Prescribed fire - a fire that has been deliberately set and controlled - is a method used by farmers and ranchers to reduce plant litter layers and remove excessive old growth in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

When used in early Spring, it promotes re-growth of desirable grass species and creates attractive nesting areas for upland game birds. The nutritive content of the re-growth is typically quite higher than the vegetation in areas left untreated. This often leads to an increase in the number and type of big game species coming into the area searching for forages high in crude protein content.

Fires set in CRP can be contained easily and kept within boundaries once preparations, such as field border mowing and disking, have been completed. Local Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel assist private landowners with developing prescribed burn plans that will be most conducive for plant communities and public safety. Local fire departments also assist by providing personnel and equipment to help ensure the projects are completed in a safe manner with as little inconvenience to the public as possible.

CRP areas that quickly green-up after a burn are attractive nesting locations for game birds in early spring. By reducing litter layers in old grass stands and creating openings in the understory, young game bird broods have easier access to insects or young plant shoots. Mobility of game birds is improved greatly as well with the removal of walls of thick, matted vegetation.

CRP landowners have found cost-share funding for prescribed burns from the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wyoming Game & Fish Department, local Pheasants Forever chapters, and volunteer fire departments.

Prescribed burning of CRP grass cover removes old growth and promotes regrowth of desirable species, creating an attractive nesting area for upland game birds.

Nutritive content of vegetation post-burn is typically much higher than untreated areas, leading to increased foraging on the CRP by big game species.