On Saturday, August 15th, the Montgomery County Prescribed Burn Association, together with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever of Illinois, will host a Post‑Fire Habitat Tour at the property of landowner and conservation steward Glenn Savage. The tour will run from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with lunch provided for all registered attendees.
This event is a rare opportunity for landowners, conservation partners, and anyone curious about prescribed fire to walk through a recently burned site and hear directly from the person who manages it. Glenn has spent years shaping his habitat through thoughtful planning, consistent stewardship, and the strategic use of prescribed fire. His property is a strong example of how fire—when used safely and intentionally—can restore structure, improve plant diversity, and support wildlife across the landscape.
As someone who served on the crew during Glenn’s most recent burn, I can personally attest to the beauty of his place and the care he puts into maintaining it. Seeing the results firsthand will be impressive; hearing Glenn explain the “why” behind his decisions will make this tour even more valuable. His willingness to share what has worked, what he has learned, and how prescribed fire continues to pay off on his property is something every landowner can benefit from.
Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 110 Quail Lane, Litchfield, Illinois
Cost: Free
Lunch: Provided
Registration Deadline: August 1st
This tour is designed for anyone interested in:
Understanding how prescribed fire benefits habitat
Seeing post‑burn results up close
Learning practical management strategies from an experienced landowner
Connecting with MCPBA, QF/PF, and other conservation‑minded individuals
Whether you’re new to prescribed fire or already using it on your own land, this event will offer clear, real‑world insight into how fire can improve habitat health and long‑term resilience.
To help us plan lunch and finalize logistics, please register by August 1st using the QR code provided on the event flier.
Don’t miss this chance to see firsthand how prescribed fire can benefit your property and to learn directly from someone who has made it a cornerstone of his habitat management.
If you have any questions, please contact us at montgomerycopba@gmail.com
A few weeks ago, our family farm hosted a pre‑burn assessment with Shel Wilks, Prescribed Burn Coordinator for Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever. The goal was simple: understand the pasture, its layout, its challenges, and the vegetation we’re working with before planning our first prescribed burn.
Walking the long, narrow pasture, Shel immediately noted the mix of vegetation. Despite the heavy presence of brome, reed canary grass, orchard grass, and other invasive species, there were native plants scattered throughout the site—a promising sign for what fire may help reveal. We talked through how the pasture’s shape and tree lines would influence fire behavior. The south unit is bordered by trees on the east and west, while the north unit is enclosed on three sides, making wind direction a major factor in how the burn will be carried out.
From there, the conversation shifted to strategy. Because of the tight space within the burn unit, Shel recommended a backing fire as the primary ignition method. The agricultural field on the east side will serve as a solid burn break, allowing the fire to back slowly through the tree line and into the main grass area. Burn breaks and fuel‑reduction lines will be mowed ahead of time—south and west sides of the south unit, and north, east, and west sides of the north unit. A wide mowed lane between the units will continue to serve as a dependable break for this and future burns. Wet lines will reinforce control at the south end and along the tree lines.
We also discussed what comes after the burn. With native plants already present, Shel advised waiting to see what returns before making any decisions about supplemental seeding. The hope is that fire will encourage more natives to emerge. Long‑term control of invasives will likely require a combination of mechanical removal, targeted herbicide work, and additional prescribed burns.
A few weeks later, Mark Phipps, retired IDNR biologist and member of the Montgomery County Prescribed Burn Association, visited the farm for a second look. Walking the pasture again, he pointed out additional native species and confirmed the same invasive pressures Shel had noted. Mark echoed the post‑burn plan: watch what comes back, then decide what further actions are needed. Both he and Shel expressed confidence that with fire and follow‑up management, the pasture can transition into a healthy native landscape that welcomes wildlife back onto the property.
Their optimism—and the early signs already on the ground—give us hope that this burn will be a turning point for our farm’s habitat.
Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to private landowners, but its success depends on what happens long before ignition. Early planning lays the groundwork for a safe, legal, and ecologically meaningful burn. If you’re considering fire as part of your land‑management strategy, here’s how to begin:
Defining your goals early helps determine the timing, weather parameters, and level of preparation required.
