The Knox County Park District was recently awarded an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Forestry Prescribed Fire STEP Grant.
The grant in the amount of $5,080 was used to purchase much needed personal protective equipment (PPE), prescribed fire tools, a weather device and signs.
The Knox County Park District manages almost 1,000 acres in Knox County, and approximately 155 of those acres are in warm-season grasses and prairie forbs. The Park District manages these grasslands with prescribed fire. Each season, the District attempts to burn about 1/3 of the acres of grasslands (approximately 52 acres).
“The ODNR Forestry Prescribed Fire STEP Grant has enabled the Park District to upgrade our protective clothing and equipment for staff and volunteers who take part in the District’s prescribed fires,” Knox County Park District Director Lori Totman said. “The PPE included Nomax coveralls, leather gloves (and) helmets with visors; in addition to ear, neck and face protectors. This extra facial protection is something the District has never had. The grant also enabled the District to purchase a digital weather meter and additional necessary equipment such as fire rakes, fire swatters, galvanized Indian tanks and a drip torch.”
Prescribed fire is an important ecological tool in managing a specialized grassland ecosystem. By utilizing prescribed fire, the Knox County Park District is able to achieve its grassland ecosystem management objectives by eliminating undesirable vegetation while encouraging the planted native warm-season grasses and prairie forbs.
The Knox County Park District manages eight parks, 10 river accesses (eight on the Kokosing State Scenic River and two on the Mohican State Scenic River) and 18 parking lots on the three multi-use trails covering almost 35 miles of paved trail in Knox County. The Knox County Park District is supported by a tax levy and gifts, grants and donations. This Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry Prescribed Fire STEP Grant will benefit the District for many years to come.
To learn more about Knox County Park District programs, events and projects, visit knoxcountyparks.org or telephone 740.392.PARK (7275).
