The Association for Fire Ecology and International Association of Wildland Fire are co-hosting what is sure to be the biggest and most important fire ecology event of the year!

Featured Speakers

We've just confirmed that US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell will be added to the list of esteemed featured speakers for this event, which includes: Jerry T. Williams, Rick Lanoville, Alan Goodwin, Michael Kodas, Stephen Pyne, Dan Bailey, Penny Morgan, and Matthew Thompson.

Field Trips

We are offering 2 days of field trips; seats on the buses are limited, so register soon!

Wednesday, May 21

Restoration fuel treatments in old growth larch and ponderosa pine
Blue Mountain
Fire Lab
Missoula Technical Development Center/Nat'l Weather Service/Smokejumper Center
Missoula City Tour

Friday, May 23

40 Years of Wilderness Fire in the Selway-Bitterroot
The Fires of 2000: Revisiting Social, Political, and Ecological Issues
Fuels reduction and restoration in mixed conifer forests of the south-western Crown of the Continent: Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program site visits and discussions.

Workshops

Join us for a full day of complimentary Training Workshops! Seating is limited and workshops will close as they fill up, so register soon.

Introduction to the BehavePlus Fire Model-ing System
Using the BehavePlus fire modeling system in Prescribed Fire Planning Practical Tools for Assessing Potential Crown Fire Behavior and Canopy Fuel Characteristics
Climate Downscaling for Fire Management
Overview and Demonstration of the FFI, Ecological Monitoring Application
Advanced Fire Behavior Analysis, Through Lessons Learned
Missoula Fire Sciences Lab: FireWorks, First Order Fire Effects Model and FuelCalc
Journalism Skills for Scientists
Introduction to the Creating Hybrid Struc-ture from LANDFIRE/Lidar Combinations (CHISLIC) Tool
LiDAR Data Processing for Fuel Applications
RT-130 Annual Fire Line Safety Refresher Crafting solutions for management of large wildland fires and fuel reduction across tribal and nontribal jurisdictions
Defining Fuel Treatment Success: Work-flows, Metrics and Evaluation
Microscale wind simulations using Wind-Ninja
Introduction to the Interagency Fuels Treatment Decision Support System

Artwork, Photos & Promotion

Artwork:

We will be holding a wildland fire themed art show at the University Center Art Gallery. All art media is welcome and encouraged including textile, painting, wearable, photography, ceramics, collage, poetry, sculpture, carving etc. Art will be professionally judged in many categories and ribbons will be presented. Artists will have the option of donating their artwork to a silent auction fundraiser that will be held at the dinner banquet. Deadline to submit application is May 1. More Details Here.

Photos:

We are looking for the perfect photo for the cover of the Program Booklet and some other materials. Do you have a photo you would like to share? We will of course give you the credit you deserve. If so, you can either email it or submit to this photo contest.

Promotion:

Please help us promote the conference, here are some suggestions:

1) Join our Conference Facebook Page!
2) Tweet about this event #largefirescon
3) Post our conference flyer at your place of work (see side column)
4) Add a note under your signature block to tell people you're presenting or attending

CONFERENCE CONTACTS:

Registration, Field Trips & Workshop: Catia Juliana~ office@fireecology.net
Program, Sponsorships & Exhibitors: Mikel Robinson ~ execdir@iawfonline.org
Hotel, Travel & Art Show: Kim Skufca ~ kimskufca@gmail.com

Click here for more information!

The Newingham Lab has an opening for a research assistant for the summer of 2014 starting May 2014. The goal of the project is to understand how fire, grazing, and post-fire rehabilitation interact with the environment to alter plant community trajectory, species richness, invasion by *Bromus tectorum*(cheatgrass), and the system's fire regime. Duties will include collecting plant community data and specimens in the field; data entry in Excel; spatial analysis using ArcGIS and remote sensing and other tasks as needed. Experience identifying plants is required. Experience with GIS and remote sensing is helpful, but not necessary.

