NMFWRI teams with High Plains Grasslands Alliance to explore prescribed fire use for private working lands
NMFWRI’s Collaboration Program worked with the High Plains Grasslands Alliance (HPGA) and the Conservation Science Center to host a September workshop aimed at providing resources to local landowners on the use of prescribed fire (Rx fire) for managing private working lands. The event, which brought together a diverse group of partners- including the Forest Stewards Guild, the Nature Conservancy, Partners for Fish & Wildlife, the New Mexico State Forestry Division, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the State of New Mexico Rx Fire Council, and the NMFWRI Monitoring Program—provided participants with a comprehensive overview of Rx fire. Workshop attendees were introduced to the State of New Mexico’s Rx Burn Manager Certification Program.
A key highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Ben Wheeler, a recognized expert in Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) and Coordinating Wildlife Biologist with Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever from Ord, Nebraska. Wheeler emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in the successful implementation of Rx fire practices. Participants engaged in discussions regarding potential opportunities associated with the Rx Burn Manager Certification Program and explored cooperative efforts for utilizing Rx fire on private lands in New Mexico.