Nebraska Workshops Focus on Wildfires

By Scout Nelson

University of Nebraska–Lincoln experts recently hosted drought workshops in North Platte and Scottsbluff to help western Nebraska producers prepare for worsening dry conditions ahead of the growing season. The workshops followed an unusually warm and dry winter that contributed to severe drought conditions across much of the state.

The interdisciplinary team included specialists from the Nebraska State Climate Office, Nebraska Extension, and the National Drought Mitigation Center. Presenters shared climate updates, drought forecasts, wildfire concerns, and management resources that producers can use during dry weather conditions.

“We wanted to help people understand the drought conditions that developed in Nebraska over the winter and spring and what they can do to prepare for the summer,” she said.

Experts explained that dry soils, low precipitation, warm temperatures, and strong winds all contributed to flash drought conditions this spring. According to the May 7 U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 88% of Nebraska is currently experiencing drought. Conditions are especially severe across central and western Nebraska, including areas facing extreme and exceptional drought.

Climate specialists also warned that hotter and drier weather patterns may become more common in future years because of long-term climate change. The workshops highlighted how the current drought has already contributed to some of the worst wildfire conditions in Nebraska history.

This year Morrill Fire became the largest wildfire ever recorded in Nebraska, burning more than 640,000 acres. Overall, nearly 900,000 acres have burned across the state this year, doubling the previous record set in 2012.

Workshop presenters introduced several drought monitoring and decision-making tools for producers. One important resource was Grass-Cast, which helps ranchers estimate forage production during dry conditions. Specialists also discussed drought planning resources such as Managing Drought Risk on the Ranch and Condition Monitoring Observer Reports, which allow people to share local drought observations and photos.

Participants discussed challenges involving pasture recovery, soil moisture, forage production, and wildfire recovery. One attendee explained the difficulty of recovering pastureland after wildfire damage during continued dry conditions.

“It seems like we’ve had the dry stuff before — I don’t know if it’s been this dry,” she said.

“After it burnt, there was no rain,” she said. “I don’t even think it came back enough for us to use last year. With no extra moisture, you still don’t have the recovery you’d like to have.”

Additional drought information and monitoring tools are available through the National Drought Mitigation Center.

Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels