Southern Fire Exchange

North Georgia Prescribed Fire Council Meeting
2020-06-04 | Online, United States
The North Georgia Prescribed Fire Council will meet June 4 online via Zoom. Register online here. Additional details can be found below.
The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council, a statewide coalition of land managers, landowners, forestry consultants, conservation organizations, universities, and state and federal agencies promotes the safe use of prescribed fire as an essential natural resource management tool to ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. The first North Georgia Prescribed Fire Council meeting was held in 2019 at North Georgia Technical College in Jasper Ga with 200+ in attendance. The Council had plans to hold the 2020 North Georgia Prescribed Fire meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2020 but due to the COVID 19 restrictions on large groups, the 2020 meeting will be a virtual meeting using ZOOM technology. There will be a normal full agenda of speakers with live interaction from the audience available for questions and comments. ZOOM is very easy to use and there will be technical help for any issues. The 5-hour meeting, with breaks, will address critical issues for prescribed fire practitioners and advocates, with a special emphasis on north Georgia and its unique terrain, population, and forest types. Meeting attendees will hear from prescribed fire experts on 8 different topics as you will see on the meeting agenda.
North Georgia’s public and privately-owned forestland is a significant economic, biological, recreational, and aesthetic resource. Carefully planned prescribed fires prevent the build-up of flammable, naturally-occurring fuels that set the stage for destructive wildfires. Prescribed fire also helps ensure healthy habitat for plants and animals, including rare and endangered species in Georgia.
Continuing Forestry Education and Master Timber Harvester credits will be available for those participating in the full conference.
Join us on June 4th at 10:00 AM on your computer or other device to learn about the state of prescribed fire in North Georgia.

Partner Webinar: Drought Decision-Making Tools You Can Use
2020-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Host: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Presenters: Rebecca Ward, North Carolina Assistant State Climatologist, Katherine Hegewisch, Research Scientist at the University of Idaho, Jeff Marti, Drought Coordinator, Washington Department of Ecology
Abstract:
Learn about two toolkits that support drought monitoring and drought decision-making across the lower 48 states: the Integrated Water Portal and The Climate Toolbox.
The Integrated Water Portal brings together water data from several different agencies into a map-driven data exploration and visualization tool that is designed to support drought monitoring at state and basin scales. This site allows users to quickly explore regional and local water conditions with a focus on surface and near-surface supplies.
The Climate Toolbox is a set of mapping/graphing tools that can be used to explore climate/hydrology data in real-time with comparisons to the past and insight into the future (sub-seasonal to seasonal forecasts and future projections) at gridded locations.
The presentation will also feature users’ perspectives, including how the State of Washington’s Drought Coordinator uses The Climate Toolbox for state drought monitoring.
Additional information about the webinar can be found here.

Partner Webinar: Data, Science, and Methods behind the Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
2020-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Host: LANDFIRE
Presenter: Greg Dillon, Frank Fay, Jim Menakis, Kelly Pohl, Joe Scott
Abstract: Learn about the science and data used to calculate and map wildfire risk nationwide in the new Wildfire Risk to Communities website. Hear from the project’s technical lead about the use of LANDFIRE and other input datasets, the methods for modeling and mapping wildfire risk, and the data products available through the website. See a demonstration of the website and how to download geospatial and tabular data.

Partner Webinar: Air Quality and Healthy Hearts - Progress and Remaining Challenges
2020-05-28 14:00 (America/New_York)
Host: US EPA Air and Energy Research Program

Presenters: Dr. Wayne Cascio, director of EPA’s Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Dr. Ana Rappold, CPHEA statistician, and Dr. Cavin Ward-Caviness, CPHEA computational biologist.
Abstract: EPA’s Office of Research and Development, Air and Energy National Research Program is working to assess the impact and improve our understanding of air pollution morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations, including individuals with cardiovascular disease. Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with adverse cardiovascular health events including heart attacks, stroke, and death―particularly among those with pre-existing conditions. However, a better understanding of the relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular health is needed to develop strategies to protect vulnerable people with heart and vascular disease.
This webinar provides an overview of newly published research by EPA scientists and their colleagues that helps fill key knowledge gaps. The findings, published in leading scientific journals, offer new insights into the progress made to protect at-risk individuals with chronic health problems. The research also identifies remaining environmental health challenges, such as determining risks faced from sustained exposure to elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke, which is being observed due to more frequent and larger wildland fires in the United States.

