Fire is the Key Topic at Upcoming Range Schools
August 12-14 and August 19-21, 2008

"Principles of Rangeland Management - Grass and Animal Ecology in Kansas is a three-day event that will provide in-the-field, hands-on experience for attendees, and a chance to learn first-hand from other ranchers and land management experts," said Tim Christian, state coordinator, Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, Inc. (KGLC). A primary focus for the schools is the use of prescribed fire as a management tool across the state.

KGLC will conduct two schools with one at White Memorial Camp, Council Grove, for the school for eastern Kansas beginning Tuesday, August 12 and running through Thursday, August 14, 2008. The west school will be held Tuesday, August 19 through Thursday, August 21, 2008, at Camp Aldrich, Claflin, said Christian.

Featured speakers this summer include (east school) John Bradley, rancher and veterinarian, Lawrence; Justin and Dana Thomas, botanists, Salem, MO; Bill Sproul, rancher, Sedan; Brian Obermeyer, The Nature Conservancy, Eureka; and Dale Kirkham, rancher, Eureka. Featured at the west school are Ted Alexander, rancher, Sun City; Jeff Hansen, Kansas Native Plant Society, Topeka; Virgil Huseman, rancher, Ellsworth; and Jeff Davidson, rancher, Eureka. Check the KGLC Web site for more biographical information on each speaker as the school dates near.

The schools are co-sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kansas State University Research and Extension Service, Kansas State Conservation Commission, and the Playa Lakes Joint Venture. The school is geared for not only ranchers, but others as well, who are interested in Kansas rangeland ecology. Teachers, natural resource professionals, nature buffs, land managers, agricultural lenders, and other interested folks can find additional information on the school out on the KGLC Web site.

Interested persons should go to www.kglc.org for an informational flyer and fill out the registration form and the scholarship form which must be returned by Wednesday, August 6 (Western Range School).

Last Modified: 07/21/2008