DNR Prescribed Fire Course at UIU
FAYETTE, Iowa (April 8, 2008) - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Forestry Fire Division will conduct a Prescribed Fire Course beginning at 8 a.m. on Apr. 18 in the East Cafeteria, Garbee Hall, on the Upper Iowa University Fayette Campus.
The course is sponsored and hosted by Upper Iowa University and the Fayette County Conservation Board. Classroom sessions will be held during the morning and early afternoon.
Topics to be covered in the training include the history of fire in Iowa, benefits of fire for prairie and forests, creating and using burn plans, setting goals and objectives, fire weather, fire breaks, tools and lighting techniques, and safety.
Weather permitting, a field exercise burn will be held near Fayette later in the afternoon. Fire department personnel, land management personnel, landowners, naturalists, students, and anyone interested in using prescribed fire as a management tool should attend.
Those who wish to participate in the burn exercise should wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants, in all natural fibers. Eye protection, ear protection, leather gloves, leather boots, and a helmet or natural-fiber hat are also required. Participants who have Nomex clothing should bring it.
There is no charge for the course but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Lunch is available to participants through the university's cafeteria for $5.25. You may also bring your own noon meal.
For more information about the course and the burn, contact Jim Beeghly, jbeeghly@iowatelecom.net, 563-425-4026.
Contact Kata McCarville, UIU assistant professor, to pre-register by April 16. Each participant must provide a name, mailing address, telephone number and/or email address. Information can be sent by email to McCarville at mccarvillek@uiu.edu or call 563-425-5233 to leave a message.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu