Southern Fire Exchange

Partner Webinar: Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar + Spring Flood Outlook
2021-03-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Register here.

Partner Webinar: Ecological Drought: Drought, Wildfire, and Recovery
2021-03-03 16:00 - 17:00
Drought can exacerbate wildfire frequency, intensity, and severity. This webinar will explore wildfire management approaches based on ecological principles, including those that embed traditional ecological knowledge.
Speakers:
• Dr. Jeremy Littell, Research Ecologist, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, USGS
• Bill Tripp, Deputy Director of Eco-Cultural Revitalization, Department of Natural Resources, Karuk Tribe
This webinar is the third in a four-part series that seeks to raise awareness of ecological drought, share actions that strengthen ecosystems resilience and mitigate the impacts of droughts, and discuss research and management needs for future drought planning and preparedness. The series is co-hosted by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center, with expert speakers from the research community, tribal nations, and government agencies.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: How To Talk About Southern Forests With The Public
2021-02-25 11:00 - 12:00
The Keeping Forests partnership shares groundbreaking results from recent opinion research on the best ways to talk about the issues facing southern forests with the public.

Keeping Forests is a collation of multi-stakeholder partners committed to sustaining 245 million acres of southern forestland by 2060. There are major threats to this land and the solutions are largely in the hands of private landowners. Yet, to date, there has been limited research that reveals how the public understands the role of southern forests to their daily lives, the importance of them, and what the most critical solutions are.
Raising awareness and shifting public opinion is a key strategy for Keeping Forests to meet the 2060 goal. In partnership with New Bridge Strategy, Keeping Forests will share the results of qualitative and quantitative research that gets at the heart of these issues. They will provide key “dos and don’ts” for how to talk about southern forests that can be applied across a variety of contexts and audiences.
The first part of the webinar will be a presentation by Keeping Forests and New Bridge Strategy. The second part will be dedicated to answering participants questions.
Download the results of the public opinion research here: https://www.keepingforests.org/resources

Partner Event: NFPA Presents Outthink Wildfir
2021-02-23 14:00 - 15:00
Join our Facebook Live event as NFPA® presents Outthink Wildfire™, a new initiative aimed at significantly lowering community wildfire risk by 2050. Join on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/330124734970946

There has been a relentless tally of losses due to wildfire in the U.S. in recent years, a trend that experts predict will only continue to grow. The time is now to face two harsh realities: Wildfires are going to happen, and the fire service alone lacks the capacity to contain and extinguish these fires at their current pace.

During the live event we will discuss the primary strategies to dramatically reduce the devastation caused by wildfires through the generation of policy at every level of government.
The event will focus on five fundamental tenets of Outthink Wildfire and feature remarks and a live Q&A session with our panel of industry experts, including:

• Jim Pauley, President & CEO, NFPA
• Roy Wright, President and CEO, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
• Jeffrey D. Johnson, Fire Chief (Ret.), Chief Executive, Western Fire Chiefs Association
• Alison Alter, Austin District 10 City Council Member

NFPA is calling for an end to the destruction of communities caused by wildfire. The key to success is to start now!

Through collaboration that begins with policy implementation, we can reverse direction and pursue a course of action that will better protect our communities, citizens, and first responders. Your presence at this event and participation in advocating for change is critical.

Learn more at www.nfpa.org/wildfirepolicy.

Partner Webinar: Timber Management and Prescribed Fire Fueling Collaboration Panel Discussion Series #4
2021-02-18 12:00 - 13:00
How can we best use fire in sites with timber management objectives? This panel will discuss panelist work and attendee questions on this topic.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: Ecological Drought: Planning for Resilience
2021-02-17 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar focuses on planning, restoration, and recovery actions that strengthen ecosystem resilience, mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, and realize co-benefits.
Speakers:
Dr. Jennifer Cartwright, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, USGS
Rachel M. Gregg, Senior Scientist, EcoAdapt
Hannah Panci, Climate Change Scientist
Robert Croll, Climate Change Program Coordinator, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
This webinar is the second in a four-part series that seeks to raise awareness of ecological drought, share actions that strengthen ecosystems resilience and mitigate the impacts of droughts, and discuss research and management needs for future drought planning and preparedness. The series is co-hosted by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center, with expert speakers from the research community, tribal nations, and government agencies.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: New Applications for Terrestrial LiDAR Systems, Monitoring Forests, Fuels and Ecosystem Health
2021-02-16 13:00 - 14:00
Traditional forestry, ecological, and fuels monitoring methods are costly, error-prone and are rarely analyzed. The application of Terrestrial LIDAR System (TLS) units to monitoring methods can help standardize data collection resulting in improved efficiency, reduced error, and datasets that can easily be analyzed to better inform management decisions. Affordable (sub-$20K) off-the-shelf TLS units can be employed to streamline the data collection process, remove sampling bias, and produce data that can be easily imported into analysis software or decision support framework.
Register here.