Our research team uses fieldwork, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to look for patterns in plant community assembly and use the natural gradientsin precipitation, soil, and elevation to evaluate their effect on native vegetation, invasion risk, and fire. This is a great opportunity to learn about issues in sagebrush land management and interact with staff from the BLM and USGS. Research assistants will earn $9 - $11 /hr depending on experience.

Location: Lab space will be in Boise with fieldwork conducted between Boise and Twin Falls.

Duties: 5-8 days of fieldwork and camping in remote locations, collecting plant community data and specimens, data entry in Excel, spatial analysis using ArcGIS and remote sensing. Experience with plant identification, GIS, Remote Sensing, and fieldwork are preferred, but not requisite.

To apply, send a resume, unofficial transcript, and a letter of interest detailing your skills and experience and how you would contribute to the project to Chris Bowman-Prideaux (bowm9710@vandals.uidaho.edu).

Integration and Accountability 
October 7-9th, 2014

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia

WildlandFireCanada.ca

New Abstract deadline: May 15, 2014

Abstract submission instructions at wildlandfirecanada.ca

The Wildland Fire Canada Program Committee is currently accepting abstracts on
but not limited to the following:

•Historic Fires – Learning from Our Past

•Risk Management and Multiple Disturbances in a
Changing Climate

•Fire and the Natural Resource and Utilities
Sectors

•Society and Fire

•Accountability at the Local, Provincial, National
and International Levels

Wildland Fire Canada provides a forum for fire researchers and practitioners to exchange
best practices and new ideas. Through the exchange of wildfire knowledge and
information, the conference allows attendees to develop a deeper understanding about
wildland fires from a variety of perspectives. Building on two successful conferences in
2010 and 2012, the Wildland Fire Canada conference series facilitates partnerships from a
multitude of natural resource management and research disciplines.

Find out more about the Priority Topics Survey Results, Recent Events, Upcoming Events, Partner Event and Project Highlights and What's Next for PFX by reading PFX's brand new Quarterly Newsletter below. You may also view or download a higher-resolution PDF by clicking the button below the newsletter or by visiting: 
http://pacificfireexchange.org/quarterly-newsletters.html.

The New Guide.  RX Plan Templates.  An Overview PowerPoint.  Go/No-Go Checklist.  AA Ignition Authorization.

Check out the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned webpage to find it all in one place!

The National Interagency Fire Center released a video summarizing the 2013 fire season. The Black Forest Fire in Colorado, Arizona's Yarnell Hill Fire and California Rim Fire represent a few key examples of why last year's fire season was so significant. The video serves as reminder of the importance of creating more fire adapted communities in the WUI.

Please check out this video!

Does your child enjoy photography or like to draw? NFPA invites youth ages 6 to 18 to enter the 2015 Firewise Calendar Contest beginning March 19, 2014. Submit drawings or photos of artwork that depict activities to help protect homes and neighborhoods from wildfire or that help keep wildland firefighters safe.

Deadline: June 2, 2014.

Click here for more details and information on how to submit your entries.

A little known resource, the Disaster Distress Helpline, is available to WUI residents including first responders and recovery personnel, following a wildfire. This free service provides counseling and support to individuals in distress from natural and man-made disasters, and helps them move forward on the path to recovery.

Click here for more information.

The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is inviting fire science personnel and knowledge exchange consortia community members to participate in the continuing evaluation of the Joint Fire Science Knowledge Exchange Program. This web-based survey focuses on the communication and application of fire science research results and resources. They are specifically interested in knowing about your opinions and experiences with the Fire Science Consortium in your region. This project is based out of the University of Nevada, Reno and includes all of the JFSP Consortia around the country. Your responses will be used to help the JFSP Consortia address your fire science information needs and ultimately enhance fire science delivery.

Please click on the following link or copy and paste the link into your web browser:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MN92YNB

If you have any questions or problems accessing the survey, please contact Evaluation Coordinator Lorie Sicafuse at lsicafuse@unr.edu, telephone (775) 784-6637.

