proper management became neces- sary. The role of fi re in rangeland ecology was soon recognized and efforts were expended toward gain- ing acceptance of its use as a range management tool. Prescribed fi re, like most other
land management practices, can cause more harm than good if it is not done correctly. When executed properly, however, it is a safe, effec- tive and economical tool. Good preparation is essential
for a successful burn, as proven by Frank Price and his son, Sims, who ranch near Sterling City. They have used prescribed burns for several years to control prickly pear and cedar without letting the fi re get out of control. Frank and Sims’ conservation
work has earned them the Out- standing Rangeland Steward Award from Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and Texas Sec- tion, Society for Range Manage- ment, and they are the Region IV winners of the National Cattlemen’s Association Environmental Stew- ardship Award Program (ESAP).
Proper planning equals safety “We feel that our prescribed
When pastures need brush control, have enough fuel to carry a fi re and contain adequate soil moisture, we begin planning a burn.
burns have been successful because of the time we devote to planning and preparation,” says Sims Price, a state certifi ed burn boss. “When pastures need brush con-
trol, have enough fuel to carry a fi re and contain adequate soil mois- ture, we begin planning a burn. A Prescribed Burning Management Plan is completed and fi led with the county judge, county commis- sioner, fi re department and sher- iff’s department. We also notify companies that have utility lines across the property. If a ranch has oil or gas wells or wind turbines
76 The Cattleman November 2013
Frank, left, and Sims Price, Sterling City. Sims is a certifi ed burn manager.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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