WQPL Speaker Series: Prescribed Burns: Planning and Benefits

In this installment of the Water Quality Protection Lands Speaker Series, Austin Water Wildland Conservation's Wildland Fire Program Coordinator Matt Lore presents on prescribed burns. Matt joined us in January 2020 after spending 6 seasons as a wildland firefighter in both western states, like California and Idaho, as well as here in Texas. In addition to his wildland firefighting background, Matt has worked on conservation projects across Texas. His presentation will cover the planning that is needed for broadcast burns, agency and partner relationships, and the benefits of treating the land with prescribed fire. Prescribed fire helps us to safely mimic the natural fires that have helped to shape our prairies and when used as a land management tool, fire prepares sites for the planting of native grass and wildflower seeds, invigorates many native plants, and reduces the abundance of some introduced invasive plants.