The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is seeking competitive bids for the purpose of fulfilling the need for controlled burns on multiple sections of State lands. The ranch will be burnt in patches, divided somewhat on watershed or drainage boundaries and using existing pasture roads and natural barriers as firebreaks. Multiple units can be burnt in any one year at the discussion of the refuge manager. The grazing units will be burn in the spring between March 1st and May 15th. The units around the lake will be burn during the growing season between May 15th and July 30th. Units should be burnt on a rotating basis so that each unit is burnt every four to five years. For spring burns, controlled burn with head fires moving in a desired direction. Backfire flame lengths of 3-5 feet and head fire flame lengths of 5-18 feet are to be expected. For growing season burns, controlled burn with head fires moving in a desired direction. Backfire flame lengths of 1-3 feet and head fire flame lengths of 3-10 feet are to be expected. The primary objective is woody plant suppression. The burn is intended to control small cedars that are just getting started, set back the woody brush species including the plums, dogwood and blackberry. This burn will reduce fuel load and wildfire potential. It will also invigorate the warm season grasses; improve forage production and wildlife habitat. The burn will improve plant community structure and composition to benefit upland wildlife habitat.
