
The AGFC will host a series of free landowner workshops to teach people how to conduct prescribed burns this February and March.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists will host a series of free workshops to teach landowners how to increase wildlife habitat on their property using prescribed fire this February and March.
The workshops are part of the AGFC’s Private Lands Program, a special section of the AGFC Wildlife Management Division focused on helping landowners achieve their wildlife goals at the lowest possible cost.
“When done properly, introducing fire on the landscape is one of the best and most economical ways to promote new browse and herbaceous growth for wildlife,” said Ted Zawislak, AGFC Private Lands Program coordinator. “While a lot of landowners realize the value of burning, they tend to be a little afraid of prescribed fire. Our hope is to increase their comfort level with this practice.”

Northern bobwhite are one of the many species that benefit from the grasses and plants prescribed fire stimulates.
“In one Saturday, no landowner can be an expert,” Zawislak said. “But they can have a greater appreciation of the art and science behind prescribed fire. If they choose to hire a prescribed burn contractor to burn their property, they will be a more informed consumer.”

Prescribed fire is one of the least expensive and most efficient tools a landowner can use to increase wildlife habitat.
Prescribed burns are much different than the wildfires often seen in the news. In fact, many wildfires occur because of the absence of fire on the landscape. Leaves, limbs and other debris build up on the forest floor, creating abundant fuel for a catastrophic fire. Smaller fires at the right time of year eliminate this fuel load gradually and create clearings where seed-bearing grasses and leafy vegetation can grow and provide abundant food for wildlife.
Four six-hour workshops are scheduled during February and March. Space in each of these free workshops is limited to 30 participants, and registration is required at least one week before each workshop date. Lunch will be provided. Workshop locations and times are:
- Feb. 20, 2016 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
McCaskill Community Center
4223 Highway 371, McCaskill
Register at http://www.learntoburn-mcCaskill.eventbrite.com - Feb. 27, 2016 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Northwest Ark. Community College
Walmart Auditorium at Shewmaker Center B102
1 College Drive, Bentonville
Register at http://www.learntoburn-bentonville.eventbrite.com - March 12, 2016 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Class is full; waiting list reservations available)
11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock
Register at http://www.learntoburn-littlerock.eventbrite.com - March 19, 2016 – 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fred Berry Conservation Education Center on Crooked Creek
851 Conservation Lane, Yellville
Register at http://www.learntoburn-yellville.eventbrite.com
Contact Clint Johnson at 877-470-3650 or email clint.johnson@agfc.ar.gov for more information on these workshops and other Private Lands Program events.