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PBAs burn specific area in organized manner

A prescribed burn

ECCD

What is a Prescribed Burn Association?

A Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) brings individuals and equipment together to burn a specific area in an organized manner.  Many PBAs exist in Kansas already with the nearest one located in Russell County.  It was formed in 2008.

A PBA is a 501c3 that falls under the Kansas Prescribed Burn Council; this prevents each PBA across Kansas from having to get their own 501c3.  The PBA can in turn apply for grants; they can obtain equipment from the Kansas Forest Service or equipment from other agencies, like two-way radios.

An important role of a Prescribed Burn Association is that it teaches individuals about fire.  It teaches individuals how to develop a burn plan, where to go for weather information, how to identify hazards during the planning process, how to make a fireguard, how to put down a wet-line, what type of spray rigs are needed and how much water to have on-hand.

Why is it critical to burn pastures? A controlled burn recycles valuable nutrients and works to control eastern red cedar trees and other woody invaders.  Downed trees cut with a clipper, if not burnt up, will normally result in new sprouts within a few years.   Cutting them is only part of the process.  A follow-up burn is needed.

The PBA does not accept any liability for a burn.  The person who is doing the burn must be a member of the PBA and liability falls back on them.   With the added assistance and proper planning the PBA offers however, one reduces the risk substantially.

PBAs have by-laws, elect officers and meet regularly.   The PBA cannot carry out a burn on a non-member.   The strength of the Association is it is always better to burn with many people and plenty of equipment than it is to attempt a burn by one’s self.

Interested parties may contact the Ellis County Conservation District at 2715 Canterbury Drive, Hays KS or 785-628-3081, ext 3.

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