Learn and Burn Field Day
2021-02-15 - 2021-02-19
Day long live fire event to increase practitioner confidence/exposure to prescribed fire operations
WHEN: ONE DAY OF BURNING* 8:00 am- 3:00 pm *Depending on weather conditions.
WHO: Limited number of participants will be selected and notified by email.
Register here.

SFE Webinar: COVID-19 Impacts on Southeast Prescribed Fire & Strategies for Keeping Fire on the Ground
2021-02-11 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Hosts: NASA, Tall Timbers Research Station, Southern Fire Exchange, Joint Fire Science Program, and the University of Florida
Presenters: Benjamin Poulter, Ph.D., NASA Earth Sciences Division
Morgan Varner, Ph.D., Tall Timbers Research Station
Greg Titus, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Brett Williams, US Air Force Wildland Fire Branch
Sasha Ernst, Florida Park Service
Webinar Description: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has altered the use of prescribed fire on hundreds of thousands of acres of public and private lands across the Southeastern United States. In this special two-part webinar, scientists and fire management program leaders will discuss both the measurable impacts of the pandemic on prescribed fire use, as well as successful strategies for managing fire during the time of COVID-19. In the first presentation, NASA research scientist Ben Poulter, Ph.D., will discuss the results of a project with Tall Timbers Research Station that identified changes in the pattern and frequency of fire across the region in 2020. In the second half of the webinar, a panel of prescribed fire managers from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Eglin Air Force Base, and the Florida Park Service, will discuss their experiences, lessons, and strategies for managing prescribed fire programs in 2020 and 2021. Following the research presentation and panel discussion, there will be time for audience Q/A.
Registration is required. Register here.

Land Conservation Partner Panel
2021-02-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, United States
Public Lands Panel: Feb 9, 2021
Join land conservation advocates from across the state for a discussion on climate action, energy burden, utility disconnections and rates, and other emerging issues in the clean energy sector!
Hosted by Florida Conservation Voters
Panelists:
Mary Nell Armstrong, Outreach Specialist, Southern Fire Exchange
Shane Wellendorf, Conservation Coordinator , Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy
Jennifer M. Korn, Florida Panther Biologist, Johnson Engineering, Inc
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
6:00 pm
https://app.belive.tv/289334/guest
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/156349956167335

Partner Webinar: Virtual Conference on Heirs' Property & Sustainable Forest Management
2021-02-08 08:00 - 17:00
This virtual conference will bring together experts in heirs’ property, including forest landowners experiencing it firsthand. The conference will share ideas and perspectives, provide updates on legal developments regarding heirs’ property, and present results from two integrated research and outreach initiatives.
Though the main focus is on African American forest landowners located in the southeastern states, in general, and Georgia, in particular, there will be discussion of heirs’ property issues nationwide.
Registration is free but required.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: Ecological Drought: An Introduction
2021-02-03 11:30 - 12:30
Introducing ecological drought as a scientific concept distinct from other definitions of drought, this webinar explores recent research on the topic, including transformational drought impacts and ecological tipping points. Speakers:
• Dr. Shelley Crausbay, Senior Scientist, Conservation Science Partners
• Dr. Amanda Cravens, Research Social Scientist, USGS
This webinar is the first in a four-part series that seeks to raise awareness of ecological drought, share actions that strengthen ecosystems resilience and mitigate the impacts of droughts, and discuss research and management needs for future drought planning and preparedness. The series is co-hosted by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center, with expert speakers from the research community, tribal nations, and government agencies.
Register here.

Burning Issues Workshop & Michigan Prescribed Fire Council Annual Meeting
2021-02-02 - 2021-02-04
Over the three virtual mornings participants will explore topic areas that are planned with and for the diverse community interacting around fire-related issues, and seek to further understanding and communication to support continued work toward collaborative fire management and research solutions.
Registration is free and will open soon.
The workshop agenda can be found on the event website.

