I went to a local prairie conservation burn (sounds crazy but it works) and got off quite a few good shots I thought I would share. This occurred last Friday, 5 DEC.
There were 17 of us working a 40 acre expanse of original remnant native prairie. The occassional burning of the prairie is very beneficial as it destroys and keeps in check those woody brushes and trees trying to get a foothold into the prairie.
The prairie grasses themselves are not hurt during the burn as many of the grass roots extend 4-14 feet down beneath the surface!
#1 Laying down the fire line to get things going.
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#2 Here comes the fire!
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#3 Burn, baby, BURN!
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#4 In 20 minutes 40 acres of native prairie have been reduced to ashes. Now to patrol and wipe out and "hot spots".
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#5 A rising and discipating pillar of smoke is all that remains until spring when the grasses return with more strength.
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A great experience and I look forward to documenting the return of the prairie grasses each month from here on out.
The only critter we scared out was a good size coyote, but it made it out in plenty of time.