OUTREACH NOTICE

The Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire, Fuels, and Smoke Science Program will be advertising for up to three GS-0404-4 Biological Science Technicians, one GS-0404-05 Biological Science Technician, up to three GS-0404-06 Biological Science Technicians, and up to three GS-0462-05 Forestry Technicians under TEMPORARY appointments. These positions are part of a high performance team focused on research of wildland fuels and fire behavior.

Deadline for responding to this outreach is March 28, 2014. Click here for more information.

Fires of Change

Understanding Change in Fire, Climate and Society:
An Art and Science Collaborative

Join the Southwest Fire Science Consortium, the Flagstaff Arts Council (previously known as Flagstaff Cultural Partners), Flagstaff Festival of Science, the Landscape Conservation Initiative and others in a project intended to promote current science through art!

The SWFSC will host up to three field trips/workshops for artists and local land managers/scientists starting this fall. The art exhibition is planned for September of 2015 in conjunction with the Flagstaff Festival of Science and will include other local events, such as a presentation by Stephen Pyne. For more information, download the artist application here! Artist applications are due by April 15th.

Please forward this message and help us spread the word!

Contact Information:

swfireconsortium@gmail.com

Barb Satink Wolfson
Southwest Fire Science Consortium
NAU School of Forestry
Box 15018
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Tel: 928.523.114

Please join us June 2-6, 2014 at Itasca Community College for the 14th Annual Minnesota Wildfire Academy! Registration for the 2014 Wildfire Academy is now open!

Course Selections include:

S-130/190, S-131, S-133, S-200, S-211, S-21`2, S230, S-231, S-234, S-270, S-290, S-300, S-330, S-356, J-158, RT-130, L-280, D-110, EVOC Emergency Vehicle Operations

Please see our webpage for more information.

Michigan Prescribed Fire Council is conducting the online and field days S-130/190 course. Field days are June 21-22, 2014 at the Edward Lowe Foundation. To register for the online portion and field days, contact Ryan Koziatek. For more information click here.

The School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University has one 4-year Ph.D. research assistantship available to work on economic analysis of fuel treatment effectiveness in ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest. The goal of this project is to determine the economically optimal treatment regimes to address stakeholders’ concerns regarding the success of landscape-scale restoration of ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona.

This doctoral research assistantship comes with an annual stipend of $19,950 including university health insurance and tuition waiver. The recipient has a 20-hour per week work commitment. This Ph.D. assistantship will begin on July 1, 2014. The minimum qualifications are 1) an earned cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 with a 3.25 for the last 60-64 hours of work toward undergraduate degree based on 4.00, 2) a cumulative GPA of 3.60 during the pursuit of MS, and 3) verbal and quantitative in the top 40 percentile on the GRE and an analytical writing score of 4 or greater. Evaluation will be based on the GPA, the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and written), letters of reference, and other evidence of the applicant’s potential success in pursuing a doctoral degree.

Candidates with a strong background in forest economics, forest management, fire ecology and fire modeling are encouraged to apply and will be given preference for this assistantship. In addition, a background in GIS and basic remote sensing and/or a basic understanding of fire behavior models is preferred. If you are interested in applying, please:

1. Apply to the NAU graduate college at: http://www.nau.edu/gradcol. Required materials will include 1) a statement of research interests and professional/career goals (500 words in length), 2) three (3) letters of recommendation (form available from the "Graduate Handbook" link), 3) copies of all of your university transcripts, and 4) official copy of your GRE scores and TOEFL score (if applicable).

2. Arrange to have official transcripts sent to the graduate college.

3. Submit all materials by April 14, 2014.

Other contact information:

Dr. Ching-Hsun Huang, Associate Professor, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University: Ching.Huang@nau.edu; Phone: (928) 523-7502.

Dr. Andrea Thode, Associate Professor, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University: Andi.Thode@nau.edu; Phone: (928) 523-5457.