Partner Webinar: Communicating Air Quality During Fires: the Science Behind the AirNow Sensor Data Pilot
2021-01-28 13:00 - 15:00
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) conducted the AirNow Sensor Data Pilot during the 2020 fire season to provide the public with air sensor information on the air pollutant, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), especially during smoke events from fires. The sensor data is shown on the Fire and Smoke Map, part of the popular AirNow.gov website.
The air sensors are among several new additions to the Fire and Smoke Map, made possible with innovative technical approaches developed and applied by EPA to compare sensor data with data from regulatory grade monitors and temporary monitors provided by EPA, USFS, states, tribes and local air quality agencies. This webinar will provide an overview of the AirNow Sensor Data Pilot and the development of the U.S.-wide correction equation for PurpleAir PM2.5 sensor data and its appropriateness for correcting PM2.5 measurements during smoke events.
Register here.

Virtual S-131 Firefighter Type I
2021-01-28 08:30 - 12:00
Presented in a 100% virtual format via Canvas and Zoom. The course costs $50.
All participants MUST have wildland fire experience including having been on a minimum of 3 burns before taking this training and must have evidence of having completed S-130/190 (Basic Wildland Firefighter training) prior to this course.
This is a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training course designed for individuals with wildland fire experience who are currently qualified as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), and who desire to be qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) in the National Interagency Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).
This course will explore fireline reference materials, communications, tactical decision making, position responsibilities, and operational leadership.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians collaborative research and management of culturally important forest products
2021-01-15 13:00 - 14:00
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the USDA Forest Service, and other collaborators are creating an integrated platform to improve access, sustainable harvesting and ecological conditions for culturally important plants. The effort seeks to plan and implement forest management policies and activities that support Cherokee arts, diets, and practices while at the same time promoting integrated forest stewardship over a larger landscape. Activities are centered in western North Carolina and portions of adjacent states, including the Qualla Boundary (EBCI tribal lands); the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Cherokee National Forests; and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We discuss efforts to date, bringing together traditional knowledge, western scientific research, community engagement and cross-boundary relationship building.
This is the fourth webinar in a 7-part series focused on tribal land management that encompasses a wide array of topics and includes speakers from across the nation. The goal of this webinar series is to inform forestry and natural resource professionals of the full scope of land management approaches used by Native Americans across the country. In addition, information from this series will provide the audience a better understanding of some of the complex history and policy challenges that also influence tribal land management.
Registration is not required.
Join the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar + Fires in the Southeast
2021-01-12 10:00 - 10:45
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, in partnership with 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 for the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: The effect of prescribed fire on above- and below-ground soil properties in the Ozark Highlands
2020-12-15 14:00 - 15:00
Register here.
The Wildlife Society and The Society of American Foresters continuing education credits (1 hour Cat 1) approved
Prescribed fire is commonly applied to meet a variety of forest management objectives, including the restoration and maintenance of Oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands. In the Ozark Highlands, private landowners, conservation organizations, and government agencies are increasingly applying fire to restore woodland sites after a period of fire suppression. Even though fire effects on vegetation, fuels loading, and wildlife habitats are often studied in the Ozark Highlands, few studies have measured fire effects on soil physical and chemical properties in this region. Since it is important to understand how prescribed burning affects short- and long-term forest soil productivity, we initiated this study to quantify prescribed fire effects on organic soil horizon measurements, physical and chemical properties of soil mineral horizons, and soil solution nutrient flux, and to resolve the time required for soil properties to return to pre-burn soil conditions. Study sites are located in the Oak-Pine Woodland/Forest Hills Land Type Association in the Black River Basin of southern Missouri. Weathered from Roubidoux sandstone and Gasconade dolomite, soils at the study sites contain large quantities of coarse fragments and reduced nutrient content.
In 2015, fire was applied to sites that had no documented occurrence of fire for at least 40 years prior and sites that had been burned twice since 2002. Sampling efforts were focused upon stands on exposed hillslopes. The percent cover, thickness, and dry weight of the Oi, Oe, and Oa horizons were measured prior to and immediately following fire, and annually for two years post-burn. Prescribed fire completely consumed the Oi horizon and partially reduced the Oe horizon, but both were recovered two years later. Mineral soil bulk density was measured at the 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm depths before fire, and bulk density at the 0-10 cm depth was re-sampled two years post-burn. There was no change in bulk density of the whole soil and the fine soil fraction. Mineral soil samples were collected prior to fire treatment, immediately post-burn, and at six-month intervals for two post-burn years at depths of 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm. Compared to pre-burn values, there was a significant increase in the water-stable microaggregate size fraction within stands burned for the first time in recent history. Fire did not significantly alter total mineral soil organic carbon stocks, the labile carbon pool, or the pyrogenic carbon pool for any sampling depth. There was also no fire effect on total nitrogen, soil pH, effective cation exchange capacity, base saturation, aluminum saturation, or exchangeable base cation concentrations. The soil solution was continuously monitored for one year pre-burn and two years post-burn at 10 cm and 30 cm depths using Plant Root Simulator (PRSTM) ion-exchange probes. Ammonium-nitrogen availability was significantly greater over the two post-burn growing seasons at the 10 cm depth within periodically burned stands. However, during the second post-burn growing season, phosphate-phosphorus availability at the 30 cm depth was significantly less within periodically burned stands relative to stands burned for the first time. Gravimetric soil moisture content monitored monthly at the 0-10 cm depth was not different between treatments for during the duration of the study.
The 2015 prescribed fires were generally within prescription designed for low-intensity, low-severity burning. Soils were moist at the time of fire and soil temperatures minimally increased. Study results indicate that when fuels and soils are moist at the time of fire, there is minimal immediate impact on organic and mineral soil properties. Overall, burning for the first time after a period of fire suppression did not significantly alter mineral soil physical and chemical properties. The lack of differences among treatments before fire and the minimal change in mineral soil properties following fire suggests that when given time to recover between recurring burn events, periodic burning also does not adversely alter mineral soil properties. Study results are informative and can assist Ozark land managers in developing a prescribed fire regime that meets sustainable forestry objectives.

