The August Driptorch Digest is Now Available

The USGS has introduced a new framework aimed to create better communication and collaboration in climate science. It is focused on improving the way climate data and findings are shared among researchers, policymakers, and the public for intentional decision making when planning burns.

By building clearer dialogue and partnerships, the framework seeks to improve climate adaptation strategies and ensure more effective responses to climate change. The initiative emphasizes the importance of mass communication for addressing modern complex environmental challenges that we face today.

As we prepare for the upcoming burn season, it is really important to stay cool during the hot day. Take time to sit down to input and plan your tentative burn plans into the Rx Burn Planner website, which helps you to organize your burns efficiently, helping you assess resources, staffing, and strategies ahead of time. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the latest guidelines so your burn plans use the best practices, setting you up for success when it's time to put fire on the ground in the upcoming months.

Additionally, it’s the perfect time of the year to take the time to work on equipment maintenance. Ensure your hand tools, drip torches, and chainsaws are in top working order before the season kicks off. For help on maintaining your gear, check out the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s fuel handling resources and safety data sheets from Forestry Suppliers. Additionally, you can watch this informative YouTube video on equipment maintenance to get visual insights. Prioritizing maintenance will help ensure that your equipment is reliable when it's time to burn!

Come Join the Pack!

NC State University Extension Forestry is seeking applicants for an Extension Associate in Prescribed Fire and Fire Science. This is a 12-month, full time, professional staff, Extension Associate in Prescribed Fire and Fire Science. Responsibilities include providing leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming and materials with an emphasis on prescribed fire and fire science, assisting with project management and other responsibilities associated with both the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) and the Southern Fire Exchange, and supporting NCSU’s student fire training program.

Application deadline: Application reviews commence August 5, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
Application link can be found here.

Florida has reported a landmark year in prescribed fire practices, treating over 2.3 million acres across the state. This great achievement highlights Florida's proactive approach to managing its diverse ecosystems through controlled burns. This article emphasizes how the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, along with various partners, were able to have a record- setting year due to collaboration among agencies, landowners, and communities. The continued commitment to prescribed burns in Florida reflects the overall good sustainable land stewardship practices being done in the South.

Be sure to check out this article, which discusses the use of prescribed fire to improve oyster habitats in watersheds. Under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), controlled burns are used to help improve water quality and enhance oyster reef resilience. This method aims to reduce sediment runoff and nutrient pollution, which affect oyster populations. By integrating prescribed fire into watershed management strategies, sustainable practices are being utilized that benefit both ecological and economic aspects of coastal environments. The RCPP shows how prescribed fire can be used as a tool for fostering healthy ecosystems and supporting vibrant marine habitats.

This report discusses the innovative application of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanning for monitoring ecosystem dynamics and fire effects in forests. This technology enables precise measurement and assessment of forest structure, vegetation density, and fire impacts over time. By providing detailed insights into forest health and resilience, Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanning enhances management strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity and mitigating fire risks in natural landscapes.

The new Managing Longleaf Pine Forests for our Future provides new insight on climate-smart management strategies for longleaf pine forests, emphasizing the importance of using prescribed fire to maintain good ecosystem health and to promote a biodiverse forest. It informs on how controlled burns help to manage competing vegetation, reduce wildfire risks, and support the growth of longleaf pine seedlings, crucial for conserving these unique and resilient ecosystems. Be sure to check it out!

The EPA is actively researching the impact of wildland fire smoke on public and environmental health in order to improve protective measures and response strategies. Recent efforts focus on understanding the health risks associated with exposure to wildfire smoke, including respiratory issues and long-term health effects. This research aims to create better air quality monitoring, develop better prediction models, and inform policies to safeguard communities from the harmful effects of wildfires.

USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support

Funding available towards two objectives:

Support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience
Support the participation of forest landowners who own less than 2,500 acres of forestland in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience

Award amount: Up to $2,000,000
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, quarterly

Next Deadline: August 21, 2024

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.

NC State University promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon one’s race; color; religion (including belief and non-belief); sex, including but not limited to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical condition, parenting, and sexual harassment; sexual orientation; actual or perceived gender identity; age; national origin; disability; veteran status; or genetic information.