PRESCRIBED BURNING HOME PAGE

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
OMAHA, NE 68182-0040
PHONE: 402-554-3378
FAX: 402-554-3432
E-MAIL CONTACT: tbragg@mail.unomaha.edu
LAST UPDATE: April 16, 2002

SUMMARY

Posted here is general information on prescribed burning conducted by the Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). To receive current updates, e-mail Tom Bragg and ask to have your name added to the OMAHA RED LIST.

 

 

SCHEDULED BURNS

Prescribed burns are conducted annually within a week or so of 1 May, 1 July, and 1 November, but may also be scheduled on other dates, depending on specific burn management objectives for a particular year.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is suitable and personnel support is adequate. Most burns are conducted at either Allwine Prairie Preserve or the University of Nebraska's Agriculture and Research Development Center at Mead. Directions to both sites are provided below. Generally, Spring burns include both management burns of up to 60 acres and research plot burns; summer and fall burns generally are of research plots. Since weather conditions make it difficult to set up specific burn dates, even a week in advance, you can receive the most current information by adding your name to the OMAHA RED LIST (see above). You may also call me at (402) 554-3378 (UNO Biology Dept.) for additional information. [Go to top]

 

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation will often be available to and from the burn site(s) although we will not return until after completion of all burns scheduled for the day (which may be late in the day). Last minute details will be e-mailed to the Omaha Red List or will be posted on the door of my office. Individuals who plan to participate in only a portion of the day's burning should plan for their own transportation. Burning will start approximately 1 hour after the scheduled departure from UNO. [Go to top]

 

 

WEATHER AND/OR CANCELLATIONS

Weather conditions suitable for prescribed burning are difficult to predict so there may be some question about whether or not a burn will actually take place on a given date. If weather is questionable on the morning of a burn, check your e-mail (assuming you are on the Omaha Red List) or call me at (402) 554-3378 (UNO Biology Dept.) prior to the scheduled time of departure from UNO. Cancellations or postponements will also be posted on my office door as soon as they are determined. [Go to top]

 

 

WHAT TO BRING

Wear old clothes, preferably with a long-sleeved shirt (not made of synthetic material). Work gloves are helpful for some individuals but are not essential. If you plan to stay through the noon-hour, you might want to bring a lunch. Sunscreen is also helpful, depending on weather. Water will be provided at the burn site. Generally rest rooms are not available on-site. Nomex (fire retardant) suits, gloves, and fire helmets will be provided, depending on your level of experience and your on-site fire duties. [Go to top]

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

• If you have any bronchial problems or other similar medical conditions, it is best not to work with the burn crew, at least not at a position that places you down-wind from the smoke. Be certain to let me know if you have such a problem. If you're interested in just observing, feel free to do so.
  
• For non-university individuals, a waiver of liability, available on-site, must be signed prior to working on the burn crew.
• Children are welcome to attend but only if a parent or guardian is also present to supervise their activities. Close and continuous supervision is absolutely essential since there are often situations where fires are moving rapidly and in unexpected directions at which times fire control crew have little time to keep track of anyone. [Go to top]

DIRECTIONS TO PRINCIPAL BURN-SITES

• Allwine Prairie Preserve is located immediately north and west of the intersection of State Street and 144th Street (about 12 miles northwest of UNO).
  
  Directions to the site: Go west on West Dodge Road to 144th, then north on 144th to State Street (the last 1/4 mile of 144th is gravel). Turn left (west) at State Street and drive about 1/4 mile to the entrance to the preserve which will be on your right (north). Drive down the paved preserve road to the bottom of the hill where you will see a parking area. If there appears to be no place to park, check with someone to see where you can park your car where it will be out of danger. [Go to top]
  
  
• UN-L's Field Station is located about 6 miles south of Mead, Nebraska (travel time from UNO is approximately 45 minutes).
  
  Directions to the site: Go west on West Dodge Road to the intersection of US Highway 275, then south to Nebraska Highway 92. At Nebraska 92, proceed west for about 11 miles which will take you through Waterloo and across the Platte River. When you are approximately 11 miles from the intersection of US 275 and NE 92, look for a sign directing you south to UN- L's field station. The road on which you turn south (Avenue A) will be immediately after a gas station on the right (north) and a convenience store on the left (south). Go south on Avenue A for approximately 6 miles until you reach Nebraska Highway 63; this will be at the first stop sign you reach. At NE 63, turn right (west) and proceed for 1 mile to a gravel road (County Road H). At this intersection, turn right (north) and proceed north on County Road H for about 1/2 mile. The Mead research plots will be located on your right (east). Proceed until you see where other cars are parked. There is only one wire gate into the area but the entrance road is often too muddy for travel. [Go to top]