Posted on behalf of Tom Harbour, Director, Fire and Aviation Management, US Forest Service

Today begins the 2014 Quadrennial Fire Review (QFR) Crowdsourcing effort. The site is available for stakeholders to share forward-thinking ideas about the future of wildland fire management-looking out 10 to 20 years what will the greatest challenges be? Many of you have been an important partners in the Cohesive Strategy and understand that the challenges faced in managing wildland fire across the Nation are bigger than any one agency or organization can handle alone. The 2014 Quadrennial Fire Review invites a broad array of stakeholders and partners to participate in an online dialogue on future challenges, risks, and opportunities regarding wildland fire management.

The crowdsourcing effort is a user friendly and efficient way to collect information on specific topics and increase dialogue among diverse groups with an interest in the future of wildland fire management. Recently, you may have received an email introducing this new process and now is the time to spread the word regarding the importance of participation by any organization or person with an interest.

Crowdsourcing facilitates the sharing of ideas in a virtual way, so stakeholders can post new ideas, and see what others are saying and comment on those ideas at any time of the day! Input from stakeholders and partners will allow for better planning for future challenges. Through your long-standing relationships with many of these stakeholders, you have been privy to their viewpoints; now, is an opportunity to share those perspectives to help build a plan for future challenges.

Please assist in facilitating high participation by sharing the information regarding the QFR Crowdsourcing process with your various networks and partners. The Quadrennial Fire Review website will be available throughout the month of March and early April. At the end of March, opinions will be sought on specific strategies and resources needed to help manage opportunities and mitigate challenges or risks.

Thoughtful input from a diversity of stakeholders is greatly valued. Please send this message (or customize it as you see fit) and the Frequently Asked Questions to your contacts. Your support is critical in helping our partners and stakeholders engage in this process and is much appreciated!

For information about prerequisites or to register for courses, contact Linda Schraa at (920) 735-5778 or schraa@fvtc.edu

S-211/S-131/S-133 (packaged courses)

May 21 - 24 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use
S-133 Firefighter Type I
S-133 Look Up, Look Down, Look Around (a prerequisite for S-131)

Advanced Fire Behavior - NWCG S-390

June 4-7 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Provides an introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations, which develops knowledge and skills required for effective fire behavior prediction. Must have completed S-290 and S-234.

Children, technology, Lego® and one of the Fire Adapted Learning Network hubs in Leavenworth, Washington have come together to create a three-minute YouTube video called, "Hey Guys, Be Firewise." The Valley Academy of Learning's Val's Robotic Club, that made the video, are participating in this year's First® Lego® League competition.

Click here to view the video.

The National Fire Protection Association hosted '1,000 Safer Places: The Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program Challenge.' By taking steps to combat the threat of wildfire, Firewise communities have played an integral role in reducing your neighborhoods’ wildfire risk, and have encouraged more residents to take action in their own areas.

Congratulations to the Firewise Challenge winning communities!

Grand prize winners

Norphlet, Arkansas
Orleans, Humboldt County, California
Horizons at Barnegat, Ocean County, New Jersey
Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, Pennsylvania
Forest Ridge, Wenatchee, Washington

Runners up

Fern Creek, Creede, Colorado
Sprucewold Community of Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative, Ashland/Grants Pass, Oregon
Cumberland Cove, Crossville, Tennessee
River Ridge on the Shenandoah, Front Royal, Virginia

Download the pdf for the full report: http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf

The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook is intended as a decision - support tool for wildland fire managers, providing an assessment of current weather and fuels conditions and how these will evolve in the next four months. The objective is to assist fire managers in making proactive decisions that will improve protection of life, property and natural resources, increase fire fighter safety and effectiveness, and reduce firefighting costs.

FireWorks is a curriculum that allows teachers to teach about fire, fire ecology, and safety while meeting other subject learning needs. The Forest Service did an excellent job developing this. It is based around forest ecosystems, but many of the lessons are adaptable to the Great Plains. I have a few lessons that I’ve adapted and used several times myself. Kids love the opportunity to burn things, even in the lab. The Fire Lab is able to loan out some of the equipment too.

A free workshop to learn how to use the curriculum is planned for this June. See the flyers linked below.

