By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
With wildfires dominating the national news, the timing is right for a brush management workshop hosted by the Barton County Conservation District and K-State Research and Extension - Cottonwood District. Conservation District Manager Veronica Coons said the workshop will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Hoisington Activity Center.
"We're going to be talking about managing brush and invasives on your pastures," she said. "We're going to have a specialist from K-State Extension talking to us about that. We're also going to be bringing in Jess Crockford for the Smoky Hills Prescribed Burn Association to talk about brush management techniques that include fire."
Coons said brush management is becoming a bigger and bigger issue in Kansas, especially as it pertains to conserving water.
"A lot of the brush includes invasive eastern red cedars that have gotten out of windbreaks and are invading the pasture areas," she said. "They actually take up a lot of water. If they're allowed to grow, they can create an awful lot of fuel in case there's a wildfire."
The workshop will also include a discussion about the proposed Golden Belt Prescribed Fire Association. The event is free and includes a meal. Call (620) 793-1910 by Monday, Jan. 27 to reserve a spot.