Basic prescribed burn workshop scheduled Aug. 11-13 in Sonora

SONORA  – The Academy for Ranch Management will host a basic prescribed burn workshop Aug. 11-13 at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora.
The station is 28 miles south of Sonora on U.S. Highway 55.
“Burning is an efficient range management tool that eliminates use of chemicals or costly mechanical control methods,” said Ray Hinnant, AgriLife Research senior research associate and one of the workshop instructors.
During times of drought, such as the current conditions across Texas, Hinnant said incorporating an effective prescribed burn management plan on a ranch can be a preventative strategy.
“Burning reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfires by removing hazardous fuel loads,” Hinnant said. “This workshop will give a comprehensive overview of this method, plus other topics.”
The Academy for Ranch Management offers hands-on experience with both classroom and field activities for participants. The workshop provides education for existing ranch owners, new ranch or landowners and for absentee owners who are several generations away from the ranch, Hinnant said.
Hinnant and Dr. Charles “Butch” Taylor, station superintendent, are prescribed burning board lead instructors and will be teaching the workshop.
The basic workshop will provide information on managing fuels, weather monitoring and equipment for fire suppression. Participants will develop a prescribed burn plan and will conduct a prescribed burn, Hinnant said.
“The basic workshop is a prerequisite to the advanced workshop,” he said. “The advanced workshop provides additional information on weather and fuels with more emphasis on planning and directing a prescribed burn as the burn boss.”
Cost is $395 and includes meals and on-site lodging. For more information and to register, call 979-820-1778 or 325-387-3168 or visit http://www.ranchmanagement.org to download the registration form.
-30-