CORVALLIS, Ore. — Wildfire scientists, land managers and policy leaders from across the West will convene in Portland on March 1-2 to consider steps to reduce the impacts of catastrophic fire in Western states, and a limited number of seats are available to the public on March 2.

The College of Forestry at Oregon State University is organizing the Fire Summit, which will be held at the World Forestry Center. On the first day of the meeting, invited scientists and managers will discuss the state of fire science and what practical steps can be taken in forest management to address high severity fires.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 2, the panels will be joined by forest policy leaders from four states and Washington, D.C., to discuss possible management options that could meaningfully address fire events. Elected officials and community leaders have been invited, and a limited number of seats for the March 2 session are open to the public. Oregon Governor Kate Brown will offer closing remarks at the end of the Friday session.

“In the wake of one of the most destructive fire seasons in the West, we need to find ways to adapt and manage landscapes, using the best forest management tools available,” said OSU College of Forestry Dean Thomas Maness. “Our goal is to bring relevant science and practical experience to bear on these enormous challenges.”

Registration is free but required for attendance at www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/firesummit. The doors will open at 8:30 a.m.

Questions about registration and attending the event can be directed to Becky Fasth,  [email protected], 541-737-8431.

College of Forestry

About the OSU College of Forestry: For a century, the College of Forestry has been a world class center of teaching, learning and research. It offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs in sustaining ecosystems, managing forests and manufacturing wood products; conducts basic and applied research on the nature and use of forests; and operates more than 15,000 acres of college forests.

Story By: 

Nick Houtman, [email protected], 541-737-0783

Source: 

Michael Collins, [email protected], 541-737-3140

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