Kansas Landowner Survey on Prescribed Burning - We Need Your Input
Kansas landowners and land managers have an opportunity to directly influence the future of prescribed fire in the state through a new survey led by researchers at Kansas State University.
The survey focuses on how uncertainty—ranging from county regulations to community perceptions and environmental conditions—affects decisions about prescribed burning. These insights are critical in a state where fire plays a key role in maintaining healthy grazing lands.
Prescribed fire remains one of the most effective tools for managing invasive species, improving forage quality, and sustaining native grasslands. However, many producers face increasing challenges when planning and implementing burns. This survey aims to better understand those challenges from the people making decisions on the ground.
Participation is simple and flexible. Landowners can complete a paper survey, scan a QR code, or take the survey online. The process takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and all responses are voluntary and confidential.
Researchers say the results will help Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs), local leaders, and policymakers better understand how landowners manage risk and uncertainty. Ultimately, the findings may help guide future prescribed fire policies not only in Kansas but across other grassland regions.
For landowners who prefer a paper version, postage-paid return envelopes are available. Questions about the survey can be directed to Caroline Ruto, a PhD student in the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences at Kansas State University.
With fire continuing to play a vital role in grazing land health, this survey offers Kansas producers a chance to ensure their voice is part of the conversation.