Balancing : Earth Air and FIRE in the Kansas Flint Hills Jeff Davidson Kansas State Univ. Watershed Specialist [email protected]
Balancing Earth, Air, and Fire In the Kansas Flint Hills
Nov 11, 2014
For more: http://www.extension.org/67588 Native Americans placed great value on the four elements of life, earth, water, air and fire. They recognized, as we do today, that fire is the most powerful land management tool. The 4.8 million acre Flint Hills region of Kansas is the largest remaining expanse of tallgrass prairie in North America. Prescribed fire is routinely practiced in the region to enhance livestock forage quality, control invasive species, provide grassland wildlife habitat and improve plant vigor. But where there is fire, there is smoke, and there are public health concerns when excessive smoke is in the atmosphere. Ground level ozone can have serious public health consequences and major cities adjacent to the Flint Hills, have recorded excessive ozone levels resulting from Flint Hills prescribed fire. A collaborative effort including the Kansas Dept of Health & Environment, EPA, K-State Research & Extension, Kansas Livestock Association and other groups completed the Flint Hills smoke management plan in December, 2010, with the objective of reducing health concerns from prescribed fire, while retaining it as a land management tool. The plan established a website of "best smoke management practices" and a comprehensive education and outreach effort for land managers was implemented, involving prescribed fire schools, news articles and radio airplay. Results of the plan are positive, indicating that Kansas has responded to the smoke issue appropriately and will retain prescribed fire as a management practice that maintains both the tallgrass prairie of the hills, and the air quality of adjacent metro areas. The inter-relationships of earth, water, air and fire are continual, each impacting the other. The Kansas Flint Hills now has a plan to ensure harmony of these essential elements of life.
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Balancing: Earth Air and
FIRE in the Kansas Flint Hills
Jeff DavidsonKansas State Univ.Watershed [email protected]
Tallgrass Prairie is Fire-Derived – Fire Maintained
Rx Fire is practicedIn the Spring – April Just as the 1st green begins to show
4.8 Million acres in Flint Hills
About 35% Burns Annually
Prescribed Burning Improves:
Livestock performance
Grazing distribution
Control of brush species
10 to 15 % Higher Gain on Cattle grazing Burned Pastures
Burning Issues of Today
SMOKE & Air Quality
Health Effects of Ozone
• Irritation of the respiratory system
• Aggravation of asthma and allergies
• Permanent lung damage after repeated exposure
• Children, elderly, and people with existing health conditions affected more
Ozone Standard History
• 1971 - EPA set 1-hour standard at 0.120 ppm
• 1997 - EPA set 8-hour standard at 0.085 ppm
• 2008 - EPA lowered 8-hour standard– Primary standard set at 0.075 ppm– Secondary standard same as primary
• 2009 – New standard withdrawn
Kansas Flint Hills
Smoke Management Plan
ksfire.org
Maximum Contribution Potential within 48 hours
Small Contribution Medium Contribution Large Contribution Data Unavailable Metropolitan Area Monitor
Fire --the most powerful land management tool
Summary Thoughts
EPA, KDHE, cities all willing to work with Agto find solutions. By working together, regulation can be avoided.
Summary Thoughts
► Need to avoid urban vs. rural debate
► Recognize benefits of both strong urban industrial sector and a strong agriculture
Summary Thoughts
• Ecological benefits of burning are extremely important to maintain and preserve the Flint Hills.
Jeff DavidsonKansas State UniversityEureka, Kansas [email protected]
Summary Thoughts
• EPA willing to work with the ag industry to find solutions to smoke issue rather than force regulations.
• EPA, KDHE, major cities all willing to work with ag to find solutions.
Summary Thoughts
• Need to avoid urban versus rural debate.
• We recognize the benefits of a strong urban industrial sector and a strong agriculture in Kansas
Fire dependent ecosystems
Long leaf pine grasslandsSerpentine barrensPonderosa Pine standsTALLGRASS PRAIRIESChaparralOak savannahsMixed pine of Sierra Nevadas
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