Additional information about the webinar can be found here.

SFE Webinar: Overview of the North Carolina Climate Science Report: Implications for Wildland Fire
2020-05-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
A free one hour webinar from North Carolina State University, the Southern Fire Exchange, and the University of Florida.
Presenter: Rebecca Ward, Assistant State Climatologist, Raleigh, North Carolina
Webinar Description: The North Carolina Climate Science Report, published in March 2020, is a scientific assessment of historical climate trends and potential future climate change in NC. The report was authored by North Carolina-based climate experts and was informed by the 4th US National Climate Assessment, the 5th IPCC Assessment Report, and up-to-date published research in credible scientific journals. This webinar will briefly describe the report’s development process before diving into the findings relevant for understanding fire potential and risk: what trends have been observed in NC over the past century, what can we expect over the next few decades to the end of the century, and what is our level of certainty in the projected changes. Following the presentation there will be time for audience Q/A with the speaker.
Registration required. Registration Link

Partner Webinar: Using the Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
2020-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Host: LANDFIRE
Presenter: Greg Dillon, Frank Fay, Jim Menakis, Kelly Pohl, Joe Scott
Abstract: See a demonstration of the new Wildfire Risk to Communities website, including use of the interactive maps, charts, and resources available for every community, county, and state in the U.S. Learn how the website and downloadable resources can help community leaders such as elected officials, community planners, and fire managers prioritize actions to mitigate risk.

SFE Webinar: QUIC-Fire: A Fast-Running Simulation Tool for Prescribed Fire Planning
2020-05-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
A free one hour webinar from Los Alamos National Lab, US Forest Service Southern Research Station, Tall Timbers Research Station, the Southern Fire Exchange, and the University of Florida.
Presenters: Rodd Linn, Ph.D., Los Alamos National Lab, Scott Goodrick, Ph.D., USFS Southern Research Station, and Kevin Hiers, Tall Timbers Research Station
Webinar Description: Recent advances in wildland fire behavior models (e.g. FIRETEC) utilizing high spatial and temporal resolution fluid dynamics calculations have facilitated complex modeling of fire-atmospheric feedbacks. Unfortunately this fire modeling approach requires exceptional computational resources that are unlikely to be available to most wildland fire managers. QUIC-Fire is a new physics-based cellular automata fire spread tool that that offers advanced fire modeling capabilities without the demand for extraordinary computational resources. QUIC-Fire is a new step towards expanding next generation fire model access to a wider audience of practitioners and users. Following the webinar there will be time reserved for audience questions.
For more information:
Check out a QUIC-Fire YouTube video from Los Alamos National Lab.
Read the March 2020 QUIC-Fire publication in the journal Environmental Modeling and Software.
Registration required. Registration Link

Partner Webinar: Fighting Fire with Fire: Restoring Traditional Indigenous Practices for Ecological Stewardship
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Environmental Law Institute Webinar: Fighting Fire with Fire: Restoring Traditional Indigenous Practices for Ecological Stewardship
Panelists:
Cynthia R. Harris, Director, Tribal Programs; Deputy Director, Center for State, Tribal, and Local Environmental Programming, Staff Attorney, Environmental Law Institute, Moderator
Michael Connor, Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Frank Lake, Research Ecologist, US Forest Service
Matthew S. Reischman, Assistant Deputy Director, Resource Protection, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Bill Tripp, Deputy Director of Eco-Cultural Revitalization, Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources
Webinar Description: In 2018, six wildfires in California caused approximately $12 billion in property damage and tragically claimed over a hundred lives. As climate change continues to drive hotter, drier, and more combustible conditions, the fire season in the western portion of the United States is becoming longer, more intense, and costlier.
For millennia, indigenous peoples have used prescribed fires – intentionally setting precisely timed, low-intensity fires to clear biomass – as a means to manage forest ecosystems as well as being an important cultural practice. Historically, as non-indigenous people expanded westward, state and federal authorities effectively banned tribes from this practice.
Click here to Register by May 19
For more information Click here.

