Journal entry by Al Negstad — 23 minutes ago
Joanne would likely say "O, Al," as she often did with my puns and other lame humor. Seriously, this is about fire. Some of my land is enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP...not CPR). It is a ten year contract with the government to take land out of production for three reasons: support crop prices, conserve water and soil, and benefit wildlife. This land has been in CRP 5, years so the terms of the contract specify that some mid-term management be done and one option is to burn the dead grass.
Burning is very helpful to the native grasses as it replicates the prairie fires which once were common. It also inhibits invasive plants such as smooth brome grass and Canadian Thistle...it doesn't kill the thistle but it certainly annoys them. 😉 The reinvigorated native plants also compete more effectively with the invasives.
The Sinai volunteer fire department has agreed to manage the burn. Yes, they not only put out fires but they are the "go to" people for controlled burns. Because it is an after work project for these volunteers the match will be struck late afternoon or early evening. With rain and snow predicted for tonight it is now or never because the contract stipulates burning must be completed in April, i.e., before pheasants begin nesting.
"Where there's smoke there's fire." OK OK...it may be late before this hot project is finished therefore I'm posting early.
Blessings,
Al
Burning is very helpful to the native grasses as it replicates the prairie fires which once were common. It also inhibits invasive plants such as smooth brome grass and Canadian Thistle...it doesn't kill the thistle but it certainly annoys them. 😉 The reinvigorated native plants also compete more effectively with the invasives.
The Sinai volunteer fire department has agreed to manage the burn. Yes, they not only put out fires but they are the "go to" people for controlled burns. Because it is an after work project for these volunteers the match will be struck late afternoon or early evening. With rain and snow predicted for tonight it is now or never because the contract stipulates burning must be completed in April, i.e., before pheasants begin nesting.
"Where there's smoke there's fire." OK OK...it may be late before this hot project is finished therefore I'm posting early.
Blessings,
Al
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