Partner Webinar: Developing Future Habitat Condition Scenarios for Wildlife in the Imperiled Pine Rockland Ecosystem of South Florida
2020-12-15 11:00 - 12:00
Presenter: Dr. Suresh Subedi, Arkansas Tech University

Seminar Description:

Approximately 90% of Pine Rockland habitat in south Florida and the Florida Keys, USA, has been lost, fragmented, or degraded because of urbanization or other anthropogenic disturbance. Furthermore, low-lying islands and coastal areas are experiencing sea-level rise and an increased frequency and intensity of high tide flooding, putting Pine Rockland habitats at increasing risk of ecological change. We evaluated changes in the extent of Pine Rockland habitat under future sea level rise and human scenarios for two endemic, at-risk species of snakes, the Rim Rock Crowned snake (Tantilla oolitica) and the Key Ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus acrinus). We used recent and historical species records to determine their current habitat range in South Florida and estimated the extent of future habitat loss due to sea level rise and continued human development, as well as projected differences between the two species and across their habitat ranges. Our results predict that saltwater intrusion due to sea level rise as well as short-term stochastic events such as storm surge and high tides will degrade large amounts of upland Pine Rockland habitats due to saltwater intrusion. A large amount of rockland habitat (up to 47% by 2030) will be lost to development within 10 years. Therefore, immediate mitigation actions may be needed to conserve specialist species within upland habitat which are threatened by detrimental human modifications and global climate change.

Register here.

2020 Keeping Forests Year-In-Review
2020-12-15 10:00 - 12:00
Keeping Forests is a regional partnership with the mission to conserve the 245 million acres of remaining southern forests by supporting private landowners and shedding light on why this land matters. Our partners represent a wide diversity of stakeholders and interests ranging from conservationists to private landowners to global corporations and government agencies.
In this live discussion, our partners will share Keeping Forests’ strategic approaches, successes and lessons learned in 2020, and chart a path forward for 2021.
Register here.

RT-130 Virtual Fire Refresher
2020-12-15 08:00 - 12:00
The Nature Conservancy in the Sandhills is providing a RT-130 virtual class on December 15, 2020 from 0800-1200.
Please sign up using this Google Form: TNC NC Sandhills RT-130
A Zoom link for the RT-130 will be sent on Monday, December 14th. Please make sure you have signed up before that time.

Partner Webinar: Caring for All Relations: Tribal Wildlife Management
2020-12-11 13:00 - 14:00
Drs. Serra Hoagland (Laguna Pueblo) and Michel Kohl (Ft. Peck Sioux and Assinboine Nations) will discuss the value and important of wildlife management in Indian country. Information will highlight the differences between cultural, commercial, and subsistence management practices that occurs both on and off tribal lands. Tribal models of land stewardship that balance the triple bottom line of social, environmental and economic needs of the community will be discussed. This presentation will also introduce participants on the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into tribal and non-tribal wildlife management practices as well as the need for tribal engagement in all natural resource management decision making.
No registration required. Join the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: Water Quality Best Management Practices & Watershed Management
2020-12-11 12:00 - 13:00
Georgia’s water resources include 44,056 miles of perennial streams, 4.8 million acres of wetlands and hundreds of thousands of acres of impoundment.

