Grassland Fire

All Grassland Fire Content

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

SDSU Extension to participate in seminar on protecting grasslands from cedar trees and other threats

December 31, 2025

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension will participate in a two-part series hosted by the SDSU Department of Natural Resource Management on protecting grasslands from cedar trees and other woody plants that are encroaching on this important ecosystem.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

Prescribed Fire

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with state and federal partners to educate landowners about the use of fire as a grassland management tool.

Producers surveying a rangeland site.

Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

Members of the Burke County Fire Department assisting with a prescribed burn.
Feb 13

Cedar Trees, Conservation Programs, and the Role of Private Burn Associations in South Dakota

Sean Kelly, SDSU Extension Range Management Field Specialist, will present as part of the SDSU Natural Resource Management seminar series on February 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Firefighters in yellow protective gear monitor a grass fire in an open pasture
Feb 06

Cedar Trees, Conservation Programs, and the Role of Private Burn Associations in South Dakota

Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, will present as part of the SDSU Natural Resource Management seminar series on February 6 at 10:00 a.m.

Grass buring

Prescribed fire schools for SD landowners scheduled for March, April

March 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is partnering with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Great Plains and landowner-led fire cooperatives to host a series of fire training workshops this spring.

Firefighters in yellow protective gear monitor a grass fire in an open pasture

SDSU Extension to co-host prescribed fire forum for private landowners

December 09, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension, Audubon Great Plains and partner organizations are hosting a first-of-its-kind event for private landowners in South Dakota interested in prescribed fire as a management tool.

Photo showing a wildfire recovery on native rangelands.

Range Roundup: Dormant Season Wildfire Project in Northwestern South Dakota

Two of the main environmental conditions that drive post-wildfire rangeland recovery include health of the rangeland ecosystem prior to the wildfire and climatic variables, such as precipitation or drought after the fire event.

Tom Hausmann gives a briefing before the burn, while Greg Schmitz listens with the rest of the burn crew.

Range Roundup: Partnership Between Absentee Landowner and Rancher Allows for Pasture Renovation

Properly maintained pastures require ongoing, cooperative and mutually beneficial processes planned by landowners and renters, especially if the owners are absentee. Learn some key considerations for starting the process.

Members of the Burke County Fire Department assisting with a prescribed burn.

Why Should Fire Departments Help With Prescribed Burns?

From establishing fuel breaks that can contain future wildfires to providing valuable training for fire department volunteers, learn some of the many benefits of involving your local fire department in a prescribed burn.