by Adam Russell
CANTON – A workshop focused on prescribed burning will be April 21 in Canton.
The event, co-sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will begin with registration at 8 a.m. at the Van Zandt County Farm Bureau, 281 E. Texas Highway 243.
Cost is $20. Organizers ask that attendees RSVP with the AgriLife Extension office in Van Zandt County at 903-567-4149. The event includes lunch and refreshments.
Topics and speakers include:
- Why Burn? Fire History and Fire Effects – Chris Schenk, TPWD statewide fire program leader, Tyler.
- Planning a Burn, Including Weather and Fire Behavior – Larry LeBeau, TPWD wildlife biologist, Tyler.
- Tools, Equipment and Resources – Heidi Bailey, TPWD wildlife biologist, Van.
- Burn Contractors – Kevin Bowman, Bowman Land Management president, Athens.
- Safety, Liability and the Law – Jason Ellis, Texas A&M Forest Service district forester, Jacksonville.
Demonstration burns will be conducted at 1 p.m., weather permitting, following the speaker presentations.
One Texas Department of Agriculture integrated pest management continuing education unit will be available for attendees.
“Prescribed fire is the most efficient, effective and cheapest management tool for managing native habitats in East Texas,” said Tommy Phillips, AgriLife Extension agent Van Zandt County. “We invite residents from Van Zandt and all surrounding counties to come learn about this great time honored tool of land management.”
