The Crowing Post:  05/21/07

Pheasants Forever Awarded Grant to Conduct Prescribed Burns

Recently Pheasants Forever was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to help purchase equipment needed to safely conduct prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat.  The equipment will be managed by the Central Nebraska Prescribed Burn Association (CNPBA).

Prescribed fire is one of the most underused habitat management tools available.  People are often nervous about loosing control of a prescribed fire and doing damage to neighboring property.  Lack of training and proper equipment often times leads to land managers shying away from conducting a prescribed burn.  “Prescribed fire is a great habitat management tool that landowners shouldn’t be afraid of,” explained Keith Brus, PF Wildlife Biologist, “with training, proper planning, and the type of equipment made available from this grant prescribed fires can safely and effectively be used to improve wildlife habitat.”

The equipment planned to be purchased includes a water pump insert for pick-up trucks, flappers, hand held pumps, and other necessary items needed to help landowners safely conduct prescribed burns.  “Thousands of acres of habitat will be improved because of this grant.  Pheasants Forever and the CNPBA really appreciate the support that the NGPC has given in this effort” Brus continued.

 habitat today….pheasants forever!