The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Mississippi Army National Guard and the Mississippi Forestry Commission are hosting a workshop at Camp McCain Training Center on Oct. 21 to educate landowners about prescribed fire. Camp McCain Training Center is a Mississippi National Guard training facility located approximately ten miles west of Grenada.
John Gruchy, Private Lands Program Coordinator for the MDWFP is excited to introduce the use of prescribed fire to the area.
“We are excited to be partnered with the National Guard and the Mississippi Forestry Commission to introduce prescribed fire to local individuals,” Gruchy said. “Safety is our number one concern, and we want to make sure that you are using the safe and effective way when burning.”
Topics covered during the workshops include safe and effective use of prescribed fire, fire ecology and wildlife habitat, and legal issues related to prescribed burning in Mississippi. Weather permitting; participants will be given the chance to assist in a prescribed burn demonstration.
“Most individuals in the State of Mississippi have their own equipment or have access to their own equipment in order to burn on their property,” Gruchy concluded. “We just want to make sure that things are shown to the land owners in a way that they don’t get in over their heads when burning. If they seem to think it can’t be done on their own, we can provide those contractors for them to make sure things are done safely. Again, safety is our main priority always.”
The class is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend the workshop. Registration cost is $5, which includes materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register or for more information call (662) 226-6000 or email b.clark@msstate.edu
For more information regarding managing wildlife using prescribed burning on your property, visit them online at www.mdwfp.com/privatelands or call at (601) 432-2199. You can also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp or on twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline
