07/01/2026
We posted the end of May to start on firebreaks for growing season burns.
If your burn unit has mowed wet lines, they should have been mowed at least once. It is probably past time for a second cutting and approaching a third.
If your prescribed burn plan calls for bare ground fire breaks, previously mowed can make those easier to install without balling up vegetation that can burn and smolder for a long time after the burn.
Fire breaks are infrastructure. Infrastructure requires maintenance.
July Land and Pond Management Calendar!
Summer Burns (Jul-Sept): Wildlife mortality can be decreased with this burn timing. Ground-nesting birds are mostly finished nesting and fawns are now mobile.
Burn Old World Bluestem: This invasive crass can outcompete native grasses. Burning in summer can kill old world bluestem plants.
Cut Native Hay Fields: Early July cutting optimizes quantity and quality. Cut once per year and leave 4" stubble.
Monitor Summer Food Plots: Control weeds if needed. Top-dress nitrogen if plants show stress from deficiency.
Monitor Bass and Bluegill: If fish are in poor body condition, harvesting more to reduce numbers is recommended.
For more, check out the factsheet! https://bit.ly/LandPondOSU