FireWorks class flyer_2014

FireWorks class description 140619-20

From prescribed fire smoke management, firefighter and operations support to multimedia fire related news - mobile applications for wildland fire professionals and WUI communities gained some traction in 2013.

The Joint Fire Science Program has collected a variety to try. For more information and access to the apps visit their Friday Flash News here.

The Big Rivers Forest Fire Management Compact is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources, and the USDA Forest Service’s Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry. A USDA Forest Service National Fire Plan Grant for the Wildland Academy will minimize the cost for students to attend the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses being offered. The grant accounts for the difference in registration costs between standard MU FRTI and MWTA courses.

All NWCG courses offered during the Wildland Academy will be taught to NWCG standards. MWTA faculty meet the instructor prerequisites as outlined in NWCG Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide (310-1). These courses are open to all students that meet the qualification requirements as outlined in the course description.

Jefferson City, MO is the host location for the Midwest Wildfire Training Academy (MWTA) focusing on the practical skills training necessary for today's emergency responders and wildland firefighters. The (MWTA) is made possible through a grant with the USDA Forest Service and is co-located with MU FRTI's Summer Fire School. This annual event has grown from a weekend program to a 5 day event each June. The dates for 2014 will be June 4-8.

Classes Offered:

I-100/L-180/S-130/S-190 —Review and Field Practical – Firefighter Training and Wildland Fire Behavior
S-131 — Firefighter Type 1 Training
S-200 — Initial Attack Incident Commander
S-211 — Portable Pumps and Water Use
S-212 — Wildland Fire Chainsaws
S-215 — Fire Operations in the Wildland / Urban Interface
S-230 — Crew Boss – Single Resourcw – Blended
S-231 — Engine Boss – Blended
S-234 — Ignition Operations
S-300 — Extended Attack Incident Commander
S-330 — Task Force/Strike Team Leader
S-339 — Division/Group Supervisor
RX-410 — Smoke Management Techniques
WCT — Work Capacity Test

Click here for more information!

FireScience.org

Who is FireScience.org?

All of us on the FireScience.org team share a passion for fire science and public service careers. We also like to gather, analyze, and share data with others. So we’ve married our two interests by creating a one-stop resource for all things related to careers in fire science. We’ve scoured the available information, sorted through it, and compiled the facts you’ll need in one place. FireScience.org will help you determine whether a career in fire science is right for you, which of the many fire science or public service career paths to pursue, and what kind of training you’ll need to be successful. We also help you sort through the many training and education options to find ones that that best fit your needs.

What is the purpose of FireScience.org?

In our increasingly complicated world, career opportunities in the fields of fire science and public service have become varied and plentiful. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for instance, did not even exist until after the 9/11 attacks. Today it employs more than 200,000 people. The bravery of first responders during the 9/11 attacks and after several recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, has also inspired a whole new generation. You could say the field of fire science is experiencing unprecedented growth. As a result, there are more training options than ever.

Career training and education can require a significant investment of time and money. We’re here to help you navigate and evaluate the existingeducational optionsso that youuse your education dollars wisely and maximize your time. Where do you begin your search? What should you look for in a program to ensure it will prepare you properly? How do you choose between the types of degrees available? Should you invest in a training academy, a community college, a four-year college, or even a master’s degree? Our goal is to provide you with the necessary and accurate information to help you answer these questions and get you started on an exciting fire science career.

What does FireScience.org do?

At FireScience.org, we have our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the fields of fire science and public service. First, we’ve compiled all the information you need to decide whether to pursue a career in fire science or public service and present it here in an easy-to-follow format. We’ve talked to experts about the kind of training you’ll need, and what you can expect form the different careers. We’ve researched where to get training and created comprehensive, searchable lists of schools and programs.

Second, we update our data on a regular basis and keep you abreast of developments in the fields of fire science and public service through our blog and through topical articles and content in the Resources section. Look to us as your main source of the latest information regarding education and careers in fire science. Lastly, we wish to impart our enthusiasm for fire science and public service careers on all our site visitors and encourage people from all backgrounds to consider fulfilling careers in these fields.

