HOLDREGE, Nebraska – Tri-Basin Natural Resources District along with Pheasants Forever, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, City of Holdrege and other volunteers conducted a prescribed burn on April 10, 2024. The affected area is approximately 125 acres of native grasslands at Lake Seldom, south of Holdrege.

The prescribed burn is intended to aid in the control of invasive reed canary grass, clear away dead plant material, and restore the natural ecosystem of native upland and wetland plant species.

District staff have been planning and preparing equipment for the burn. Experience from past years shows that prescribed burning can kill up to 90 percent of invasive species, allowing the native plants to reestablish. Low-intensity fire is a natural disturbance process that rejuvenates grasslands and promotes forbs that support pollinators.

Prescribed fires are administered with constant attention, after securing permits from local fire departments, and public safety is a priority.