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December 2021 Newsletter
In This Issue
Additional Events and Resources (Right Column)
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The Evolution of Wilderness Fire Management
Wilderness fire management has a rich history in the U.S. Northern Rockies. Two resources were recently released that help tell the story and facilitate learning, discussion and reflection.
The first is a video, The Evolution of Wilderness Fire in the Northern Rockies: From Fire Control to Fire Management, produced by the Northern Rockies Fire Science Network in partnership with The University of Montana. The video explores the history of Wilderness fire management through nationally significant case studies in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Hear interviews from retirees Orville Daniels, Dick Bahr, and Laurie Kurth, and scientist Mark Finney, who use the Bad Luck (1972), Canyon Creek (1988), Yellowstone (1988) and Howling (1994) fires to share lessons learned and describe how these fires shaped fire use and national fire policy.
The second is a USDA FS General Technical Report, A history of wilderness fire management in the Northern Rockies, by authors Julia Berkey, Carol Miller and Andrew Larson. This report recounts historically important fires managed in the Selway-Bitterroot, Bob Marshall and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas and analyzes the development of wilderness fire management in the Northern Rockies from the pioneering days in the 1970s to the present.
Finally, if you are in Missoula before December 10th, stop by The University of Montana's University Center Gallery to view an exhibit of wilderness fire photography from the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness by graduate student Mark Kreider.
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Salvage Science Summit 2: Technology and Ecology
Together with the Northwest Fire Science Consortium, the Southern Rockies Fire Science Network, and the USDA Forest Service, we invite you to join us for the 2nd Salvage Science Summit, December 7-8, 2021. Hear experts discuss the operations, technology, and ecology behind salvage science.
Presentations can be viewed here in advance of the panel discussions.
Presentations and discussion topics include:
- Regeneration in Engelmann Spruce Forests Following a Spruce Bark Beetle Epidemic and Salvage Harvest
Mike Battaglia
- Ecosystem Effects of Salvage Logging
Chuck Rhoades
- Streamside Buffers, Skid Trails and Dirty Water: Understanding Their Role During Postfire Salvage Operations
Pete Robichaud
- Post Fire Soils and Salvage Operations
Alex Rozin
- Logging System Considerations in Fire Salvage
Lisa Ball
- Fire Salvage Forest Operations: A Contractors Perspective
Loren Kellogg
- In-woods Biochar Production Using Big Box Kilns
Darren McAvoy
- Air curtain Burners: Application in Postfire Recovery
Phil Monsanto
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New Research Briefs
NRFSN has two new research briefs to share.
In the first, Whitebark pine growth and defense in response to mountain pine beetle outbreaks, author Nickolas Kichas (Montana State University) describes how whitebark pine resin duct characteristics differ between live trees and trees that died during recent disturbance events. Evaluating relationships between resin duct structures, resin production, and disturbance can provide valuable insight into how these trees will respond to stressors that are projected to increasingly impact whitebark pine.
In Effects of seed source pattern on post-fire tree recovery, author Jamie Peeler (University of Montana, formerly of Penn State) shares results from a study investigating how seed source pattern, scale, traits, and terrain interact to shape post-fire tree recovery. Understanding how post-fire tree regeneration unfolds across mountainous terrain can help managers support fire-resilient landscapes and strategically delegate resources to burn sites not restocking naturally.
Check here for more NRFSN research briefs and syntheses.
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NRFSN Survey: Help Us Set Priority Topics & Activities
This month, the Northern Rockies Fire Science Network is initiating a survey of members to inform our upcoming priorities. The survey will give us feedback on important fire and fuel research and management needs and the best methods for sharing information. If you receive an invitation, please consider helping with this study!
For questions, contact Vita Wright or Cory Davis.
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Wildfire Communication Guide
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Integrating Wildfire Into Forest Landscape Management
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Fire Research at the Science-Policy-Practitioner Interface
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Carol Miller Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Carol Miller was awarded the Biswell Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE). The Biswell Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes “… individuals who have made a significant contribution to fire ecology and management, and who have inspired and mentored a generation of fire ecologists.” Dr. Miller retired in April from her position as a Research Ecologist at the federal, interagency Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute.
From the nomination letter:
“Dr. Miller has made significant contributions to landscape fire ecology, wilderness fire science, and applied fire management and decision support during her distinguished career. As a major developer of the field of landscape fire ecology and a leader in wilderness fire science she has inspired and mentored a generation of fire ecologists and land managers...One of the areas where Dr. Miller’s applied science contributions really stand out are her relationships with land managers. She has a large network of professional land manager colleagues who trust her and rely on her expert advice and research to inform their decision making.”
Congratulations Carol! The NRFSN has appreciated your deep knowledge, commitment, and mentorship on this topic, including contributions to two Wilderness Fire Workshops and the Benefits of Hard Decisions video. This award is well deserved!
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