MUSCATINE, Iowa–A prescribed fire workshop will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center at Discovery Park in Muscatine. This workshop caters to landowners interested in using prescribed fire as a management tool for prairies and woodlands, although anyone 18 and older may attend. Organizers encourage volunteer fire fighters to attend as they may find this class helpful in responding to wildfires.

This training increases knowledge about using prescribed fire as a management tool. The class will cover a brief history of fire in Iowa, the benefits of prescribed fire, setting management goals and objectives, the use of burn plans, fire weather, safety, and lots more. This one-day class does not provide any certifications and does not include conducting a burn. Landowners should bring maps of the areas they would like to burn, and the instructors will help to answer questions about the areas. Participants in this class can check out a fire equipment cache stocked with wild-land firefighting equipment such as bladder bags, drip torches, Nomex suits, fire specific tools and personal protective equipment.

Participants must pre-register due to limited space. You can register and pay online at www.Tri-Rivers.org or download a form to fill out and mail in with your payment of $15. Anyone interested can also pick up forms in Louisa or Muscatine Counties at their conservation offices and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices. Contact Louisa County Conservation at (319)-523-8381 or lccb@lccb.org with questions. Form and payment secure a place in the class. The $15 fee includes class materials, juice, rolls, and lunch. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the workshop with coffee and donuts.

The Great Rivers Alliance of Southeast Iowa and Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation will sponsor the class Their partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service; Natural Resources Conservation Service; The Nature Conservancy; Des Moines, Johnson, Lee, Louisa, and Muscatine County Conservation Boards; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the Bur Oak Land Trust; and Trees Forever.