SC 2010 02 09: FIRE

[jfrenzel]

Stewards Circle
February 9, 2010
7:30-8:30AM
Brueggers Bagels
“Prescribed fire is our most historically accurate restoration tool. How and when do we
use prescribed fire? Is it right for your location? What results have you had from
prescribed fire?”
 NRCS says they require a disked break. Is that necessary?
o They are likely to accept a mowed break
o Let them know what type of vegetation is around the break
 Brome grass thrives with fire.
o Burns well before it greens up
o Less smoke if you burn it early
o You’ll set it back more the longer you wait in the season
 When thinking about burning, it’s important to ask what you hope to accomplish.
o Timing of burn depends on goals
o Early burn will remove more thatch
o Later burn will set back brome grass more
 Plan long term when thinking about site layout
o Burns will be cheaper and easier the less you have to burn around
 Pay attention to the area on the other side of your burn break
o Fire is just as appropriate in the woods as in the fields
o May not need a burn break around the field if burning in the woods.
 Could use leaf blowers to blow a break in the woods
 City of Ann Arbor burn permit fee is now $190 for residential, $280 for
commercial per year. Used to be free.
 A 5 acre burn by a contractor might be $1500-$2000 depending on factors
o The less structures, wood chipped trials, bird houses, etc the cheaper
 It is possible for landowners to burn their own site
o Beneficial to have professional help with the first burn, at least
o Volunteers could help out with NAP burns for experience