Spring 2007 Burns
April 9th
Haack 3 Corner Unit
Burn Crew
JFMB
BB
Al Steelman
Joe McGovern
Brian Fankhauser
Tom Shepherd
Steve Beaumont
Sandra Stevens
Post Burn Observations
Best preps for prairie crabs and hawthorns were done in fall. Very recent preps were not as effective
Low fuel moisture due to many days of high winds and low Rh on burn day produced very complete burn in spite of damp soil conditions. This also resulted in greened up fuel breaks not holding. Refer to burn day weather data.
Fine fuel burned down to waters edge in ditch except at NE end of ditch in the woods.
On South line near bottom of slope and on flat near ditch crossing the wind was from the South even though the prevailing wind was NNW. We have experienced this previously.
The South fuel break was double wide due to fuel load South of unit.
NE woods did not burn due to lack of fine fuel.
Black line on East side was improved due to clearing done since last burn, however more clearing should be done at South edge of woods.
Black line at NE ditch walk crossing was insufficient.
Prairie crab grove in woods and at base of slope possibly intentionally lit by uninformed crew.
No mortality observed.
Improvements to Unit
Improve black line along East fuel break at juncture of prairie slope and woods
Improve black line at East end of ditch along walk break.
Include a greater portion of West side of ditch on unit perhaps all the way to 250th and I ave.
Use more pink flags to mark prairie crab and inform crew.
SW RFB/Bacculis/Kinzler Corner Unit
Burn Crew
JFMB
BB
Al Steelman
Joe McGovern
Brian Fankhauser
Tom Shepherd
Steve Beaumont
Sandra Stevens
Post Burn Observations
Greened-up fuel break did not hold due to low Rh and low fuel moisture
Snag Alley- Reed canary grass- strong head fire raced from W-E noted on previous burns as well
SW corner black line was not wide enough nor was the West black line in both wooded areas
Eastern gamma grass burned vigorously
N line West of filter strip-spotty burn due to poor horizontal continuity of fine fuels
Mortality- one dead garter snake
Improvements to Unit
Include with S Clubb Ditch Unit (filter strip and fescue field) to make larger unit.
Clear SW corner and wooded areas to improve black line.
Seed into West half of N fuel break to improve horizontal continuity of fine fuel.