Parks Stewardship Forum

Extreme and catastrophic fire events over the past few years have caused fire and resource agencies to reassess their priorities and consider ways to more effectively manage risk, as well as restore fire-dependent ecosystems. In 2020, in California alone, 4.2 million acres burned, 10,500 structures were destroyed or damaged, and 31 people were killed. Nationally, 10.3 million acres burned. And 2020 was a replay of 2019, 2018, and 2017. As a result, many members of the George Wright Society (GWS) have been drawn into the crisis, as well as the efforts to find solutions. One member of GWS suggested a workshop to find ways to increase prescribed burning and other needed treatments in the Sierra Nevada, to reduce the risk of megafires. After consulting agencies and other partners, GWS organized "Fire Management 24/7/365: A Workshop on the Mitigation of Wildfire Risk in the Mixed Conifer Forests of California" in February 2021. This paper is an account of the workshop, which we hope will result in enduring collaborations.