The USDA Forest Service Biennial National Silviculture Workshop (NSW) was held in conjunction with the 2013 Society of American Foresters (SAF) National Convention in Charleston, South Carolina. Six silviculturists were honored with the National Silviculture Award October 24, 2013 at the NSW.

The awards were presented to individuals from the Forest Service National Forest System and Research and Development for their outstanding contributions to the practice and science of silviculture. The honorees were nominated by their peers based on career service and accomplishments.

The 2013 National Silviculture Award recipients are:

· Blaine Cook (Region 2): Forest Silviculturist on the Black Hills National Forest honored for providing long-term vision, leadership, and coordination among the staffs of the Black Hills National Forest.

· Dave Powell (Region 6): Forest Silviculturist on the Umatilla National Forest honored for actively shaping and implementing the Forest Service silvicultural certification process in the Pacific Northwest Region and silviculture leadership across the western United States.

· James Thinnes (Region 2): Regional Silviculturist, honored for accomplishments in environmental planning, silviculture, timber management, hydrology, and wildland fire suppression.

· Andrew Youngblood (Pacific Northwest Research Station): Research Forester (retired), honored for developing new sivilculture knowledge and applications and major contributions to the fundamental understanding of vegetation dynamics and the influences of natural disturbances and silvicultural manipulations.

· Robert Deal (Pacific Northwest Research Station): Research Forester, honored for applied research that has had a direct and lasting impact on forest management on the Tongass National Forest (TNF), Alaska, and his key role in advancing ecosystem services management on public lands through research and research application.

· Russell Graham (Rocky Mountain Research Station): Research Forester, honored for his extensive research and technology transfer accomplishments in creating innovative silvicultural systems and techniques that enhance disturbance resilience, wildlife habitat, forest products, and long-term soil productivity. Graham was awarded the first ever prestigious National Silviculture Lifetime Achievement Award.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding Forest Service employees.

UPDATE

The workshop rescheduled and will now take place on April 22 - 24, 2014, in Yosemite Valley. If you submitted papers or posters for the cancelled October 2013 meeting, we will hold that version or you can resubmit an updated version below if you prefer.

(updated January 16th, 2014)

Call for Papers

Interested authors are requested to submit the electronic version of their abstract, using the form below, before April 2nd, 2014.  If you are submitting an abstract or poster, you must also be registered to attend the workshop during the applicable session(s).

The following fire science subjects are open for abstract submission for the Fire Session (April 22nd - 23rd):

• Fire, Fuels and Changing Climate of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Fire and Carbon Management
• Fire and Wildlife Interactions
• Fire and Emissions
• Wildland Fire Management

The follow hydroclimate subjects are open for abstract submission for the Hydroclimate Session (April 24th):

• Mountain Hydrology
• Snow Dynamics
• Water Resource Management
• Ecohydrology
• Climate

Call for Posters

Posters are also invited on any of the above subjects from either session. The poster session will be held on the evening of April 23rd, following the joint session.

To submit papers and/or papers visit the papers page.

USDA FOREST SERVICE

INTERMOUNTAIN REGION, R4

HUMBOLDT-TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST 

ELY AND CARSON RANGER DISTRICTS

The Humboldt-Toiyabe N.F. is anticipating on filling several 1039 Temporary Seasonal positions for the 2014 season.  These positions are being advertised under the Announcement numbers listed below that are specific to Fuels Technicians.  

Announcement opens: To be determined. These positions are currently open in USAJobs, but will be opening soon. If interested contact the people listed on the outreach notice for more information. By contacting one of those people, you will be notified when the positions are open in USAJobs and applications will be accepted.

Tentative Availability April 20 - October 18, 2014.  Please contact us if you have any questions.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Position qualifications can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/

How to Apply :

Through the announcement you may be instructed to electronically attach additional information (e.g.; resume, DD-214, SF-50, training documentation/certificates, college transcripts, etc.)  The applicant must select either “Carson City, NV or Ely, NV” as a desired duty station to be considered. Announcements for these positions will be posted on the USAJOBS website. These web-based applications provide individuals interested in employment opportunities with the Forest Service to apply for jobs. You must log into USAJOBS to create an account and an applicant profile. 

www.usajobs.gov.  