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: Wildland Fire Community Engagement and Data Visualization Tools
2020-05-20 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
In recent years, smoke from wildland fires has affected populations both near and far from the fire locations. A public health response to smoke intrusion presents a complex challenge, and many communities are aiming to develop effective smoke preparedness and response plans. In response, EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) developed the Wildland Fire Research Framework 2019-2022 which supports a breadth of research and outreach designed to help federal, state, local and tribal organizations prepare and respond to public health impacts from wildland fires.
Click here to register and for more information

Partner Webinar: Wildfires and Insurance: How to Protect Your Property from Wildfire
2020-05-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Host: National Fire Protection Association
Presenters: Faraz Hedayati, PhD, IBHS Research Engineer, Daniel Gorham, P.E., IBHS Research Engineer
Abstract: The wildfires of 2017 and 2018 underscored the risk that wildfires can pose to many communities throughout the United States. With increasing wildfire risks for many comes the reality that preparedness is a year-round endeavor. However, reducing your risk can be affordable and practical. Research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) shows a variety of low-cost, do-it-yourself actions can reduce common structural vulnerabilities and increase the chances of a home or business surviving a wildfire. Wildfire experts from IBHS will join NFPA on May 20 (10-11 AM PDT) to outline how affordable weekend projects can have a significant impact on your wildfire risks.

SFE Webinar: Longleaf Pine Forest Patch Dynamics
2020-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
A free one hour webinar from Tall Timbers Research Station, the Southern Fire Exchange, and the University of Florida.
Presenter: Kevin Robertson, Ph.D., Fire Ecology Program Director, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
Webinar Description: It has long been observed that longleaf pine juveniles (between the “grass stage” near the ground to about head-high) tend to become established in dense clusters limited to open areas away from canopy trees. Recent detailed fire history mapping efforts at the Wade Tract in south Georgia, have shown that longleaf pine regeneration tends to occur within canopy gaps that experience lower fire frequency and severity. This research has implications for fire management for longleaf pine regeneration, suggesting that burning under conditions that allow for some patchiness following longleaf mast years (abundant seed production) is important for natural recruitment.
Following the webinar there will be time reserved for audience questions.
Registration required. Registration Link

Partner Webinar: Improving Firefighter Safety Tools
2020-05-14 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Host: Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service
Presenter: Dr. Matt Jolly, Ecologist, Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service
Abstract: Safety tools for wildland firefighters.
Connection Information: Click here to join the webinar. Audio: 888-844-9904, Access 1625330#

Tennessee Prescribed Fire Council Meeting
2020-05-14 | Lane Agri-Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, United States
The Tennessee Prescribed Fire Council will meet May 14 in Murfreesboro, TN. Registration is required by May 1st.

Partner Webinar: Southeast Climate Monthly Webinar
2020-05-12 10:00 - 10:45 (America/New_York)
Host: National Integrated Drought Information System
Presenter: Sandra Rayne, Southeast Regional Climate Center, Pam Knox, University of Georgia, Steve McNulty, USDA Climate Hub
Abstract: This webinar will 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.