Common objectives include:
Reducing woody encroachment and invasive brush
Stimulating native grasses and wildflowers
Improving habitat for game and pollinators
Managing fuel loads to reduce wildfire risk
Preparing fields for future restoration projects
Your burn plan will ultimately revolve around these objectives.
Natural firebreaks such as roads, creeks, or crop fields
Areas needing mechanical prep (mowing, raking, leaf‑blowing)
Hazards like dead trees, debris piles, or structures
Smoke‑sensitive neighbors or nearby infrastructure
Take notes, photos, and GPS points. Understanding how fire will move across your property begins with this step.
Once you’ve assessed the site, formalize the burn unit:
Draw the perimeter
Identify primary and secondary control lines
Mark access points for vehicles and equipment
Note safety zones and escape routes
Clear boundaries make later planning—especially crew assignments and ignition strategy—far more efficient.
Administrative preparation is just as important as fieldwork. Early in the process, confirm:
County and state prescribed burn regulations
Whether agricultural or EPA smoke permits are required
Seasonal restrictions or burn bans
Notification requirements for neighbors, fire protection districts, and county dispatch
Getting ahead of the paperwork prevents last‑minute delays
Prescribed fire is a coordinated effort. Early planning should include identifying:
A qualified Burn Boss
Ignition and holding crews
Lookouts and communications support
Local prescribed burn associations who may assist
If you’re working with a burn association, early communication helps them schedule your burn within the appropriate weather window.
Make a preliminary equipment list well in advance:
Drip torches
Backpack sprayers
Rakes, leaf blowers, chainsaws
Radios for communication
UTVs or trucks with water tanks
PPE for every participant
Early planning gives you time to borrow, rent, or request support from your burn association.
Smoke planning protects both safety and community relationships. Begin evaluating:
Nearby homes, towns, highways, and livestock facilities
Sensitive neighbors or businesses
Prevailing winds during your intended burn season
Good smoke management is essential for a successful burn.
You don’t need every detail finalized yet, but begin outlining:
Burn objectives
Unit description
Fuel conditions
Weather parameters
Personnel and equipment needs
Preliminary ignition strategy
Contingency considerations
This draft will evolve as you gather more information.
Early planning includes scheduling the physical work needed to prepare the unit:
Mow or rake firebreaks
Remove debris piles
Trim low branches
Flag hazards
Mark boundaries
Clear access routes
Good preparation weeks or months ahead makes burn day smoother and safer.
Prescribed fire depends on weather, crew availability, and fuel conditions. Early planning helps you:
Identify your ideal burn window
Understand non‑negotiable conditions
Accept that flexibility is part of prescribed fire culture
A well‑planned burn may wait weeks for the right conditions—but when they arrive, you’ll be ready.
Early planning is where a prescribed burn truly begins. It’s the stage where a general idea—“I want to burn this field”—becomes a safe, strategic, and ecologically beneficial operation. The more thoughtful your early work, the more successful your burn will be.
Being out in the field, conducting a prescribed burn is what it is all about. Getting together with members/landowners, and putting that first fire on the ground. It is what we do, and it is what we look forward to doing each season. As with anything worth doing, there is a backside to the burning. Work to be done, so that the organization exists. Organizing, having meetings, recruiting new members, and finances are just a few of the background activities that need to be done to keep a pba going.
We have the meetings, the recruiting, and that stuff down pretty well, we are just diving into the world of grants and funding of our organization. We have a set amount of money coming in thru membership dues and mobilization fees, but that is not enough to grow and develop into a fully functional pba.
We are fortunate to have available to us, some equipment. The goal though, is for us to have a trailer with burn equipment that is readily available at burn time. That is one of the major perks of a pba. It takes time though, and again, we are fortunate to be able to have access to essential equipment until we can build our trailer.
This is where grants come in. This is something that I have never been involved in, and there is a learning curve. We are fortunate to have access to people who are experienced in grant writing, and with that help, we will be successful.
I won't go into the grants that we are attempting right now, once we get thru the process, I will have more on details of writing the grants and where we went with our requests. It is an interesting process, and it is a process that I am glad that I am learning.
Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) exist for one reason: to help landowners use prescribed fire safely, legally, and effectively. They are built on cooperation, shared labor, and a commitment to restoring healthy ecosystems. A PBA is not a service provider — it is a community of landowners and volunteers who help one another carry out burns that would be difficult to accomplish alone.
