EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter recently funded a webinar series hosted by the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point that will explore several facets of prescribed fire as it relates to forests and forest management. The 12-part webinar series will run once a month for the next year and is free and open to people across the country, though some content will pertain specifically to the upper Midwest.
“There are often misconceptions about the prescribed use of fire in our forests,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota. “Through educational opportunities, such as this webinar series, people can really get an accurate insight on the use of fire throughout history and its applicability to managing our native flora and fauna. Having science-backed prescribed fire knowledge and being able to use it as a management tool across the landscape is something that will benefit public and private land managers alike.”
This webinar series is designed for natural resource professionals; however, it is open to all participants who have an interest in forest management and/or prescribed fire.
Webinar dates and topics include:
- November 1, 2023 – Oak and Fire in the Eastern U.S.
- December 6, 2023 – Fire in Northern Pine Systems
- January 3, 2024 – Fire in Southern Pine Systems
- February 7, 2024 – Prescribed Fire as a Restoration Tool for Barrens
- March 6, 2024 – Fire and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Lake States
- April 3, 2024 – Fire and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Beyond the Lake States
- May 1, 2024 – Fire and Game Species
- June 5, 2024 – Prescribed Fire in Urban Landscapes
- July 10, 2024 – Fire and Climate Change
- August 7, 2024 – Case Studies: Prescribed Fire and Red Pine
- September 4, 2024 – Case Studies: Prescribed Fire and Interfering Vegetation
- October 2, 2024 – Workforce Development
Additional sponsors include The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, American Bird Conservancy, Southwest Georgia Prescribed Burn Association, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Society of American Foresters, Society for Ecological Restoration and Lake States Fire Science Consortium.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.
2023 is the NWTF’s 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF’s people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.
