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Misperceptions abound over the use of prescribed fire on rangelandsLandowners often have incomplete perceptions of prescribed fire, thinking of the practice as dangerous or wasteful. However, in many rangeland ecosystems, prescribed fire is necessary to maintain balance in plant species composition and to promote biodiversity. Controlled burning curbs woody plant invasion to achieve the most productive use of rangelands. In a recent Rangeland Ecology and Management article, the perceptions of Texas landowners on prescribed fire were gathered and analyzed, revealing that increased knowledge of the benefits of fire would increase use of the practice. Uncontrolled fire can cause irreparable damage, so many states and regions have formalized associations to help increase awareness of and disseminate information about prescribed fire. The article details a study of rural Texas landowners in a specific geographical region who are both members and non-members of such an association. In this study, a mail survey was sent to all 185 members of the Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association to determine the perceptions, adoption barriers, and challenges of using prescribed fire. In addition to the members of the EPPBA, the authors also randomly surveyed 600 non-members in six different counties on the Edwards Plateau to increase sample diversity. Because the study focused on a specific geographic region, the findings cannot be extrapolated to the general landowner population, but they do present current issues regarding prescribed fire adoption. One of the most important findings of the study is that a change in public perception is needed in order for prescribed burning to become more widely accepted. Additionally, effective outreach programs must be in place for the broader adoption of prescribed fire by landowners. Survey respondents who were not members of the EPPBA cited insufficient resources and knowledge as the most important reasons for not using fire, followed by legal concerns and the lack of planning assistance. Associations like the EPPBA can assist landowners with the development of burn plans, fire safety training, and fire management equipment and labor on burn days. These practices help reduce the liabilities of using prescribed fire and will promote more productive rangeland ecosystems. "Perceptions of Texas Landowners Regarding Fire and Its Use," Rangeland Ecology and Management, Volume 61, Issue 4, July 2008, Published by Allen Press. Full text of the article is available at www.allenpress.com/pdf/rama-61-04-456-464.pdf. 8/4/08 Date: 7/28/08
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