Virtual Field Trip

1. In the Fire-Setting Ranchers story, tall grass prairie in the Flint Hills is described as “a central link in the chain of American beef production.” What does this mean?

2. What significant role does Tucker Prairie play in the health of other prairies in the U.S.?

3. What happens to plant diversity in the tall grass prairie when there is no fire?

4. What happens to other species, such as birds, if the prairie is not burned?

5. Who benefits from the burning of tall grass prairie in the Flint Hills? In what ways?

6. What are potential drawbacks of prescribed burning? Who might be affected by these drawbacks?

7. How have scientists’ ideas about prescribed burning changed over time?

8. In Flames in the Flint Hills, Jim Hoy says that Kansas City can put up with three weeks of the pollution from prairie fires in exchange for keeping the tall grass prairies alive and well. What is his reasoning for this opinion? Do you agree with him? Why or why not? (Also see Fire-Setting Ranchers.)

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Synthesis Questions:

1. What might be the opinions on prescribed burning for a cattle rancher at the Flint Hills, a researcher at Tucker Prairie, a resident in neighborhood near a tall grass prairie, and a consumer shopping for beef in a local grocery store? Describe possible opinions for all four, and include support for their ideas.