, the result is increased economic output and wildlife benefit.
Cost Share Available
Cost Share
Program:
Cost share is available for costs incurred
while directly implementing prescribed fire. The Central Platte NRD will
reimburse at a rate of 50% of the actual costs, up to a maximum of $15.00 per
acre, and up to a maximum of $2,500.00 per cooperator.
Requirements:
The actual prescribed fire and the claim for payment must
be made within nine months of the date the application is approved. Applications for cost share are not effective until
approved by the NRD Board of Directors. Landowner(s) will be notified by the
NRD concerning approval. Call the CPNRD office at (308) 385-6282 to receive an
application.
Cost Share Application
Central
Platte NRD's 1st Prescribed Burn
In 2005, the NRD conducted its first prescribed burn near Chapman on land owned by Don and Barbara Reeves. The burn was conducted on five acres of land just across the road from their home. The Reeves' goal to kill weed seeds & rejuvenate the natural grasses that had been planted were reached. These included: buffalograss, big bluestem, sideoats gramma, switchgrass, little blue stem and blue gramma. Don is growing grasses in his greenhouse that he hopes to transplant later this spring. In the past, the acreage had been used for grazing by his neighbors cattle. Don is also hoping the burn will help wildflowers that he’s planted such as coneflowers, Mexican redhat, blanketflowers, blue easters, purple prairie clover, Illinois bungleflower, and partridge pea.
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2005 Reeves Prescribed Burn
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2006 Reeves Spring Results
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Process of Prescribed Fire:
There are three steps involved
in the successful use of prescribed fire:
1. Planning- An open burning
permit and prescribed fire plan must be completed prior to each burn as
mandated by state law. The NRD prescribed fire coordinator will be available
to assure the prescribed fire plan meets all state law requirements.
2. Preparation- The burn unit boundaries and internal features need to be prepared prior to the burn to help ensure safety. The NRD prescribed fire coordinator will assist in making recommendations for this type of preparation. Preparation can include mowing or disking the lines or anchor points, and brush or tree removal/piling.
3. Implementation- The burn must be implemented by a qualified, insured, prescribed fire contractor.
NRD Burn Crew:
Milt Moravek, Matt Bohnenkamp, Marcia
Lee,
Tom Backer, Dan Clement, Dave Carr (burn boss), Mark Czaplewski
CONTACT: David Carr
Fire Coordinator
Kelly Cole
Programs Coordinator
215 N Kaufman Avenue Grand Island NE 68803
Tel: 308-385-6282 Fax: 308-385-6285
