Don’t forget burn permits for spring burning
Brian Rees
Saturday, February 28, 2009
I hope that by now everyone has their 2009 burn permit here in Lyon County. I did notice last weekend that there were a number of smoke clouds on the horizon, especially Sunday, and they will only become more prominent in the coming weeks as we get into the heart of spring prairie burning season.
Let’s all do our part to be safe — especially in Lyon County — by making sure to have a permit, ensure you have enough people and equipment to carry out the burn, then call the sheriff’s office with the location both before and after the burn.
On a different note I would encourage everyone that owns or manages land to plan on being in attendance at the Anderson Building on the Lyon County Fairgrounds on Thursday afternoon/evening March 5. On hand will be four very well informed wildlife habitat and management specialists, talking about things you can do to enhance or manage the wildlife on your property.
The specialists will be talking about turkey, quail, deer, fish and pond management among other topics. Additionally there will be some printed information available from the speakers and they will be available for questions prior to the start of the program and all will be available during the meal break, and we hope they will all be available for questions at the end of the program.
The event is scheduled to begin with registration at 4 p.m., with the first speaker kicking off at 4:30. There will be two speakers before the light evening meal, and two following the meal. Our speakers will be finished by 8 p.m.
Please call the Extension Office, 341-3220, by March 3 to allow for an accurate head-count to plan for the meal. We will be asking for a donation to help offset the cost of the meal. Let’s get out and see if there is a way to enhance the wildlife on your property, and increase your income or enjoyment as a result!
One last reminder for those youth ages 14-16 who are interested in working and operating farm equipment for someone other than their parents: tractor safety sessions will be taught from 6 to 9 p.m. on the evenings of March 9 and 12. Pre-register and pick up the class materials prior to March 2 at the Lyon, Chase, Coffey or Morris County Extension Offices. Attendance is required on both evenings to complete the training course and receive your operator’s certificate.
Finally, as I started this article, let’s be safe with our burning this spring. Burning is an important management tool for our native grasslands, not only for brush control but also for improved gains by the cattle will soon graze them. We do, however, need to use fire with caution and respect it. And please adhere to the law in your respective county!