Hello all,
In the past two months we’ve shared a wealth of tips about preparing for wildfire, but becoming fire adapted is more than just doing, it’s also about understanding the role of wildfire in the forests, shrublands, and grasslands where we build our homes.
So today we’re taking a brief look into the wider world of wildfire. In New Mexico wildfire plays a varied role depending on the landscape, the conditions of the vegetation that burns, and the weather. Sometimes that role is crucial and beneficial and other times it causes serious harm.
We’re highlighting a few of the many resources available in New Mexico to take a dive into this fascinating world. Understanding the importance of the role of fire in our ecosystems and that wildfires won’t be going away is vital to becoming a fire adapted community.
All the best, Sam
This Blog Contains:
Briefing Papers on wildfire science topics from the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition
Southwest Fire Science Consortium: Developing dialogue between fire scientists, managers, and the public
Dr. Craig Allen presents: “The State and Fate of our Mountain Forests in New Mexico and the West.”
Fire Science Briefing Papers from the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition
With Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition the Forest Stewards Guild has produced a series of Briefing Papers to highlight and summarize important research in fire ecology topics. These papers have focussed on fire history, the impacts of wildfires on birds, and post-fire forest conversion to name a few. Each briefing paper was produced in collaboration with a scientist or professional in the field. Click the link below to check out these recently published papers.
https://www.santafefireshed.org/briefing-papers
The Southwest Fire Science Consortium (SWFSC)
The SWFSC helps bridge the gap between science and fire management decisions. The goal is to see that the best available science is used to make management decisions and that scientists and researchers are exploring questions that managers need to be answered. By advocating for and funding dialog between managers and researchers, the SWFSC fosters two-way collaboration. This process has demonstrated the power to solve the challenges of fire management and has generated a wide range of useful resources, including in-person events, webinars, factsheets, whitepapers, and more.
Click here to explore the practical resources on the SWFSC webpage!
Dr. Craig Allen Video Presentation:
“The State and Fate of our Mountain Forests in New Mexico and the West.”
We’re excited to share this video of Dr. Craig Allen who addressed a full house at the New Mexico Land Conservancy this winter when we could still gather.
Video of Craig Allen, Ph.D., is now available
“The State and Fate of our Mountain Forests in New Mexico and the West.”
Our first NMLC speaker event on January 28 was a success – a full house – thanks to our speaker that night, place-based ecologist, Dr. Craig Allen who generously dedicated an evening. Click the button below for a link to a video of his slide presentation, including an introduction from NMLC’s Executive Director, Scott Wilber, and ending with an interesting Q&A session.