Southern Fire Exchange

Southern Area RT-300 Burn Boss and Agency Administrator Refresher (Rescheduled)
2022-06-13 - 2022-06-16
The Southern Area Burn Boss Refresher RT-300 will be held at the Chattanooga, Convention Center in Chattanooga, TN. Event registration can be found here.

SFE Partner Webinar: Introducing the North American Tree-Ring Fire-Scar Network
2022-06-08 14:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Webinar: Introducing the North American Tree-Ring Fire-Scar Network

When: June 8, 2022 at 12:00-1:00 pm central time
Presented by: Dr. Ellis Margolis, Research Ecologist, USGS Fort Collins Science Center and Dr. Christopher Guiterman, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) University of Colorado at Boulder, and NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
Hosted by: Joint Fire Science Program’s Fire Science Exchange Network
Register: https://umsystem.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArd-qurDgjE9bW2ACpjzczxSc6LIqsZkr0
Abstract: A recent collaboration by ~90 tree-ring and fire-scar scientists has resulted in the publication* of the newly compiled North American Tree-Ring Fire-Scar Network (NAFSN), which contains 2,562 sites, > 37,000 fire-scarred trees, and covers large parts of North America. In this publication, authors investigate the NAFSN in terms of geography, sample depth, vegetation, topography, climate, and human land use.
In this webinar presenters will present major findings from the publication, demonstrate data accessibility, highlight management applications, and discuss future steps planned for the NAFSN.
* Margolis, Q. E, Guiterman, C. H, …L. L. Yocom. in press. The North American tree-ring fire-scar network. Ecosphere.

Virtual Workshop - From Flames to Forests: Past, Present, and Future Fires for Sustaining Our Forests and Wildlife
2022-06-07 11:00 - 14:00
Virtual Workshop
From Flames to Forests: Past, Present, and Future Fires for Sustaining Our Forests and Wildlife
Presented by the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society
June 7, 2022
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET
From Flames to Forest: Past, Present, and Future Fires for Sustaining our Forests and Wildlife

Registration link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/from-flames-to-forests
Continuing Education Credits (pending approval) Society of American Foresters, Wildlife Society, USDA-NRCS

Agenda
Tuesday, June 7th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM: “Welcome and Introduction” Charlie Faires, Forester, Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society
11:10 AM – 11:35 AM: “Fire History Paradigms: What’s “Natural”?” Dr. Kevin Robertson, Fire Ecology Research Scientist, Tall Timbers Research Station
11:35 AM – 12:00 PM: “Forest and Fire Ecology: Understanding the Relationship Between Forests and Fire” Dr. Heather Alexander, Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology, Auburn University
12:00 PM – 12:05: Break
12:05 PM – 12:30 PM: “Disturbance Dependent Wildlife: Fire as a Tool for Wildlife Management” Dr. Ben Jones, President and CEO, Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society
12:30 – 12:55 PM: “Managing Forests with Fire: Fire as a Silvicultural Tool” Dr. Tara Keyser, Research Forest and Director of the Center for Forest Restoration and Management, United States Forest Service
12:55 PM: Break
1:00 PM – 1:25 PM: “A Community of Practice: Implementing Prescribed Fire at Scale” Adam Warwick, Southern Blue Ridge and Fire Leaning Network Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy
1:25 PM: Panel Discussion with Lecturers

International Association of Wildland Fire 'Fire & Climate - Impacts, Issues & Futures' Conference
2022-05-23 08:00 - 2022-05-27 17:00 | Pasadena, CA, Pasadena, CA, United States

