Prescribed Fire: Protection and Prevention

Ashley Larsen – Wet line – CAPTION: Ashley Larsen, burn volunteer, putting down a wet line around the perimeter of the fire.

HOLDREGE, Neb. – Tri-Basin NRD, along with other organizations and local ranchers, conducted a prescribed fire on Sunday, April 6th, west of Smithfield in Gosper County. The Platte Republican Diversion (PRD) pasture and surrounding properties totaling almost 1400 acres of grassland were treated. The purpose of the fire was to reduce the number of Eastern Redcedar in rangeland, clear grass thatch so native prairie grasses can rejuvenate, and to consume fuel to help prevent the spread of wildfires. They also help support the health of existing plants and add nutrients to the soil.

“We have seen an increase in native warm season grasses as well as wildflowers germinating across the landscape after the 2020 burn” said NRD Land Resources Coordinator Dalton Refior of Loomis. “We are excited to see the effects of the fire this time around and expect a noticeable increase in native warm season grasses and beneficial pollinator species once again.”

The burn went very well and was effective in clearing the majority of cedars from the area. There is a great deal of planning that goes into a prescribed burn. Only with experienced professionals, trained volunteers and specialized equipment can a prescribed fire be safely executed. Weather conditions must be watched before and during the fire. A burn permit will not be granted by the local fire chief if the wind or conditions are not right.

The PRD pasture is the location where water will be diverted from the Platte River to the Republican River after the state issues a water right for the project. John Thorburn, Tri-Basin NRD General Manager said, “This prescribed burn was a big effort for Tri-Basin and our partners. This burn was five times larger than any burn Tri-Basin has done in the past.  I want to extend thanks to our neighbors, the Central Platte Range Alliance and many volunteers from other agencies and organizations (over 60 people) who helped with the burn.”

About Tri-Basin Natural Resources District

The Tri-Basin Natural Resources District (NRD) protects lives, property, and the future of Gosper, Phelps, and Kearney counties through stewardship, management, and education programs — ranging from tree planting to groundwater quality and quantity monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation. Activities and projects of Tri-Basin NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. Tri-Basin NRD is one of 23 Natural Resources Districts across Nebraska. For more information, visit tribasinnrd.org or call 308.995.6688.