The March Driptorch Digest is Now Available!

Impact of Federal Worker Layoffs on Fire Projects

Recent mass layoffs have led to the termination of approximately 3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees and 1,000 National Park Service workers, many of whom were responsible for planning and executing prescribed burns. These cuts are expected to significantly hinder wildfire prevention efforts, particularly in the southern United States, where controlled burns are essential for managing fire-prone ecosystems. The reduction in skilled personnel raises concerns about increased wildfire risks and the effective management of public lands in the region.

To everyone across the Southern region affected by the recent layoffs, we are keeping you in our thoughts. We also extend our gratitude to the wildland firefighters and fire managers who continue to support prescribed fire efforts across the South and beyond. Prescribed fire remains a cornerstone of land management by promoting healthy ecosystems, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing wildlife habitat. By working together, we can ensure a resilient and thriving future for us all.

The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy emphasizes the importance of "neighboring"—collaborative efforts among community members—to enhance resilience against wildfires. By fostering strong relationships and shared responsibilities, communities can effectively implement fire adaptation practices, such as prescribed burning, to mitigate wildfire risks.

This approach is particularly relevant to prescribed fire practices in the southern United States. In the Southeast, landowners often form Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs), pooling resources and knowledge to conduct controlled burns safely and effectively. Prescribed fire serves as a key tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems and reducing hazardous fuels. Through collective action and mutual support, communities can better prepare for and respond to wildfire threats, ensuring the safety and sustainability of their landscapes.

As the prescribed fire season intensifies across the South, many of us rely on UTVs and ATVs for tasks such as ignitions, monitoring, and transport. While these vehicles enhance efficiency, they also present significant risks.

Recent data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates an annual average of over 800 deaths and approximately 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries involving off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including UTVs and ATVs.

To mitigate these risks, it's essential to prioritize safety. Here are some additional resources to assist in promoting safe UTV operation:

In western North Carolina, private landowners are proactively using prescribed fire to mitigate wildfire risks and promote forest health. Collaborating through prescribed burn associations, these landowners conduct controlled burns to reduce accumulated fuels and enhance ecosystems. This community-driven approach is vital in the southern United States, where over 80% of forests are privately owned, making collective efforts essential for effective land management and wildfire prevention.

Challenges have emerged in balancing prescribed fire practices with air quality standards, particularly concerning particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. These challenges emphasize the need for effective smoke management strategies to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) while maintaining the ecological benefits of controlled burns. By adopting best practices in smoke management, land managers can protect air quality and public health without compromising the effectiveness of prescribed burns.

Multiple NRCS Funding Programs

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers several funding programs that may be used to support prescribed burning. Many private landowners in the South have already taken advantage of these programs but this year there may be more funding available than in previous years. Programs vary by area, so check out the information pages listed below.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

The Driptorch Digest is distributed by NC State University as a project of the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) Prescribed Fire Working Group.

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This newsletter is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from the USDA Forest Service and the Department of Defense.