In April 2021, FAMLN hosted a Learning exchange focused on increasing the pace & scale of prescribed fire in MOntana.

During this virtual learning event, we brought together prescribed fire practitioners from Montana and across the West to share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned as they work to return fire to our fire-adapted landscapes.

In the morning, speakers from Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, and beyond shared how they & their organizations have worked to bring more prescribed fire to their state.

Featured
Kara Karboski (WA Prescribed Fire Council)

Kara Karboski shares what the prescribed fire council does to promote and expand the use of prescribed fire within Washington State. Click here to view the complete breakout session on prescribed fire councils.

Dr. Sarah McCaffrey (Rocky Mtn Research Station)

Dr. Sarah McCaffrey shares what her research tells us about how the public perceives prescribed fire, as well as how we can best conduct effect outreach & education. For the complete talk, click here.

Dave Lasky (Forest Stewards Guild)

In a breakout session focused on increasing the humanpower available to conduct prescribed fire, Dave Lasky describes the cultural shift that must occur to build up this work force. For the complete session, click here.

Emily Hohman (Fire Learning Network)

Emily Hohman gives an overview of gross negligence vs. uncertain liability, and how liability standards impact prescribed fire. For more information from Emily and others on liability laws, view the complete session here.

In the afternoon, Montana prescribed fire practitioners shared their inspiring work, as well as lessons to be learned as we work to expand prescribed fire within the state.

Ron Swaney and Darrell Clairmont of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes present on the successes and challenges of implementing prescribed fire on tribal land.

Cindy Super of the Blackfoot Challenge and Toby Dahl, a 5th generation rancher from central Montana. present on their experiences burning on private land. They cover their successes and challenges, as well as what motivates them to do their unique work. Followed by a Q&A session.

Mark Phares, DNRC legal counsel, answers some questions related to the liability of conducting prescribed burns on private land, as well as the current limitations to DNRC involvement in such private land work.

 

Click here for all zoom session recordings.

A handout summarizing the event can be found here.