For the 3rd evening of the Mountain Studies Institute's Forest & Fire Learning Series, Emily Hohman will be taking a broad look at the impacts of COVID19 in respect to specific regions’ historic 2020 fire season and how folks around the nation have adapted to these circumstances. Emily will point to examples from southeast and northern California to New Mexico and Colorado, and explain how collaborative partnerships fit into the challenges faced in these areas. She will also share her efforts with the Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX) and the tremendous benefits of their work. Lo Williams will follow up with a conversation about the challenges and successes of 2020 brought to the San Juan National Forest (SJNF). These include human impacts due to increased use of national lands as well as project accomplishment thanks to innovative strategies, strong community engagement, and support from local collaboratives. With lessons learned from 2020, Lo will share the foundations that were laid this past winter to prepare for the 2021 field season and how the SJNF and its partners are planning for the future. 

Speakers 

• Emily Hohman: Fire Learning Network Manager, North America Fire, The Nature Conservancy 

• Lo Williams: Partnership and Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Forest Service