The Central Platte NRD has selected sites for the 2013 Prescribed Burn Schools. These burn schools are being held for landowners who want to learn how to burn safely for CRP renovation, grasslands management, invasive species control and wildlife habitat improvement. Those sites selected are: Kearney, Gothenburg, Elyria, and Wellfleet.

One of the primary uses of prescribed fire in Nebraska is management of eastern red cedar trees, which have been increasing in extent and density on the state's grasslands for more than 50 years. An Oklahoma State University researcher has calculated that Nebraska is losing 700 acres of grazing land per day. Prescribed fire - if properly planned and executed - has been a safe, effective and economical management tool.

The schools will be held from Wednesday, February 20th to Friday, February 22nd. All schools will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration at 8:30 a.m. Burn demonstrations will be planned following the workshops. Cost is $10 and includes lunch, pre-registration is required for the meal count. Separate trainings are scheduled for Volunteer Fire Departments.

For more information, contact David Carr at the NRD at (308) 385-6282 or visit our website at www.cpnrd.org. (Workshop flyers attached.)