HOLDREGE, Nebraska –  On April 20, Tri-Basin Natural Resources District (TBNRD), Lower Republican Natural Resources District (LRNRD) and Central Platte Rangeland Alliance (CPRA) conducted a burn on the Platte Republican Diversion (PRD) pasture west of Smithfield, Nebraska.

The goal was to reduce the number of Eastern Redcedar, and clear old grass thatch so native prairie grasses can be rejuvenated. The control of Eastern Redcedar is important in maintaining and restoring a balanced ecosystem. Prescribed burns help control native and non-native vegetation that encroach on rangeland prairie grasses, and maintain the health of existing plants while adding nutrients to the soil.

Fire is a natural feature of native prairie, however as people have settled the plains, wildfires have been suppressed to protect property and life. Without natural fire, some species of plants dominate and take over the land. The goal is to use fire to restore the native grassland.

There is a great deal of planning that goes into a controlled burn. Specialized equipment and trained people are required to safely execute a fire plan. You must have proper weather conditions and obtain a burn permit from your local fire chief to be allowed to conduct a prescribed burn.

The Platte Republican Diversion pasture is land used for diverting water from the Platte River to the Republican River.