UW Extension publishes irrigation ditch burning guide

Crew burning irrigation ditch — Adequate equipment for ignition and suppression are needed for safe and effective ditch burning. In this picture, the tractor has a spray tank with boomless nozzles and a hose, the truck has a spray tank with a hose and other hand tools, and proper signage is displayed due to the proximity of the road (UW Photo).

A new publication providing guidance to landowners for burning irrigation ditches is now available from the University of Wyoming Extension.

Burning Irrigation Ditches, B-1351, provides landowners an overview of using fire as a management tool, equipment needs and operations, safety and weather considerations, timing of burning and relevant state and federal polices and regulations.

Vegetation that accumulates in irrigation ditches slows the flow rate of the water and can reduce the total capacity of the ditch.

“Burning irrigation ditches is an important tool for effective water delivery in the West,” said Derek Scasta, UW Extension range management specialist. “Planning for safe and effective ditch burns will ensure this practice continues to be a tool in the toolbox.”

It is available as a pdf, HTML or ePub at http://bit.ly/UWBurningIrrigation.