The Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition (KGLC) was formed shortly after the formation of the National Grazing Lands Coalition Initiative (GLCI) in 1991.  Since its inception KGLC has accomplished many great things to better Kansas grazing lands such as range schools, coffee shop meetings, youth education contests, public education meetings, to videos covering specific management topics.  Several of these projects continue with great success impacting many producers, landowners, and thousands of grazing land acres in the state of Kansas.  However, the KGLC is not content to rest on its past success and sees the need to revitalize the strength of the organization through producer involvement and partnerships with other like minded groups interested in the betterment of grazing lands in Kansas.  To learn more about the KGLC or how to get involved in the organization contact one of the coordinators listed in the Contact Us section of this website.    

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Eastern Range School - August 12-14

White Memorial Camp Link

Western Range School - August 19-21

Camp Aldrich

Registration Form

Informational Flyer

Scholarship Form

2008 Draft Range School Agendas

 

KGLC Hosts Prescribed Burning Council 

Kick-Off Meeting

Meeting Minutes

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The purpose of the meeting was to explore and discuss the possible formation of a statewide Prescribed Burn Council (PBC). The meeting was held May 13 at the Hutchinson Public Library, Hutchinson.  Forty-one people attended and contributed to the discussion.  Tim Christian, KGLC coordinator, provided a brief history and explanation of the Tall Grass Legacy Alliance’s (TLA) role and interest in the formation of a PBC to ensure that prescribed burning remains a tool for management of the Tallgrass Prairie. He explained that the KGLC’s role was only to initiate the meeting and facilitate the discussion of the formation of a PBC.  And, that if the group present decided and agreed to form a PBC, they would select a leadership group and pursue the organization of a Kansas PBC.  The KGLC would then play the role of a supportive organization.

 

The purpose of the PBC would be to serve as an advocacy group for ensuring that prescribed burning, fire, would continue to be a management tool that Kansas landowners can use to maintain the prairie ecosystem. The PBC would generally be committed to protecting the right of landowners to burn, encouraging the safe use of fire, and promoting public understanding and acceptance of prescribed burning. In addition to ensuring Kansas interests in preserving prescribed burning, the Kansas Prescribed Burn Council could or might choose to become a member of the National Coalition of PBC’s which provides coordination and information to member states on prescribed burning interests, education, and information at the national level.

 

Everyone attending generally thought there were positive benefits in forming a PBC and were interested in seeing the formation of a Kansas PBC. The main ideas expressed by the group were:

·        Maintaining the right of landowners to use prescribed fire as a management tool

·        Ensuring the use of prescribed fire to maintain the prairie ecosystem

·        Fire Safety

·        Education and Outreach to gain public understanding and acceptance

·        Smoke Management

·        Liability

·        Kansas Regulations

·        Coordination of Prescribed Burning Interests

·        Networking

·        Communication

 

Jeff Davidson, KSU Extension County Agent (Eureka) and TLA Coordinator, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the role of PBC’s.

 

Berend Koops, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, discussed legal issues and landowner responsibilities as they related to prescribed burns.  There was a discussion of legal issues and much discussion of past history of burning issues in Kansas by the group.  Kansas regulations, Landowner Liability, Smoke Management, Fire safety, and prescribed burning responsibilities were the main topics of discussion.

 

Christian summarized the group’s comments and positive feelings on the formation and organization of a Kansas PBC and suggested that a “Leadership Team” be named to carry forward and organize a Kansas PBC.

 

Those named and who were in agreement to serve on the PBC Leadership Team were:

  • Jeff Davidson, KSU Extension, Eureka, KS

  • Roland Spencer, Ranchland Development

  • Bill Waln, US Fish & Wildlife Service

  • Brian Alexander, Barber Co. Rancher, RHPBA

  • Jason Hartman, Kansas Forest Service

  • Barth Crouch, Playa Lakes Joint Venture

  • Steve Swaffar, Kansas Farm Bureau

The PBC Leadership Team was given the charge to set an agenda, date, and location for a PBC organizational meeting within the next 60 calendar days and communicate that information to those present at today’s meeting.

 

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