Below is a clear outline of what a PBA provides, what members contribute, and how we work together to keep prescribed fire safe and accessible in our county.
A PBA helps landowners understand:
State and local burn regulations
Weather and smoke‑management considerations
Burn plan requirements
Safety standards and PPE expectations
The PBA does not assume legal responsibility for a landowner’s burn. Each landowner remains the responsible party for their own property and burn plan.
Most PBAs offer:
“Planning Your Burn Unit” workshops
Burn plan writing assistance
Field days and post‑fire learning walks
Equipment demonstrations
Seasonal refreshers on fire behavior and safety
These events help members build confidence and competence before stepping onto a fireline.
PBAs coordinate:
Crew availability
Ignition and holding support
Mop‑up assistance
Communications and lookout roles
Equipment sharing when available
Participation is based on volunteer availability, weather windows, and safety considerations.
PBAs connect landowners who are learning prescribed fire with those who have years of experience. This peer‑to‑peer model is the backbone of every successful PBA.
A PBA is not a “burn‑for‑hire” organization. Members are expected to:
Attend workshops and meetings when possible
Volunteer on other members’ burns
Help with equipment maintenance and logistics
Contribute to a culture of safety and accountability
The more you participate, the more support you can expect in return.
Before requesting help, landowners should:
Prepare firebreaks
Secure necessary permissions
Complete or begin a burn plan
Ensure access to water, tools, and PPE
Communicate early about burn windows
A well‑prepared unit increases safety and makes volunteer support more effective.
Even with PBA assistance, the landowner:
Is the burn boss for their property
Is responsible for the burn plan
Makes the final go/no‑go decision
Ensures compliance with state and local laws
Provides adequate resources for the burn
The PBA supports — it does not assume liability.
Members are expected to:
Be punctual on burn days
Follow instructions from the burn boss
Wear proper PPE
Step into roles they are trained and comfortable performing
Cancel or postpone if conditions are unsafe
Safety is non‑negotiable.
Most PBAs rely on:
Membership dues
Donations
Grants and matching‑grant opportunities
Volunteer labor
Members help keep the organization strong by contributing where they can — financially, physically, or through outreach.
To avoid confusion, it’s important to be clear about what PBAs do not provide:
They are not a fire‑contracting service
They do not guarantee crew availability
They do not take legal responsibility for burns
They do not operate as emergency response agencies
They do not replace landowner preparation or planning
A PBA is a cooperative, not a service provider.
Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools for managing grasslands, woodlands, and wildlife habitat — but it requires planning, teamwork, and a shared commitment to safety. When members understand their responsibilities and the role of the PBA, the entire community benefits:
More acres burned safely
Stronger volunteer networks
Better ecological outcomes
Increased public trust
A culture of learning and stewardship
This is how a PBA thrives.
If you’re new to prescribed fire, welcome. If you’re an experienced burner, your leadership strengthens the entire association. Together, we can restore and protect the landscapes we care for — one well‑planned burn at a time.
You often hear the terms prescribed burn and a controlled burn. Often times, a controlled burn is called a prescribed burn. A prescribed burn is controlled for sure, but there are big differences that I will outline in this post.
The first big difference is a written burn plan. A prescribed burn always has a detailed written plan. A controlled burn may be planned, but there is no formal "prescriptions"
Prescribed burns are conducted under specific weather conditions. Wind, humidity are just a couple of things that are looked at. There is no strict environmental requirements in a controlled burn.
A prescribed burn has a specific ecological or land management objective. The only objective in a controlled burn is to contain the fire.
There is a go/no go checklist, along with a trained crew. The informal nature of a controlled burn is usually managed by landowner.
Prior to a prescribed burn, there will be a briefing of crew members. Burn conditions are discussed, and a plan for conducting the burn is discussed. A controlled burn is any intentional fire that is controlled
Prescribed fires, with all of their actions being controlled by the burn plan, are often managed by landowners who are members of a prescribed burn association. Some are informal groups, some have been structured and organized thru the help of groups like Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, and other conservation groups. Many landowners also receive help from the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service). The bottom line, planning, preparation, and proper execution, all make for a safe and effective burn that will have a huge impact on your property, and it won't take long for the results to show.
