[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Last spring, the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council facilitated a prescribed fire training for landowners with support from NRF’s<\/em>\u00a0C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n In this guest blog, originally published by the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council<\/a>, Lucas LoBreglio reflects on the training and the crucial role landowners play in conserving fire-dependent ecosystems.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WI-Prescribed-Fire-Council-work-day-by-Lucas-LoBreglio-2.jpg” alt=”people managing a prescribed burn” title_text=”WI Prescribed Fire Council Work Day By Lucas LoBreglio (2)” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The landowner training included equipment demonstrations, including new backpack pump cans funded by NRF. Photo by Lucas LoBreglio<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If Wisconsin is to succeed in sustaining its fire-dependent ecosystems, landowners must be the focal point of the effort. A vast majority of Wisconsin land is under private ownership and a wide array of ecosystems benefit from prescribed fire, from deer hunting and property beautification to groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration. The positive impacts of landowner involvement go far beyond the burn unit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WI-Prescribed-Fire-Council-work-day-by-Lucas-LoBreglio-3.jpg” alt=”people managing a prescribed burn ” title_text=”WI Prescribed Fire Council Work Day By Lucas LoBreglio (3)” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Landowners learning about prescribed fire during a training day. Photo by Lucas LoBreglio<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n After our experience facilitating this spring\u2019s Prescribed Fire Training For Wisconsin Landowners<\/em>, it\u2019s safe to say that Wisconsinites are ready and eager to get involved with prescribed fire. In May 2025, our team of WPFC staff and volunteers convened with landowners from across the state for two days of intensive education on a privately-owned site in Tomah, Wisconsin.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We began with classroom presentations covering the basics of wildland fire behavior, history, and ecology. The second half of the day delved into fire implementation. We discussed proper weather conditions, steps for conducting a ring fire, and burn crew chain of command. We capped off the day with equipment demonstrations using our new cache of backpack pump cans, generously funded by donors and NRF’s C.D. Besadny Fund<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WI-Prescribed-Fire-Council-Spring-2025-classroom-Emma-Raasch.jpg” alt=”people listening to presentations in a classroom” title_text=”WI Prescribed Fire Council Spring 2025 Classroom Emma Raasch” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Class presentations during the first day of traini<\/em>ng. Photo by Emma Raasch<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s safe to say that Wisconsinites are ready and eager to get involved with prescribed fire.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Day two of the training focused on live fire exercises and the weather was nearly perfect. High temperatures and low relative humidity allowed fire to carry through the site\u2019s grass fuels, which were already somewhat green at that point in the season. The wind interfaced with the driftless topography of the burn units and the surrounding woodlands to showcase the factors affecting fire behavior and how it can be hard to predict at times. The trainees worked enthusiastically to combat simulated spot fires and practice break burning. Then, they kept up the energy for a ring fire on another unit. After an after action review to conclude the training, most folks stuck around for an extra burn on a small woodland unit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WI-Prescribed-Fire-Council-work-day-by-Lucas-LoBreglio-1.jpg” alt=”people standing wearing prescribed fire gear” title_text=”WI Prescribed Fire Council Work Day By Lucas LoBreglio (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Participants survey the land as part of the training. Photo by Lucas LoBreglio<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This spring\u2019s cohort came with a variety of experience levels and land management goals. As the program came to a close, one thing became clear: each of them felt empowered to make decisions about prescribed fire on their property, whether it involved hiring a contractor, collaborating with neighbors, or seeking further experience with the goal of leading their own burns. With a holistic introductory course under their belts, the trainees were ready to pursue the projects that were most important to them.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WI-Prescribed-Fire-Council-work-day-by-Lucas-LoBreglio.jpg” alt=”people standing in a field during a prescribed burn” title_text=”WI Prescribed Fire Council Work Day By Lucas LoBreglio” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Landowners were excited to gain hands-on experience with prescribed fire. Photo by Lucas LoBreglio<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As the program came to a close, one thing became clear: each of them felt empowered to make decisions about prescribed fire on their property.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a nonprofit program, this training is not just a service we offer. It is a crucial grassroots effort that brings people together into a community of practice. Organizations like Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council<\/a> and Pheasants Forever<\/a> are working to create more of these spaces by encouraging the growth of Prescribed Burn Associations, where regional groups of landowners can come together to share knowledge, resources, and experiences. It\u2019s an exciting time to be prescribed fire advocates in Wisconsin. This spring\u2019s training showed us that landowners share our excitement for these new programs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WI-Prescribed-Fire-Council-work-day-courtesy-of-WPFC.jpg” alt=”group of people standing in a recently burned area of land” title_text=”WI Prescribed Fire Council Work Day Courtesy Of WPFC” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Training attendees standing in a recently burned area of land. Photo by Lucas LoBreglio<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Where should we take our landowner training next? Interested in partnering with us to host one on your property or have a group of landowners already doing small burns that need some technical expertise? Email Kristina Weld, the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council’s Training Specialist, at training@prescribedfire.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Guest Blogger” image_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Lucas-LoBreglio.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Program Specialist for the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council<\/em><\/p>\n Lucas works and burns with organizations across southern Wisconsin, promoting the safe and effective use of prescribed fire throughout the state. He helps the WPFC create new resources and pathways for Wisconsinites of all backgrounds to get involved with fire ecology.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nThe role of landowners in prescribed fire<\/h3>\n
Prescribed fire training for Wisconsin landowners<\/h3>\n
Perfect conditions<\/h3>\n
Next steps for landowners<\/h3>\n
The future of prescribed fire in Wisconsin<\/h3>\n
Host a training on your property<\/h3>\n
<\/h4>\n
Lucas LoBreglio (he\/him\/his)<\/h4>\n