Roby -

A Prescribed Burning Certification Workshop will be held at the Roby Community Center on August 4-7, 2009.  Satisfactory completion of this course is the first step towards becoming licensed as a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager.   The workshop is sponsored by the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch located eleven miles west of here.  Ranchers and others in range and wildlife management are encouraged to attend.
 
"Prescribed burning is a crescent-wrench sort of management tool” says Paul Melton, chairman of RPQRR’s advisory committee and avid prescribed burner.  “It can be used in various situations to achieve multiple goals, including better livestock gains, brush control, and better wildlife habitat.  And it accomplishes multiple goals at reasonable costs ($5 to 8 per acre).  But you need proper training-—it's a lot more than just throwing matches."

Many range, ranch, and wildlife managers are sold on the idea of prescribed burning, but in recent years an increasing frequency of county burn bans has hampered attempts to use fire as a tool.  Certified Prescribed Burn Managers have authority to burn even if county burn bans are in place.

The mission of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch is to develop and demonstrate technologies that optimize quail habitat, and fire is one of the necessary ingredients. 

“The RPQRR is well suited to serve this area as a hands-on laboratory and training ground for others interested in prescribed burning” said Melton.  “There is considerable interest in creating  a Western Rolling Plains Prescribed Burn Association, and the RPQRR is well located to serve as its hub."
 
The workshop will be a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on burning experience in the field.  The instructors are Ray Hinnant and Dr. Butch Taylor.  Following satisfactory completion of this course, there are additional requirements of experience and insurance that must be met before becoming licensed as a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager.

Cost is $450 per student.  Registration includes course materials, refreshments, and one meal.  Participation is limited to a maximum of 25 students.  To pre-register, send a check payable to “RPQRR Fire Workshop” to RPQRR, 7887 U.S. Hwy. 87 N., San Angelo, TX  76901-9714.

For more information contact Melton at 325-668-2800, or e-mail melton@dishmail.net.  For more information about RPQRR, see www.quailresearch.org or call 325-776-2615.

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