Partner Webinar: "20 Years of Partnership: Lessons Learned from the South Central Fire Learning Network"
2022-05-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
20 Years of Partnership: Lessons Learned from the South Central Fire Learning Network
The South Central Fire Learning Network in Arkansas and adjoining states has spent 20 years cultivating a diverse coalition of restoration practitioners, scientists, policy makers and on-the-ground managers. With projects including two Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) projects (together totaling over 1 million acres) the 80,000-acre Happy Bat Project, and leadership of the Shortleaf Pine Initiative, the South Central FLN is a national leader in collaborative restoration.
On this webinar, we will hear from some of the partners that have made this sustained success possible: McRee Anderson (TNC), Jim Mccoy (USFS), Randy Brents (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission), and Gabe De Jong (TNC). They will briefly discuss the history of the partnership, lessons learned from building and sustaining it, and an overview of the current state and future direction the partnership is seeking.
The majority of the webinar will be spent on an interactive panel discussion. Participants can pre-submit questions through this form or submit questions live during the webinar. Contact Laurel Kays (laurel.kays@tnc.org) with any other questions. Register here.

National Tribal Forum on Air Quality
2022-05-02 - 2022-05-05
Full information and registration can be found on the conference websitebal

Louisiana Prescribed Burning School
2022-04-28 - 2022-04-30
The LA Ecological Forestry Center (LEAF), the SW LA Forestry Association, the LSU AgCenter, the LA Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), and the LA Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF)will be having a school to enable forest landowners to burn their lands safely and legally. Topics will include fuels, burning techniques, proper tools, optimal weather conditions, smoke management, liability management, planning, fire behavior and more.
This training will begin the process of becoming LA Certified Burn Manager. The completion of five prescribed fires and their documentation will complete the process. The cost is $100. Class size is limited to the first 25 applicants. Please make check payable to SW LA Forestry Association, and send to LSU AgCenter, PO Box 609, DeRidder, LA 70634. For questions, please call 337-463-7006 or email khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu

Louisiana Prescribed Fire Workshop
2022-04-28 - 2022-04-30
LA Ecological Forestry Center, Florien, LA
For more information, contact me at khawkins@agcenter.lsu.edu

Party for the Pine Fire Festival
2022-04-23
Weymouth Woods is happy to announce a date has been set for Party for the Pine 2022! With disappointing cancellations due to weather and the pandemic for the past 3 years, everyone is eager to throw the best birthday party possible for our famous longleaf pine on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 as it turns 474 years old.
More information will be posted on the Friends of Weymouth Woods website when available.

Southeast CASC Regional Science Symposium
2022-03-29 - 2022-03-31
Plan to join us in Gulf Shores, Alabama from March 29 – 31, 2022
for the second Southeast CASC Regional Science Symposium.

This event is intended for:

Researchers and managers working in the southeastern U.S., including the U.S. Caribbean, on climate impacts and adaptation for fish, wildlife, habitat, cultural resources.
Decision makers and practitioners from state fish and wildlife agencies, federal organizations, Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations, NGOs.

Additional details will be posted on the event site.

Wildland Urban Interface Conference
2022-03-22 08:00 - 2022-03-24 17:00 | Reno, NV
“The IAFC’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) conference offers hands-on training and interactive sessions designed to address the challenges of wildland fire. If you’re one of the many people responsible for protecting local forests or educating landowners and your community about the importance of land management—then this is the conference for you.” March 22-24th 2022. Peppermill Resort, Reno, Nevada.

Fueling Collaboration: Thinking Beyond Fuel Reduction
2022-03-17 12:00 - 14:00
We often view prescribed fire simply as an alternative to wildfire and as little more than a tool for fuel reduction. This panel will share some of the benefits of controlled burns that go beyond that notion. We’ll explore using “goodfire” for food production, reducing disease transmission and more!
Register here.

SFE Webinar: Results and Recommendations from the Southeast Prescribed Fire Training Needs Survey
2022-03-03 13:00 - 14:30
Register here.
A free 1.5 hour webinar from the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Strategy – Southeast Regional Strategy Committee, Southern Fire Exchange, NC State University, and University of Florida.
Society of American Foresters CFE Credit Expected.
Presenters:
Jennifer Fawcett, North Carolina State University
Laurel Kays, North Carolina State University
Gary Wood, Southeast Regional Cohesive Wildland Fire Strategy – Southern Group of State Foresters
Webinar Description: The Southeast Prescribed Fire Training Needs Survey was conducted in January 2021 to assess the state of prescribed fire training in the region and identify barriers, deficiencies, and areas for improvement. This webinar will discuss highlights from the survey report, including results from the nearly 1,000 responses and key observations and recommended actions to improve training across the region. Following the presentation there will be time for audience Q/A with the speakers.