This talk will explore the ways in which integrated watershed management can benefit forest landowners. We will explore water quality BMPs and and how they relate to management objectives including fisheries, aesthetics and sustainability.
No registration is required. Join the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: Beneficial and Pest Insects in Our Forests: Management Recommendations
2020-12-10 12:00 - 13:00
Many different types of insects inhabit our forests, both beneficial and pest insects.

Native insects like bark beetles, pine tip moth, and Deodar weevil can cause problems in pine stands. The distinction of when a native insect becomes a pest insect be highlighted. Management options including habitat management, thinning, burning, and pesticide use will be discussed.
No registration is required. Join the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: Invasive Species in Southern Forests: Problems and Solutions
2020-12-09 12:00 - 13:00
An invasive species is a non-native species (including seeds, eggs, spores, or other propagules) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health. The term “invasive” is used for the most aggressive species.
These species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbance to the areas in which they are present. In addition to the threats to production agriculture and forestry. Invasive species can decrease your ability to enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational activities.
The United States suffers from $120 billion per year in economic losses due to invasive species. Approximately 42% of Threatened or Endangered species are at risk due to non-native, invasive species. The presentation introduce the problem, why you should care, and tools to help identify, monitor and prevent the spread of invasive species .
No registration is required. Join the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: Fire and Kentucky's Grassland Insects
2020-12-09 10:00 - 11:00
Prescribed fire is a tool used to enhance wildlife habitat, improve grass and forestland
health, and set back succession. Land managers often don’t consider the effects of fire on
insects. This webinar is geared toward wildlife biologists, naturalists, prescribed fire
practitioners, and other land managers interested in learning more about the influence of
prescribed fire on invertebrate populations.
Registration is free for KY Wildlife Society and KY Prescribed Fire Council members. Members will receive a
link to join the webinar. Not a member? Please email the contact below to join!
KYCTWS ($10): Cody M Rhoden, cody.rhoden@ky.gov
KYPFC ($10): Kyle Sams, kyle.sams@ky.gov
For more information, please contact Terri Brunjes, KY TWS President, terri.brunjes@ky.gov

Partner Webinar: Managing Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Ecological Integrity Alongside Traditional Forestry
2020-12-08 12:00 - 13:00
Georgia native plants support quality wildlife habitat for hunting, conservation, and ecological integrity. This can be demonstrated in management of longleaf pine ecosystems, where timber and understory management occur simultaneously to support both economic and ecological goals. The understory that can occur under these management systems supports diverse and abundant wildlife.
Longleaf pine ecosystem management often includes prescribed fire use, mid-story removal/ reduction, wiregrass propagation, and encouragement of other understory herbaceous plants. In more traditional loblolly/ slash pine forest management, native plants that support wildlife and ecological integrity can be encouraged in buffer zones or marginal areas of a stand. In these areas, native plants that support wildlife habitat, such as fruit and nut-bearing native trees and shrubs and beneficial insect-attracting plants, can be encouraged.
This webinar will provide an overview of diverse native plants that can be managed alongside different types of forest management, with a focus on species that create quality wildlife habitat.
No registration is required, join the webinar here.

Partner Webinar: Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
2020-12-08 10:00 - 10:45
These webinars provide the region’s stakeholders and interested parties 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 wildfires, agriculture production, disruption to water supply, and ecosystems.

The December 8 webinar will also feature a presentation on High Tide Flooding by William Sweet, NOAA National Ocean Service.

Register here.

Partner Webinar: Preventing COVID-19 Exposures During Natural Disasters - 12/07
2020-12-07 14:00 - 15:00
This webinar in partnership with AIHA and the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice, Subcommittee on Environmental Justice and Natural Disasters, will provide guidance on keeping those who deploy as volunteers to assist with natural disaster response and clean-up safe from COVID-19. It will address suggestions for how and why to deploy, expectations for volunteer supervisors/organizations, controls for indoor and outdoor safety measures, PPE supply, HAZMAT training, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: Live Section 508 Compliant Captioning will be provided during this meeting.
Register here.

Partner Webinar: Intermediate Stand Management Options for Pines & Hardwoods
2020-12-07 12:00 - 13:00
This presentation will cover management activities that will keep established pine and hardwood stands productive and healthy.
Timing of these activities as well as when to use them will be covered. These activities include thinning, prescribed fire, and crop tree release.
No registration is required. Join the webinar here.
