In this episode, we're joined by Cole Fagen, the coordinating biologist for the Oak and Prairies Joint Venture, and Ken Gee, a conservation delivery specialist. Together, they work with landowners to implement wildlife habitat management, focusing primarily on upland and grassland birds in southern and northern Oklahoma and central Texas. In this episode, we dive into how technical and financial assistance is helping landowners across Oklahoma and Texas implement prescribed fire and other habitat management practices that restore native grasslands and improve wildlife habitat. The Oak and Prairies Joint Venture plays a vital role by providing boots-on-the-ground training, one-on-one support, and connections to trusted partners like burn associations and conservation specialists.

We also explore how proper grazing management—including reducing overstocking—can dramatically increase rangeland productivity while creating safer, more effective fuel loads for controlled burns. Changing attitudes from landowners and volunteer fire departments are paving the way for wider acceptance of prescribed fire as a critical land management tool. You'll hear inspiring success stories, like the restoration of the Wheellock property, and learn how using indicator species like Bobwhite quail helps measure habitat health and engage landowners in long-term conservation efforts. For more information and tools, visit Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association and Oak and Prairies Joint Venture.

Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

CONTRIBUTORS

• Cole Fagen

• Mark Turner Ph.D.

• John Weir

• Ken Gee

• Laura Goodman Ph.D.