Prescribed fire is one of the oldest and most effective tools for shaping healthy Midwestern landscapes. In Montgomery County, that work continues through a cooperative model built on volunteers, landowners, and a shared commitment to ecological resilience. The 2026 burn season for the Montgomery County Prescribed Burn Association (MCPBA) reflects that spirit clearly: more acres treated, more people trained, and stronger partnerships across the region.
Across the 2025–2026 burn window, MCPBA safely treated 137.89 acres through 12 operational burns and 3 training/photo‑only events. Five landowners received direct support, and more than twenty volunteers contributed time, labor, and experience. Two volunteers — Whitlock and Fromm — each participated in more than ten events, underscoring the cooperative strength that makes a PBA function.
These numbers tell only part of the story. The ecological outcomes are where the season’s work becomes visible on the ground.
Prescribed fire is fundamentally ecological. This season’s burns improved habitat structure across prairie, CRP grassland, woodland, and mixed old‑field systems:
70.25 acres of CRP grassland
37.64 acres of prairie
30 acres of woodland
Additional photo‑only documentation at Siloam Springs and Jim Edgar Panther Creek
Across these sites, fire reduced woody encroachment, opened sunlight to the ground layer, and reset early‑successional habitat. Pollinators, upland birds, and small mammals all benefit from these conditions. The work also helped landowners maintain compliance with CP42 and other conservation program requirements — a practical but essential part of long‑term stewardship.
Lower fuel loads across treated acres also reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfire, a growing concern in Illinois as weather patterns shift.
Each burn carried its own purpose and challenges, but several stood out for scale or ecological significance:
Whitlock–Watts Prairie (10.64 acres) Three units burned on December 5, 2025, boosting pollinator habitat and early‑successional vegetation.
Route 66 Prairie (12 acres) A January 9, 2026 burn that supports ongoing grassland restoration and provides a visible example of prescribed fire along a major travel corridor.
Mark Kuhn Property (70.25 acres) One CRP units burned on February 7 — 3 more units burned on March 14
Glenn Savage Property (10 acres) Multiple small units burned on February 27, maintaining open habitat structure.
Bremer Property (35 acres) Thirty acres of woodland burned January 6, followed by five acres of prairie on February 27. An earlier November 2025 unit remains unmeasured.
These burns represent a cross‑section of the county’s conservation needs: prairie maintenance, CRP compliance, woodland restoration, and the ongoing fight against woody encroachment.
Beyond operations, MCPBA invested in building local capacity:
Missouri PBA Spot Burn Workshop (3/14/2026) — hands‑on ignition and safety training (Fromm, Whitlock)
Siloam Springs Woodland Burn (2/17/2026) — photo documentation and inter‑agency collaboration (Fromm)
JEPC Prairie Burn (3/9/2026) — documentation and partnership support (Fromm)
These events strengthen the network of PBAs and agencies working across central Illinois and Missouri. They also help volunteers build the skills needed to safely lead and support future burns.
The cooperative model is the backbone of MCPBA. Volunteers contributed hundreds of hours across planning, ignition, holding, mop‑up, and documentation.
Top volunteers by event participation:
10 events: Whitlock, Fromm
8 events: Schaal, Phipps
7 events: Sands
6 events: Campbell, Hemken, Kuhn
Their commitment directly increases the number of acres MCPBA can safely treat each year.
The 2026 burn season demonstrates what a small, committed organization can accomplish with cooperation, training, and a shared vision for the land. With more than 100 acres treated and multiple training events completed, MCPBA continues to advance safe, science‑based prescribed fire as a cornerstone of habitat restoration in Montgomery County.
As the association grows, so does its ability to support landowners, empower volunteers, and restore the landscapes that define central Illinois.
I had the very good fortune to be able to tag along with IDNR burn crews as they performed a 1500 acre woodland prescribed burn. While I did not visit during the prep phase of the burn, I was there for the pre burn briefing, and for the first fire on the ground. It is safe to say that I was in awe of the whole experience. I told one guy that it was kind of a bucket list experience, only until that day, I had no idea it was on my list.
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