SFE Webinar: Tools for Hosting Online Wildland Fire Courses
2022-02-24 13:00 - 14:00
Register here.
A free one hour webinar from the US Forest Service, Tall Timbers Research Station, Southern Fire Exchange, NC State University, and University of Florida.
Society of American Foresters CFE Credit Expected.
Presenters:
Lindsey Curtin, US Forest Service
Zach Prusak, Tall Timbers Research Station
Sean Flanagan, US Forest Service
Webinar Description: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many fire practitioners are exploring ways to use virtual platforms to offer, supplement, and improve training. This webinar will cover two tools available for hosting online fire courses: the Wildland Fire Learning Portal and a learning management system owned by Tall Timbers Research Station. Presenters will discuss potential courses that can be offered, intended audiences, and how to use each platform. Following the presentation there will be time for audience Q/A with the speakers.
Following the presentations there will be time for audience Q/A with the speakers.

Virginia Prescribed Fire Council Virtual Meeting
2022-02-22 - 2022-02-23
The 2022 Virginia Prescribed Fire Council Meeting will be held virtually on February 22nd and 23rd from 0800-1200 ET both days. Stay tuned for the agenda in early January. Not able to attend on those dates? Don’t worry! Presentations will be recorded and posted to the Council website.

Registration for the event is now open! All participants will receive the Zoom meeting information via email no later than Friday, February 18th.

Fueling Collaboration: Fire and the Wildland Urban Interface in the Eastern US
2022-02-17 12:00 - 14:00
Notions of fire and the wildland urban interface often bring to mind scenes from the western United States, where catastrophic wildfires have led to catastrophic losses. In contrast, mapping efforts have found that the vast majority of the WUI acres can be found in the eastern United States. This panel will talk about how wildfire, prescribed fire, and climate change intersect in the WUI of the east.
Register here.

Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices Training
2022-02-14 - 2022-04-15
This national level training from Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. and the USDA Forest Service is designed for current or future mitigation specialists, wildfire program leads, and others who work with residents and their communities to reduce wildfire risk. The Mitigation Best Practices training concentrates on science, methods and tools that will help you engage communities/residents while also helping you to eliminate ineffective practices.
Participants should come with a basic understanding of wildfire, how homes burn, and vegetation management practices. The course assumes you know how to mitigate, but that you could use support engaging your community. In this workshop, you will work through some of the greatest challenges facing our wildland urban interface communities. The course will help you break down ineffective practices to make space for the more effective ones with a focus on the on-the-ground mitigation activities.

REGISTER HERE

Participation in the course is limited to individuals actively engaged in mitigation. Selection to participate in the training will be based on your answers provided and on submission date.

You may view and download the 2021 class syllabus
HERE.

Roscommon Equipment Center Workshop
2022-02-03 13:00 - 15:00
State wildfire professionals, equipment program leaders and others in the field are invited to attend the annual Roscommon Equipment Center Workshop, featuring a shop tour, equipment demonstrations and networking opportunties.
The 2022 Roscommon Equipment Center workshop will be shared via Microsoft Teams Feb. 3 from 1-3 p.m.

