Curriculum

Fire, harvester ants, and horned lizards-Links between land management, predators, and prey.

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In this study, we examined how prescribed burning influenced the home range size of Texas horned lizards in central Texas. In addition, we also examined how fires and drought influenced the nutritional quality, abundance and density of the primary prey item of the lizard. We then modeled how these factors influence lizard survival. Fires changed the vegetation of the area in a predictable way. Fires impact horned lizard survival, but differentially between sexes. Finally, fires change the nutritional quality of the ants, but not in the way you might think. These data will help guide future habitat management and restoration efforts.

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Patch Burn Benefits Prairie Ecosystems: Bill Sprouls

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Bill Sprouls, Kansas Rancher, discusses his philosophy of ranching. Bill takes a holistic view that includes wildlife, fire, soils, and economics. Thanks to the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition for making this video available. Bill Sprouls (2 of 2)

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Redefining Wealth as Soil Health: Bill Sprouls

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Bill Sprouls, Kansas Rancher, discusses his philosophy on ranching and managing the land through prioritizing soil. Thanks to Bill and the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition for making this video available. Bill Sprouls (1 of 2)

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Using Fire to Improve Deer Habitat in the Southern Great Plains

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Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak, research scientist with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Associate Professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, discussed habitat management of white-tailed deer. She addressed:

  • Using prescribed fire to achieve optimal browse levels
  • Effects of fire on browse and forbs
  • Effects of burning at different times of year (seasons of burn)
  • Prescriptions for weather and firing techniques
  • Pros and cons of using fire for managing habitat
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What Do We Know about the Consequences of Expansion of Juniperus (virginiana) into Grasslands?

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Dr. John Briggs discusses the role of eastern redcedar in grassland degradation. This talk is part of a workshop to understand the problem of juniper encroachment in the Great Plains. Juniper Workshop (4 of 4)

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Invaded, Infested, or Invested? Juniper/Eastern Redcedar Policy Options/Consequences

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Dr. Larry Sanders discussed economic tradeoffs, incentives, and externalities associated with juniper encroachment and treatment. This talk is part of a workshop to understand the problem of juniper encroachment in the Great Plains. Juniper Workshop (3 of 4)

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Ecological Intervention in Juniperus Encroached Rangelands

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Dr. Dirac Twidwell discussed the role of fire regime and prescribed fire in controlling eastern redcedar. his talk is part of a workshop to understand the problem of juniper encroachment in the Great Plains. Juniper Workshop (2 of 4)

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Ecology and Management of Juniper in the Great Plains

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Dr. Sam Fuhlendorf provided an overview of juniper ecology in the Great Plains for a workshop focused on understanding the expansion of junipers in the region. Juniper Workshop (1 of 4)

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Drury-Mincy Prescribed Fire: an operational perspective

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Randall Roy of the Missouri Department of Conservation discussed the use of prescribed fire on the Drury-Mincy conservation area during a Missouri State University Biology Department seminar.

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First Aid for Prescribed Fire Practitioners

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In this presentation, Eric Ward discussed several types of injuries or medical emergencies that could occur during prescribed fire or similar operations. He focused on areas in which a lay rescuer can make a difference by those things they do — or do not do — or those emergencies in which current medical knowledge has improved our ability to aid those in need.

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