We propose to develop and deliver a national conference to bring together the fire management and research community to focus on fire ecology and management issues in northern coastal and interior climates. The objective of this 25th Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference is to present and publish current scientific research on topics that will likely influence the future of prescribed fire and fire dependant ecosystems. Despite critical dependence of natural ecosystems and wildfire control efforts on the use of prescribed fire, many challenges to its continued use remain near dense population centers. These include the expansion of the wildland-urban interface, stricter air quality regulations, and emerging concerns about the effects of fire on carbon sequestration and mercury cycling. These issues are apart from the great need to place more fire on the ground as an ecological imperative. Planning for the future of prescribed fire will require science-based information on which to build sound policy that provides for the public good, including protection from wildfire, conservation of natural areas, and provision of a safe and healthy environment.