SFE Webinar: Early Implementation of the US Forest Service’s Shared Stewardship Strategy in the Eastern United States
2022-02-03 13:00 - 14:00
Register here.
Presenters:
Destin Kee, University of Georgia
Tyler Aldworth, Colorado State University
Dr. Jesse Abrams, University of Georgia
Webinar Description: The Shared Stewardship Strategy was launched by the U.S. Forest Service in 2018 as a means to promote management across ownerships and jurisdictions in pursuit of common goals regarding restoration, fire risk reduction, and the management of water and other resources. Since that time, 28 states have signed Shared Stewardship memoranda of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies committing to working in partnership. This webinar reports on findings from preliminary research on Shared Stewardship implementation in seven states east of the Rocky Mountains (AR, FL, GA, MA, NE, NC, TX), focusing on understandings of “Shared Stewardship,” perceived opportunities and challenges to working across boundaries, and changes instituted to date. We will also discuss commonalities and contrasts with Shared Stewardship implementation in western states where federal lands are more abundant. Following the presentations there will be time for audience Q/A with the speakers.

Longleaf Foundations Workshop
2022-02-02 08:30 - 17:00
Date: February 2, 2022
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Time Zone: America/Chicago
Location: Timpoochee 4-H Youth Camp, 4750 Timpoochee Lane
Niceville, FL 32578 United States
Cost: $50.00 – $75.00
Contact: Karen Zilliox Brown
Register here.
Longleaf Foundations is a one-day course, a condensed version of Longleaf 101, designed for those that would like to begin building a solid foundation of longleaf knowledge. Expert instruction, through a combination of classroom lectures, guided discussions, and hands-on exercises, will jump-start your longleaf education.
FLYER & AGENDA

Louisiana Prescribed Fire Workshop
2022-02-02 - 2022-02-04
For more information, contact Whitney Wallace, wwallace@agcenter.lsu.edu
This is a re-schedule from the original November workshop because of Hurricane Ida.

Sarasata Florida Fire Fest 2022
2022-01-29 10:00 - 14:00
Fire Fest 2022 is a FREE fun family event that takes a look at how prescribed burns protect our communities and property from wildfires and maintains Florida’s natural ecosystems for present and future generations. Do you ever wonder why you see all those smoke columns across the horizon? Agencies from around the state come together to talk fire. Enjoy live fire demonstrations, helicopter bucket drops, and nature tours. Kids will have a blast on the SWAT obstacle course, and will enjoy fun games and face painting in the KidZone. For more information, visit scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.
Find full information here.

Partner Webinar: Community Health Workers: Building Cultural Bridges to Address Environmental Public Health
2022-01-27 13:00 - 14:00
Please join us for the upcoming PEPH webinar: Community Health Workers: Building Cultural Bridges to Address Environmental Public Health.

Date: Thursday January 27, 2022 • 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Registration (required): https://nih.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-GvrTsrHNIds8dTqR_wWMG73OuWaBg

A community health worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served, as defined by the American Public Health Association. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison, link, or intermediary between health and social services and the community. This linkage facilitates access to services and improves the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. In the context of environmental health research, community health workers can foster trusting relationships between researchers and the community residents and ensure that research and communication approaches are culturally appropriate.
During this webinar we will hear two co-presentations about NIEHS-funded projects where academics are partnering with community health workers to address local environmental health issues.

For more information about the webinar including the full webinar description and presenter bios please refer to the webinar webpage.

SFE Webinar: Herbert Stoddard and the Origins of Ecosystem Management
2022-01-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
A free one hour webinar from Tall Timbers Research Station, the Southern Fire Exchange, NC State University, and the University of Florida.
Society of American Foresters CFE Credit Expected.
Presenter:
Jim Cox, Tall Timbers Research Station
Webinar Description: Herbert Stoddard has been undervalued and sometimes overlooked in terms of his contributions to wildlife conservation and management in North America. Although his formal education ended in the 8th grade, Stoddard fundamentally changed game species management through a focus on habitat management rather than bag limits. He also established the study of fire ecology and developed novel timber management strategies that mimicked natural disturbances, provided income for landowners, and also met the needs of rare species. Stoddard is also responsible in part for establishing the Wade Tract, the only National Natural Landmark dedicated to the endangered longleaf pine ecosystem. Following the presentations there will be time for audience Q/A with the speaker.
Register here: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LT1PimqlRVSjrJTJdNsoNA