For step by step details on how to apply:               

http://fsweb.asc.fs.fed.us/HRM/eRecruit/documents/FS_CM_HowtoApplyforaJob.pdf

Wildland Fire Canada 2014: Integration and Accountability

October 7-9th, 2014

Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Wildland Fire Canada Program Committee is currently accepting abstracts on but not limited to the following:

• Historic Fires – Learning from Our Past

• Risk Management and Multiple Disturbances in a Changing Climate

• Fire and the Natural Resource and Utilities Sectors

• Society and Fire

• Accountability at the Local, Provincial, National and International Levels

Abstract deadline: April 15, 2014

Abstract submission instructions at: wildlandfrecanada.ca

Wildland Fire Canada provides a forum for fire researchers and practitioners to exchange best practices and new ideas.  Through the exchange of wildfire knowledge and information, the conference allows attendees to develop a deeper understanding about wildland fires from a variety of perspectives.  Building on two successful conferences in 2010 and 2012, the Wildland Fire Canada conference series facilitates partnerships from a multitude of natural resource management and research disciplines.

SRFSN is co-sponsoring a Western Slope WUI conference for community planners, elected officials & others: April 16-17, 2014, Glenwood Springs, CO.

Watch for more details!

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest will soon begin hiring permanent Engine, Fuels and Handcrew positions during the 2014 Spring Region 4 Fire Hire.

Engine openings: Four permanent wildland fire positions with a 6 month/13 pay period schedule:

2 - GS-6 AFEO positions on the North Zone in Ashton and Island Park.

1 - GS-7 FEO position on the North Zone in Dubois.

1 - GS-7 FEO position on the Bear River Zone in Soda Springs.

One permanent position with an 8 month/18 pay period schedule:

1 - GS-6/7 SFEO position on the Portneuf Zone in Pocatello.

Fuels openings: One permanent position with an 8 month/18 pay period schedule.

1 - GS-6/7 Fuels position on the Bear River Zone in Soda Springs.

Handcrew openings: One permanent position with a 6 month/13 pay period schedule:

1 - GS-7 Forestry Technician (Asst. Crew Boss) position on the North Zone in Island Park.

Apprentice openings: positions with a 6 month/13 pay period schedule:

            2 – GS-3/4/5 Forestry Technician (Handcrew) positions on the North Zone in Idaho Falls

            2 – GS-3/4/5 Forestry Technician (Helitack) positions on the South Fork Zone in Idaho Falls.

            2 – GS-3/4/5 Forestry Technician (Helitack) positions on the Portneuf Zone in Idaho Falls.

 These positions will be advertised under Demo and Merit Permanent FIRE OCR announcements that can be found at www.usajobs.gov.

Because of the nature of the R4 Fire Hire process with employees in current positions applying to and being awarded new appointments – positions that are currently filled may become open. Applicants are invited to apply to any permanent position for which they are qualified that may become open through the Fire Hire process.

The currently filled positions on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are listed by zone as follows:

Portneuf Zone

Bear River Zone

Henry’s Fork Zone

South Fork Zone

** If hired at any of the duty stations on the Caribou-Targhee zones, there may be an opportunity to work on the Interagency Handcrew (Targhee Regular crew). This is a Type 2 Initial Attack crew staffed by both the Forest Service and BLM. **

If you have an interest in these positions, questions pertaining to the hiring process, or OCR numbers, please contact:

AFE is sad to announce the recent passing of our board member Mike da Luz on October 13, 2013. Mike has been instrumental in the financial growth and future visioning of AFE. His clear and intelligent analysis and wisdom will be greatly missed. Mike's family is working with AFE to create "The Mike da Luz Memorial Student Scholarship" to help fund students travel to attend conferences and other educational events. We are very grateful to the family for this opportunity to honor Mike by continuing to foster his vision of knowledge transfer and fire ecology education. All donations will be used exclusively to support students in attending events. Visit our scholarship page to read more about Mike and to donate to this fund.