Partner Webinar: Wildfires and Insurance: Learn How to Prepare Financially
2020-05-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Host: National Fire Protection Association
Presenters: Nicole Mahrt-Ganley, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Janet Ruiz, Insurance Information Institute
Abstract: Despite the global challenges posed by COVID-19, another wildfire season is just around the corner. Join this two-part series that will help you prepare physically and financially to defend against the destructive threat of wildfire. Session One (May 6, 10-11 AM PDT) will feature experts focused on financial preparedness, while Session Two (date/time TBD) will offer low-cost, actionable tips and do-it-yourself weekend projects to better prepare your home for wildfire from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Join us to learn from and interact with wildfire and insurance experts who will address questions about protecting yourself and your property, including important home insurance tips. For anyone seriously concerned about the dangers posed by wildfire, these two 60-minute webinars will provide the information you need to stay informed and stay safe.

Partner Webinar: Southern Pine Beetle Biology, Monitoring, and Management
2020-05-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Host: Southern Regional Extension Forestry
Presenter: Dr. John Nowak, Research Entomologist, USDA -Forest Service Southern Research Station
Abstract: The southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis, is the most destructive insect pest of pine in the southern United States. Dr. John Nowak will be giving a general overview of the biology, range and impact of and possible management strategies for preventing the spread of this insect pest.

SFE Webinar: The Case for Prescribed Fire Science
2020-04-30 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
A free one hour webinar from Tall Timbers Research Station, the Southern Fire Exchange, and the University of Florida.
Presenter: Morgan Varner, Ph.D., Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL
Webinar Description: Recently and historically the majority of wildland fire science funding and research have focused on addressing questions associated with managing and responding to uncontrolled wildfires. Across the world there exists a strong demand for new science that can address basic and applied research needs associated with prescribed fires. Fundamental questions related to prescribed fire behavior, fire effects, smoke, and social science require new research efforts to meet the growing needs of prescribed fire managers, air quality regulators and community decision-makers. This webinar will highlight the differences between wildfire science and prescribed fire science and will discuss strategies and opportunities for moving forward. Following the presentation there will be time for audience Q/A with the speaker.
Following the webinar there will be time reserved for audience questions.
For more information read the March 2020 publication (open access) in the journal Fire Ecology.
Registration required. Registration Link

Partner Webinar: Listening to the Flow - Discoveries from Wildland Fire Acoustics
2020-04-28 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Host: Lake States Fire Science Consortium
Presenter: Kara Yedinak, Forest Products Lab, USDA – Forest Service
Abstract: Sound is a fundamental part of our experience when interacting with the world around us. So fundamental in fact, that we often forget to question what it is we are hearing. Our long relationship with all aspects of fire, including the sounds of fire, are deeply intuitive and yet elusive. What is creating the crackling sound we hear when vegetation burns? What is it really telling us about the exchange between vegetation and fire? What is making all that “noise” near a fire that causes us to raise our voices as we work or turn to observe with a fresh sense of alert concern? What sounds are involved that lead to a safe or unsettling feeling around wildland fire? In this webinar, I will take a deep dive into the crackling sound of fire; what is this sound really telling us, where is it coming from, and what else is going on besides what we hear?

Partner Webinar: Engaging Local Communities to Restore Fire-adapted Ecosystems
2020-04-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Webinar Summary:
Nationwide, the frequency and scale of catastrophic wildfires are growing at alarming rates, challenging forest and rangeland managers’ abilities to maintain ecologically resilient landscapes and fire-safe communities. To meet these demands, research and extension professionals are devising interactive and novel programs to engage and build capacity among landowners, agency land managers and decision-makers, environmental non-governmental organizations, and technical service professionals to address ecological, economic, and social dimensions of wildland and prescribed fire.
This webinar will highlight:
Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Area Fire Extension Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension
Derek Scasta, Rangeland Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor of Rangeland Management, University of Wyoming
Jennifer Fawcett, Extension Associate, North Carolina State University Extension
Join Lenya, Derek and Jennifer as they share their programming with us!
Webinar series sponsored by Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA)

This webinar series is funded through the Renewable Resource Extension Act under the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture as Award number 2018-46401-288801. The USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.

