The Florida Native Plant Society will host a lunch and learn on Bunchgrass Ecology in Fire-Prone Pine Savannas Friday, December 17 at 12:00 Noon.
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Drought Status Update for the Southeast: Drought Conditions Continue to Expand and Worsen
NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and its partners issue Drought Status Updates as conditions evolve. The December 13 update for the Southeast notes the following key points. You can view the full update here.
- Despite significant rainfall over the summer, precipitation this fall was much below normal for much of the region. This continued lack of precipitation is leading to soil moisture deficits and low streamflows, even as we enter the climatological winter.
- Based on the U.S. Drought Monitor released on December 9th, drought remains and currently covers 26% of the region, with 13% in severe drought (D2). These drought areas are currently in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, with the Carolinas most impacted. Abnormally dry conditions (D0) cover 41% of the region, and are found in the above states as well as Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
- Current impacts include observed low streamflow and reduced soil moisture. Fortunately, drought impacts are less pronounced this time of year because water demand is lower this time of year for vegetation use, irrigation of agriculture and lawns, and other uses. Also, climatologically, the October/November time period is one of the drier times of the year across most of the region.
- One concern is the potential for moisture deficits across portions of the region heading into the next growing season and the cold season recharge for reservoirs.
- Except for northern portions of Alabama, no appreciable rainfall is expected over the next week. Week 2 will more likely than not see above-average rainfall over most of the region, except for Florida and southeast Georgia, where rainfall should remain sparse.
- The winter outlook (December 2021–February 2022) shows a higher chance for below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures across much of the Southeast region, which is typical of the existing La Niña pattern.
- Wildfire threats have increased due to low humidity and dry fuel loads, and have led to a burn ban in North Carolina. There are reports that winter wheat is being irrigated in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, which is highly unusual. Some water systems are considering or implementing conservation practices. South Carolina has declared ‘incipient’ drought conditions in 34 counties, and North Carolina issued a Drought Advisory.
Wildfire Open Data Driving Positive Change
Launched in April 2020, the National Interagency Fire Center’s wildland fire open data site makes information on wildfire activity across the U.S. publicly available. During its first year, the most popular dataset—providing information on wildfire perimeters—was accessed 3 billion times. And demand for this information continues to grow. During the record-setting 2021 wildfire season, the perimeter dataset was accessed 1.2 billion times in July and August alone.
Read more from the DOI Office of Wildland Fire here.
Continue ReadingNew SFE Publication: Webinar Summary, Potential Impacts of Prescribed Fire Smoke on Air Quality, Public Health, and Socially Vulnerable Populations in the Southeastern US
An SFE webinar recorded August 2021 discussed research showing that while prescribed fire is beneficial to air quality overall in terms of wildfire risk reduction, prescribed fire smoke may cause serious health impacts, particularly to socially vulnerable groups. A new SFE publication summarizes the key findings from the webinar in an easy to read two page format.
Read the webinar summary here.
Continue ReadingAPA Releases Guidelines for Inclusive Language
The APA has released a new document providing guidelines for inclusive language. These guidelines aim to raise awareness, guide learning, and support the use of culturally sensitive terms and phrases that center the voices and perspectives of those who are often marginalized or stereotyped. They also explain the origins for problematic terms and phrases and offer suitable alternatives or more contemporary replacements. The document will be flexible and iterative in nature, continuing to evolve as new terminology emerges or current language becomes obsolete.
Continue ReadingSFE Webinars: Overview of the US National Fire Danger Rating System Version 4.0 (2016) & Herbert Stoddard & the Origins of Ecosystem Management
Southern Fire Exchange has two webinars now open for registration:
January 1, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Overview of the US National Fire Danger Rating System Version 4.0 (2016): Lessons learned from the Southeast US implementation
January 27, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Herbert Stoddard and the Origins of Ecosystem Management
Continue Reading2021 Alabama Prescribed Fire Council Meeting Recordings
A new SFE playlist features the recorded presentations from the 2021 Alabama Prescribed Fire Council meeting. The meeting was held via Zoom and speakers provided presentations covering a wide range of prescribed fire management and science topics. Many of the presentations will likely be of interest to those outside the state of Alabama. For more information about the Alabama Prescribed Fire Council, visit their website: https://www.alpfc.org
Continue ReadingNew SFE Publication: Air Impacts Webinar Summary
SFE has released a publication summarizing key points from our August 2021 webinar, Potential Impacts of Prescribed Fire on Air Quality and Public Health in the Southeast.
View the webinar summary here.
Continue ReadingLANDFIRE Feedback Survey
The LANDFIRE Team is pausing to listen to our user community. We have designed a 12-question, 4-minute survey that includes questions ranging from product and data quality to outreach and delivery. The LANDFIRE Program is taking a proactive approach to internal and external growth – we want to know our weaknesses so we can make improvements while simultaneously developing and multiplying our strengths. We will carefully evaluate every piece of feedback. Please take a moment to interact with us in this completely anonymous format. The LANDFIRE team appreciates your candidness and support! |
Recent Prescribed Fire Science Publications for Training and Education
A selection of recent prescribed fire science publications has been compiled by NC State Extension Forestry, Southern Fire Exchange, and the Consortium of Appalachian Fire Managers and Scientists with input from researchers from around the region. These publications are particularly useful to include the most current prescribed fire science in training events such as RT-130 Annual Refreshers. Those with questions can contact Laurel Kays, [email protected].
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