Iowa has more than 1.6 million acres of road right-of-ways and when properly managed these roadsides provide important nesting, roosting, and escape habitat for pheasants, partridge, quail, ducks, rabbits, and songbirds.

  Unfortunately, indiscriminate mowing and ill-timed burning destroys many nests and young each year. However, by following a few simple guidelines, roadsides can be very beneficial to upland wildlife.

  Nesting for most of Iowa’s upland wildlife begins in late April and early May and runs through late summer.

  "Many of these species begin nesting before spring green-up," said Todd Bogenschutz, wildlife research biologist with the Department of Natural Resources. "Most nests are placed in the old dead vegetation that remains from the previous year. Burning in mid-April through June destroys nests and eggs, while mowing in June and July kills hens and chicks."

  “Burning can be very beneficial to wildlife if done at the right time and in the right way," said Bogenschutz. He offers the following suggestions to improve roadsides for upland wildlife:

  * Burn between March 1 and April 15. Burning at this time is before most nesting has begun and encourages native grasses and discourages exotic species and weeds. Native plants provide better habitat for wildlife and prevent the invasion of noxious weeds because of their deep root systems.

  * Conduct rotational burns. Rotational burning is the practice of burning separate portions of the road ditch in different years. This rejuvenates the grasses in the burned segment, while the unburned segment provides undisturbed nesting and escape habitat for wildlife. A popular scenario is to burn one side of the ditch one year and the other side the next year. Safety precautions should be followed when burning roadsides: contact neighbors, utility companies and local fire department before burning and be careful of roadside utility poles, telephone junction boxes and pipelines.

  * Avoid burning roadsides in November and December. Winter burns eliminate habitat for wildlife and leave ditches exposed to erosion.

  * Avoid mowing road ditches between April 15 and Aug. 1, to protect nests and young. If weeds are a problem, use spot mowing or spraying to control the problem. Mowing along the shoulder usually does not harm nesting wildlife as most nests are placed in the ditch bottom or on the back slope.

  Some state and county agencies provide information for implementing roadside management practices. Contact your local county conservation board to find out more about roadside vegetation management programs in your area. If your county does not have a roadside program, ask them to start one, or contact your local wildlife biologist for more information.

  Article courtesy of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. For more information about the great outdoor opportunities in Iowa, visit their web site at www.iowadnr.gov.

  Unusually warm, dry spring weather could contribute to fire danger

  SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding Illinoisans and visitors to the state to take precautions to prevent wildfires – especially with the unusually warm and dry weather in the state this spring.

  “Our IDNR staff and local fire agencies have already been busy this spring dealing with wildfires at state sites. We’re encouraging visitors to our state parks, state forests, other state sites and federal and local forest and park land – as well as private landowners – to be extra vigilant this spring in preventing fires because of the unseasonable weather that could contribute to even more fires in the coming weeks,” said IDNR Forest Protection Program Manager Tom Wilson.

  “We encourage our Illinois residents to become our eyes and ears while enjoying the beauty of our state parks and other forest preserves during warm weather. By becoming more vigilant and educated on wildfire safety, serious incidents of fires on state sites can be prevented,” said State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis.

  Fires in March burned nearly 400 acres at Sand Ridge State Forest in Mason County and dozens of acres of park land at Lincoln Trail State Park in Clark County. Last November, nearly 1,500 acres of heavily wooded hunting ground burned in a wildfire at Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County.

  Among wildfire prevention/safety measures suggested by the IDNR Division of Forest Resources:

  * Avoid outdoor burning when winds are above five (5) miles per hour and/or when the relative humidity is below 40 percent;

  * Burn in protected areas only with no combustible materials within 10 feet around for small fires and 50 feet for larger fires;

  * Prior to burning, check the National Weather Service's fire weather forecast for expected conditions;

  * Avoid welding and grinding in areas with dry vegetation, and make sure that machinery is in good working order (bearings greased, avoid dragging chains and parts);

  * For vehicles, especially those with catalytic convertors, avoid parking in areas with tall vegetation;

  * Campfires should be small, in protected areas, and burned during night time hours within fire grates or fire rings;

  * Be careful to safely dispose of lit cigarettes, cigars, or other smoking material;

  * Have a bucket of water and shovel on hand and be sure to thoroughly drown out the fire prior to leaving the area.

  Anyone spotting a wildfire should report it to the nearest fire department, law enforcement office, IDNR (your local dnr) office or U.S. Forest Service ranger station.

  For more information about the great fishing, camping, hiking or hunting adventures in Illinois, visit their web site at: www.dnr.illinois.gov .

  Editor’s Note: Although this article comes from the fine folks at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources the information it contains can and should be used no matter where you live. Stay safe and remember what Smokey the Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires”.