The project team consists of natural resource professionals from across the U.S. These webinars are focused on the critical issues identified in the past two RREA strategic plans. The purpose is to feature creative, innovative, and effective Extension programs. The webinars will be an opportunity for renewable resource extension professionals to share, learn, and connect with their colleagues across land-grant institutions and disciplines. It is our hope that the webinars will bring increased public awareness of the RREA program and result in more informed, better served stakeholders.

Third International Smoke Symposium
2020-04-20 - 2020-04-24 | Raleigh, NC, Raleigh, North Carolina
The 3rd International Smoke Symposium is now going 100% virtual. See the announcement and learn about the new format.

SFE Webinar: Statutory, Regulatory and Legal Constraints on Prescribed Fire in the USA
2020-03-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
A free one hour webinar from the University of Nebraska, the Southern Fire Exchange, and the University of Florida.
Presenter: Carissa Wonkka, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Webinar Description: While fire is recognized as necessary to maintain many of the ecosystem services humans depend on, policies and laws often pose impediments to conducting prescribed fires. Maintaining appropriate fire return intervals for fully functioning ecosystems can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Laws and regulations can place limitations on both the timing and extent of prescribed burning. In this webinar, Dr. Wonkka will present an overview of the legislative and legal landscape facing prescribed burners. She will also present data showing how different statutory configurations can alter the amount prescribed fire applied on private land. Following the webinar there will be time reserved for audience questions.
Registration required. See Registration Link below.

8th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress
2019-11-18 - 2019-11-22 | Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Arizona
The 2019 Fire Congress will redefine the ecological concept of pyrodiversity to explore cross-cutting issues across a variety of disciplines. The complexity of wildland fire requires partners to consider diverse perspectives and disciplines at multiple scales to develop strategies for living in fire-dominated landscapes.

Fire On The Mountain
2019-11-02 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC, 27016
10:00 am until 4:00 pm outside the Visitor Center for a fun interactive event all about fire.

Society of American Foresters 2019 Convention
2019-10-30 - 2019-11-03 | Louisville, KY, Louisville, Kentucky
The 2019 SAF Convention will highlight mega trends such as advanced wood materials and tall wooden buildings, while acknowledging the legacy of American wood use in music, food, shelter, and culture.

Hart Prairie Preserve Workshop on Ecological Burning -- SAVE THE DATE
2019-10-21 - 2019-11-04
Save the date for this WEB, which will provide participants with the knowledge and training required to develop and implement prescribed burn plans with a focus on setting ecological objectives, assessing burn complexity, assessing resource needs, contingency planning, managing smoke, prescribed burn execution, and post-burn follow-up.

3rd Annual Cohesive Strategy Workshop
2019-10-21 - 2019-10-24 | International Association of Wildland Fire, 1418 Washburn Street, Missoula, MT, 59801, United States
The International Association of Wildland Fire is presenting this workshop in partnership with the Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) and the Western, Southeast and Northeast Regional Strategy Committees.

2019 - Natural Areas Conference
2019-10-08 - 2019-10-10 | Natural Areas Association, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
At the Water’s Edge – Managing our Land and Water in a Changing Landscape.
This event will focus on providing access to cutting-edge information, emerging management techniques, and science-based practices for natural areas practitioners.

5th Biennial Shortleaf Pine Conference
2019-10-01 - 2019-10-03 | The River Centre, Van Buren, United States
The Shortleaf Pine Initiative holds a biennial conference series on shortleaf pine restoration, attracting foresters, biologists, researchers, landowners, and industry partners from across the eastern US. The 5th Biennial Shortleaf Pine Conference will be held October 1-3, 2019, in Van Buren, MO.

The Wildlife Society 2019 Conference
2019-09-29 - 2019-10-03 | Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society, Reno, Nevada
The Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society will come together for the first-ever joint national conference of these two organizations. The event will likely be the largest gathering of fish and wildlife professionals ever, and will provide unprecedented opportunities for science-sharing and potential collaboration.

Impacts of prescribed fire and longleaf restoration on water supply in the Southeast
2019-08-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Click here to join the webinar
