Prescribed Burns Slated for Southwest WMAs

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NGPC news release, 3/20/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has planned prescribed burns on two of the agency’s southwest wildlife management areas (WMA) during March and April.

According to wildlife biologist Lance Hastings of North Platte, the burns are scheduled for the Cedar Valley WMA east of Wellfleet in Lincoln County and for the Clear Creek WMA east of Lewellen in Keith County. Hastings said that the planned burns are multi-agency projects involving Commission personnel, Natural Resources Conservation Service, local fire departments and private landowners.

Hastings said the primary goal of the burns is to promote native biodiversity by reintroducing the natural component of fire into the ecosystem. He said that the timing of the spring burns allow for an increase in plant diversity and curtail the invasion of woody species. He said that burning is also a management technique used to stimulate the growth of desirable plant species while suppressing invasive exotic species.

Hastings said that another benefit is the removal of years of vegetative litter that obstructs movement of many species such as ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey and northern bobwhite quail. Litter also is not a desirable nesting component.

“After the burn, we expect to see the growth of forbs, which will in turn promote insect life, a vital food source for upland game bird chicks. White-tailed deer and mule deer will benefit from the increase in forbs and from the improved nutritional quality of the rejuvenated browse.” Hastings said.

Hastings said another goal is to reduce fuel loads on wildlife management areas to suppress the potential of wildfires on the area that may spread onto private property, destroying buildings, homes and other structures, while threatening humans and livestock.