Learn about landowner-led prescribed burn associations at FWC workshops

For immediate release: Nov. 23, 2016
Contact: Diane Hirth, 850-410-5291; Bekah Nelson, 850-265-3676

Photos available on FWC’s Flickr site: Go to: flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/albums/72157639560266805

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Learn about landowner-led prescribed burn associations at FWC workshops

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Landowner Assistance Program is holding two December workshops in north Florida on how private landowners can work together on conducting prescribed burns on their properties.

Starting a landowner-led “prescribed burn association” is the topic of a Thursday, Dec. 1 workshop in Crawfordville at the Tallahassee Community College’s Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way and a Tuesday, Dec. 13 workshop in Quincy at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center, 155 Research Road. The free workshops will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with the option to sign in early at 9:30 a.m.

What are the advantages of a prescribed burn association?

“Most importantly, prescribed burn associations build the capacity of private landowners to safely conduct prescribed fires on their land with the assistance of fellow members,” said Arlo Kane, the LAP’s northwest regional coordinator. “They can share equipment, training opportunities and their own experiences with prescribed burning. There’s also the potential to save money.”

Prescribed burn associations can partner with natural resource professionals, such as Landowner Assistance Program staff and university extension faculty, to receive technical assistance and training. They also can host trainings and become nonprofit entities that apply for grants to purchase equipment.

Use of prescribed fire in Florida is beneficial for wildlife and habitats and also helps reduce the risk of wildfires.

The goal of the LAP is to help one or more pilot prescribed burn associations get established in Florida. These associations are already established in the Midwest, where they are achieving positive results.

Pre-register for the workshops by calling Billie Clayton at 850-767-3634. For more information, contact Arlo Kane at Arlo.Kane@MyFWC.com or 850-767-3616.

Watch FWC’s video on using fire on a Florida cattle ranch conserving wildlife: youtu.be/zYGmW-CJmAE. Another video features the efforts of north Florida landowners to restore longleaf pine habitat and conserve wildlife: youtube.com/watch?v=Okiy-ZDVKvE.

For more information on prescribed fire, go to MyFWC.com, click on “Wildlife and Habitats” and then on “Prescribed Fire.”

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