Fuels Management Program
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) fuels management program is designed to reduce wildfire risk, improve ecosystem health, and maintain fire-adapted landscapes through various treatment methods.
Key strategies include prescribed burning, mechanical treatments, grazing, and haying to manage fuel loads and promote biodiversity.
The program impacts include:
• Enhancing wildfire resilience by reducing fuel loads.
• Supports habitat restoration for native grassland species.
• Promotes collaboration with ranchers, conservation groups, and fire management agencies.
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed Fire is used strategically to reduce fuel accumulation, control invasive species, and enhance native prairie ecosystems.
Mechanical Treatments
Mechanical Treatments, such as mowing and thinning, help reduce hazardous fuels and maintain open grassland conditions.
Targeted Grazing
Livestock grazing is implemented to manage fine fuels, reduce invasive species, and maintain plant community diversity.
Haying
Harvesting grass for forage reduces excess biomass and prevents the buildup of dense fuels that could contribute to wildfire spread.