This AFE sponsored event, held every three years, is one of the largest and most important fire ecology conferences in the world. The conference will be held at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Riverwalk Hotel in an exciting and historic part of San Antonio. Stay tuned for details.

If you were unable to attend the Restoring the West Conference 2013: Change Agents and Managing for Forest Resilience, you are in luck! The Utah State University Forestry Extension has provided all the speaker abstracts, conference program booklet, and links to view the presentations from both days of the conference. Click here for more information.

MOSCOW, Idaho – Nov. 6, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that it has awarded nearly $10 million to an academic, industry, and government consortium – including researchers at the University of Idaho – to study the major challenges limiting the use of insect-killed trees in the Rockies as a sustainable resource for bioenergy. The award was made by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, or NIFA.

To read the entire University of Idaho new release regarding this project, click here.

For more information about the BANR project, visit http://banr.colostate.edu/

Location: National

Deadline: N/A

Contact Name: Tara Roberts

Contact E-mail: troberts@uidaho.edu

Contact Phone: (208) 885-7725

Expiration: N/A

Region(s): Rocky Mountain, Northern Rockies, Great Basin

Topic(s): Planning, Fuels

Partner Site(s): N/A

The Arizona State Forestry Division announced that a Serious Accident Investigation report of the Yarnell Hill Fire fatalities is complete. 

The official report has been released on this site.  You will be able to download the report and other information linked here after Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 10:00 am Arizona/MST (Alaska 9:00am, Pacific 10:00am, MDT 11:00am, Central 12:00pm, Eastern 1:00pm).

A press conference was held Saturday, September 28 at 10:00am Arizona/MST to help facilitate a question and answer session regarding findings referenced in the report.  We are recommending that members of the public visit Arizona media outlets for coverage, information and opportunities to watch.

The report will also be available on these (hyper-linked) sites.

• Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center
• The Arizona State Forestry Division

A system to estimate the level of heat exposure on houses in the WUI from flames and firebrands generated by wildland fires is under development and was featured in the September 24th issue of the Washington Post. A major objective of this work is to link the expected heat exposures to standard building material test methods, reducing the likelihood of structure ignition. This research capitalizes on FERA’s focus of integrating nature of our fire, fuels, and climate research.  FERA’s Dr. Ruddy Mell and the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)’s Alex Maranghides are partners in the project, which—one way or another—includes contributions of the entire team. 

Click here for the story in the Washington Post.

Michigan DNR – Wildlife Division biologists continue to provide technical advice, and when possible, funding, for restoration of key natural communities that are found on private lands, such as the jack pine barrens restoration and maintenance. Past funding has assisted landowners to implement prescribed burns, usually conducted by a contractor or a NGO.

For more information about the general use of prescribed fire on private lands in Michigan, and Lake States Fire Science Consortium’s involvement, contact Jack McGowan-Stinski (mcgowan-stinski.1@osu.edu)

The Oak Woodlands & Forests Fire Consortium is planning a series of field tours culminating in a one-day fire science conference in Crossville, Tennessee.  This event will highlight topics related to fire science and management, with particular emphasis on prescribed fire in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Fire Tour
June 2, 2014   Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area- Murray, KY
Themes: Oak woodland and grassland restoration projects
 June 3, 2014   Stones River National Battlefield- Murfreesboro, TN
Themes: Threatened and endangered species management, burning near urban areas, and managing for historical conditions 
June 4, 2014    Bridgestone Firestone Wildlife Management Area- Crossville, TN
Themes: Conversion from loblolly pine plantations to natural succession, comparing prescribed fire treatments
 
Fire Science Conference  
at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds Community Complex, click HERE for location
June 4, 2014  
Evening plenary: Dr. Stephen Pyne, Regent’s Professor, Arizona State University
Social / mixer.  Light refreshments will be provided.
June 5, 2014  
Full day of invited fire science presentations (TBA)