ally get the cambium layer around the base of the tree up to 140° F.” Under those circumstances, another management
practice may be necessary, but beyond that exception, fi re remains the most ecological and cost-effective practice for controlling encroaching, non-resprouting woody species. Fire is also environmentally friendly. Goodwin says there has been concern that burns increase carbon
Fire remains the most ecological and cost-effective practice for controlling encroaching, non-resprouting woody species.
emissions; however, studies by Dr. Jim Ansley at the Texas AgriLife Research station at Vernon have found that carbon lost through combustion is more than offset by the carbon sequestered through the infl ux of plant growth following the fi re. Both quality and quantity of forage are increased
by fi re, and the timing and intensity of fi re can be managed to promote the growth of forbs that nourish wildlife. A burn later in the season promotes warm-
season grasses to enhance cattle grazing. You can even improve food supplies for white-tailed
deer. Goodwin says fi re can “top-kill” shrubs, causing the canopy to drop to the ground and the shrubs to resprout from the base, making the shoots available to the deer.
Fire self-help groups Rising interest in prescribed burning for uses ranging
from grazing lands to recreation and wildlife habitat has led to rapid growth in the number of prescribed burn associations (PBA), self-help groups whose members help each other perform the practice. The fi rst PBA to form in the U.S., and one of 12 in Texas, is the Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burn Association (EPPBA). Dr. Morgan Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension range specialist, says other states have used the framework of the EPPBA to form their own associations. “Most of these prescribed burn associations have
fairly large-type ranches, and when one neighbor is burning they contact all of their neighbors and others within the association to come out and help conduct that prescribed burn,” she says. “All of our associations within the state of Texas have self-suffi cient equipment,
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tscra.org March 2016 The Cattleman 57
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