SFE Webinar: Overview of the US National Fire Danger Rating System Version 4.0 (2016): Lessons learned from the Southeast US implementation
2022-01-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
A free one hour webinar from the US Forest Service, North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council, the Southern Fire Exchange, NC State University, and the University of Florida.
Society of American Foresters CFE Credit Expected.
Presenter:
Dr. Matt Jolly, Research Ecologist, US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory
Webinar Description: The US National Fire Danger Rating System is the foundation for wildland fire preparedness and response decision support throughout the country. Here we will present the development and implementation of the first revisions to the system in 40 years. We discuss the improvements made to dead and live fuel moisture models and simplifications made to fuel models and summarize how these improvements pave the way for technological advancements in future fire danger systems. Finally, we will discuss the lessons learned while implementing NFDRS V4 throughout the Federal and State land management agencies in the Southeast US. Following the presentations there will be time for audience Q/A with the speaker.

Register here: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nb40EuIPQFKhiQMYNGBB4Q

Fueling Collaboration: Smoke is NOT Just Smoke
2022-01-20 12:00 - 14:00
Smoke was already an important issue in wildland fire, but this summer is driving home the point even more across the eastern US. Whether it’s the western US and Canadian wildfire smoke or smoke from more local prescribed fires, what are the messages we should be communicating? What are the tools that can help us assess impacts? Attend this session to hear about the latest and greatest regarding smoke.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: Tainted Grapes, Tainted Lungs: Extreme Wildfire Impacts to Undocumented Latino/a and Indigenous Migrants
2022-01-11 17:00 - 19:00
As climate change advances, communities across the United States are adapting to the increased threat of wildfires. Such disasters are expected to become more frequent and severe.
In this lecture, Dr. Méndez explores why it is crucial to understand how these events amplify existing inequalities, and how to lessen the resulting harms, in particular for the most stigmatized populations, such as undocumented Latino/a and Indigenous migrants.
Register here.

Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
2022-01-11 10:00 - 11:00
The Southeast Climate monthly webinar series is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am ET. This series is hosted by the Southeast Regional Climate Center (SERCC), the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), and the NOAA National Weather Service. These webinars will provide the region with timely information on current and developing climate conditions such as drought, floods, and tropical storms, as well as climatic events like El Niño and La Niña. Speakers may also discuss the impacts of these conditions on topics such as agriculture production, water resources, wildfires and ecosystems.
Register here.
Upcoming Webinar Special Topics:
January 11th, 2022 – Hourly Precipitation Trends in the Southeast; Vincent Brown, LSU/SCIPP
February 8th, 2022 – Flood Climatology in the Southeast; Jeff Dobur, NWS Southeast River Forecast Center
March 8th, 2022 – Citizen Science for Understanding Weather and Climate: The CoCoRaHS volunteer network; Melissa Griffin, South Carolina State Climatology Office
April 12th, 2022 – Acidification in the U.S. Southeast: Causes, Potential Consequences; Emily Hall, Mote Marine Laboratory

2022 National Association of State Foresters’ CMS-Wildland Fire Committee Meeting
2022-01-11 - 2022-01-14
The 2022 National Association of State Foresters’ CMS-Wildland Fire Committee Meeting is expected to attract national leaders and exhibitors in the wildfire and forest management sectors and provide ample opportunity to interact with speakers and industry representatives.
The 2022 NASF CMS-Wildland Fire Committee Meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa just outside Albuquerque January 11-14, 2022. The registration fee is $325 for attendees.
Registration will close on December 20, 2021.
Registration and full information can be found on the event website.

Partner Webinar: Bunchgrass Ecology in Fire-Prone Pine Savannas
2021-12-17 12:00 - 13:00
The Florida Native Plant Society will host the lunch and learn.
Join via YouTube here.
