In partnership with Cascadia CD and DNR's post-fire recovery program, we'll visit some burned areas to look at and discuss post-fire effects at different burn severity levels. We will discuss post-fire hazards, assessments, and some potential mitigations. We'll practice assessments of tree damage, erosion potential, and soil burn severity. We'll also look at how prescribed fire and other interventions alter the trajectory of a burned landscape. (Intermediate Level)
In partnership with Cascadia CD and DNR's post-fire recovery program, we'll visit some burned areas to look at and discuss post-fire effects at different burn severity levels. We will discuss post-fire hazards, assessments, and some potential mitigations. We'll practice assessments of tree damage, erosion potential, and soil burn severity. We'll also look at how prescribed fire and other interventions alter the trajectory of a burned landscape. (Intermediate Level)
In partnership with Cascadia CD and DNR's post-fire recovery program, we'll visit some burned areas to look at and discuss post-fire effects at different burn severity levels. We will discuss post-fire hazards, assessments, and some potential mitigations. We'll practice assessments of tree damage, erosion potential, and soil burn severity. We'll also look at how prescribed fire and other interventions alter the trajectory of a burned landscape. (Intermediate Level)
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have long shaped their environments through sophisticated ecosystem management practices. Practices such as prescribed burning, transplanting, and tending of "wild" perennial food plants have created a patchwork of cultural ecosystems, including forest gardens—unique species-rich habitats that now occur near former village sites. Long term community-guided work with Canadian First Nations, U.S. Tribal Nations, archaeologists, and historical ecologists has led to the re-identification of these sites. This talk presents new archaeological and ecological data from forest gardens in Nuu-chah-nulth, Ts’msyen, and Salish territories, showing that Indigenous land-use legacies have had long-term effects on plant community composition and functional trait diversity. These findings challenge narrow definitions of agriculture and demonstrate how Indigenous stewardship continues to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. They also carry implications for the ecocultural restoration revitalization of community relationships with these landscapes. (Entry Level)
Introduction and functional demo of the new Living Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) tool. An online, GIS based tool for developing CWPP documents and tracking projects and changes in conditions in real time. The tool is easy to use, even for non-GIS experts, is being hosted by Washington DNR and being made available to entities that develop CWPP’s statewide. (Intermediate Level) (Combined with IT/GIS track)
The presentation will introduce the NRCS Interim Conservation Practice Standard 825 - Cultural Plantings for Soil Health. It will cover the development of interim practices, the implementation of Standard 825, and examples of its application. The topic will build on the previous talk, linking forest gardens and cultural landscapes with the planting of various culturally relevant plants that improve soil health and provide other ecological benefits. This presentation is designed for an intermediate level audience. (Intermediate Level)
Many landowners are interested in growing a diverse forest, not just a monoculture. This talk will provide you with helpful guidelines and tips for choosing and combining timber species, along with management considerations when planting them. We will review current science on mixed species stand management. Participants will also take part in a group exercise on species selection and learn about techniques that support healthy mixed forests. (Expert Level)
How do we get more people on the land and capable of stewardship for the least cost with a model that can scale? Thurston County includes 180,000 acres of shoreline and buffers around streams, rivers, wetlands and waterbodies, and in lowland Puget Sound we are talking about a 1,000,000-acre land base. The Skykomish Biocultural Restoration Field Station is a 4-year experiment in biocultural restoration, that combines agroforestry, wildcrafting, camping, core habitat sites, and community development. (Intermediate Level)
Whether you're just hearing about the CWDG federal grant or you're a seasoned applicant, you'll learn about what this grant funds, updates on the most recent application round, and tips and tricks for a strong application. Insight on application scoring and the success of previous applications will also be shared. (Expert Level)
Is your CD prescribed fire curious? In this session you'll learn from an expert panel of speakers in the WA prescribed fire world about opportunities, experiences, resources, and the future of Rx fire. Bring your "burning" questions! (Expert Level)
