PCSWCD to host ‘Fire as a Forestry Management Tool’ webinar

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District will discuss “Fire as a Forestry Management Tool” during a webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 2-3:30 p.m. There is a common misconception with forest fires being a negative occurrence, when in actuality it does have positive forest health outcomes. PCSWCD’s professional partners will offer clarification along with some promotion of how fire can be good in essential landscapes with a safe, healthy and controlled balance and how prescribed burns can be beneficial.

Jon Bailey, land manager/ME fire manager from The Nature Conservancy, will explain the approach and the use of good fire with an overview of all the planning and preparations, the methodical and scientific approach. He will touch on the basics, how and why we can use prescribed fire, implementations, challenges, risk management, liability, equipment and training. Bailey will also explain the predominantly use of fire for multiple reasons: ecological habitat benefits, habitat resiliency, hazardous fuels reduction, fire crew training and learning opportunities.  

Aliesha Black, forest ranger from the Maine Forest Service and vice chair of Maine Prescribed Fire Council, will discuss regulations, training and the use of prescribed fires for forestry management in Maine and her work with private landowners and on public lands. 

Logan Johnson, executive director of Maine TREE, will be joining the discussion to offer his expertise with a background in Fire Science, Wildland firefighter Type 2 certification and how family forest owners are using fire in Maine and within other states, and the challenges with liability and needing to work with partners. 

PCSWCD looks forward to hosting this interesting topic and hope you can join us for this free afternoon webinar with talks from professionals in Maine. Register online at www.piscataquisswcd.org.