Smoky Hills Prescribed Burn Association

09/11/2026

For those chasing the OWB control methods, I will reiterate, August back burns are the most kill effective and cost effective control. These pictures from Rick Pflughoeft north of Ellsworth are August 7th burn and September 11 follow up. The crown kill rate was phenomenal. The proof is in the pictures. Natives can tolerate these burns because they adapted to the prairie burns, invasive species are intolerant.
Unfortunately, I could not get any SHPBA members to assist in my OWB burns this past August. August burns are important in our ecosystem. The success of SHPBA depends on members willing to help each other.

09/03/2026

An unused firebreak for an August burn that was never lit because membership would not commit. It’s not always easy to build a crew for a safe fire.

09/02/2026

September 1st follow up on the August 12 back burn to control OWB

08/31/2026

08/30/2026

Out this morning walking the pups and checking out the August 12th CRP back burn. Here are two videos on the allopathic nature of OWB and identification of the OWB

08/28/2026

One more old world bluestem post. This afternoon I took the hoe out to grub out some of the individual OWB plants. It takes a lot of effort due to dry ground and extensive fibrous roots.

08/27/2026

Revisiting the pasture fifteen days after an August OWB back burn to apply glyphosate to those crowns that survived.

08/19/2026

CRP back burned August 12 at 100+ air temp, mild south wind, 30ish humidity. A 2.65” rain occurred 2 days after the burn. Now on August 19, the brome has resprouted along with the big bluestem. You can identify the scorched areas of OWB. However, there are OWB resprouts one week later so it was not a total kill. BUT! That burn will open up those areas of OWB patches improving the wildlife habitat for a few years. Stay tuned …

08/17/2026

Fire vs. Old World Bluestems: Join us for a unique K-State Research Burn

Members and Supporters:
Ever wonder how August fire really stacks up against invasive Old World bluestems? Here is your chance to find out firsthand and help drive local research.

The Smoky Hills Prescribed Burn Association has been invited by K-State Research for a unique field opportunity. They want to target a pasture with a heavy, established, mix of both Yellow and Caucasian bluestem (see first image for both species). Researchers suspect Caucasian bluestem is the more vulnerable of the two when hit with summer fire—and they need boots on the ground to help put that theory to the test.

The Mission:
Prior to the burn, the team will map out and identify the separate species for post burn data collection. The team will be conducting a back burn on the research plot, followed by a post-burn crown count. We will need at least 8 on the burn crew. Then, as a follow up, we will need a crew to help tallying live versus dead crowns for both species to measure the precise effectiveness of back burns on eradicating these specific invaders.

Why You Should Be There:
Contribute to Science:
Help researchers uncover actionable data we can all use in our management toolboxes. Help identify the effectiveness of back burns in each species.
Expand Your Skills:
Gain valuable experience with August prescribed burning, which behaves differently than our traditional spring windows. Gain experience in identifying Yellow and Caucasian bluestems.
Talk Strategy:
A great chance to swap notes with fellow landowners who share the ongoing battle against Old World bluestem.

If you are interested in joining the team for this burn, reach out to me directly. Once I have 8 team members, I’ll work with that team on the exact location and timing. The changing weather conditions will dictate the burn date and time.

Let's help KSU Research put some fire to work and document what it can do.
Best regards,

08/13/2026

Another learning opportunity

Check here for updates or by calling the McPherson County Conservation District office.