James Keelaghan (see below!)
If you haven’t heard of them before, allow us to highlight the WFC2016 workshops. This series of small group technical sessions held before and after the main conference program will tantalize, thrill and awe! The WFC2016 workshop series presents an opportunity to engage in more intimate instructional discussions with model developers on specific tools related to fire behaviour and fire ecology analyses.
Mark them in your calendars!
Scheduled workshops – Monday, Oct. 24:
Burn probability modeling with Burn P3
Presented by Dr. X. Wang (Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service)
Burn P3 has been used to evaluate wildfire susceptibility across large areas for landscape planning purposes. This workshop will allow users to get a sense of what goes into a Burn P3 simulation run, so that they can consider whether to invest the time and resources into this type of complex spatial modeling.
New grass moisture and fire behaviour model
Presented by Dr. M. Wotton (Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service)
This workshop will allow users to explore some recent research on grasslands fire behaviour modeling. Ever wonder why the FFMC doesn’t work in grasslands? Come find out, and discover a new and better approach! This workshop will provide the opportunity to describe and discuss both the grass moisture and fire behaviour model that are included in the new ‘Yellow book’ field guide.
Introduction to FuelCalcBC
Presented by D. Hicks (BC Wildfire Service)
This workshop will present an overview of the new FuelCalc BC program, designed to present fuel managers with tools for calculating fuel loading based on forest stand inventory data. The application has recently been developed to Canadian specs based on a US product and is still being refined and perfected. Come get a sneak peek and present your ideas for further improvements and developments.
Using FOFEM to inform prescribed fire prescriptions
Presented by D. Lutes (USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Modeling Institute)
The workshop is directed toward new users of FOFEM (First Order Fire Effects Model) and will provide an overview of the model and example exercises. FOFEM estimates fuel consumption, emissions, soil heating and tree mortality. While developed in the United States, FOFEM contains research findings that may also be relevant for managers in Canada.
Scheduled workshops – Friday, Oct. 28:
Overview of CanFIRE
Presented by: Dr. B. de Groot (Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service)
The Canadian Fire Effects model (CanFIRE) is an integrated science-management extension model of the Next Generation Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System. An overview and structure of the model will be presented. Current available software (desktop and web/mobile) will be used to demonstrate stand-level to landscape-level applications (e.g., fuel management, prescribed burn planning, wildfire suppression). Integration with existing fire management agency decision support systems will be discussed.
Fire and Nature Walk
Led by Dr. Ian Walker (University of British Columbia – Okanagan, Dept. of Earth and Environmental Science and Dept. of Biology)
Recharge your brain and your FitBit with the Fire & Nature Walk, presented by the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. Join Dr. Ian Walker for a half day tour of the Okanagan area, while learning about the local flora and fauna in this highly fire-adapted ecosystem.
Dr. Walker specializes in paleoecology, but is also an avid local naturalist with broad interests including birding, botany and aquatic insects. Having lived in the Kelowna wildland-urban interface area for 25 years, he has watched many fire events occur, been involved in evacuations, and is ever conscious of the dual role of fire in southern interior BC – critical ecological process, and ever-present threat to communities.
The fine print:
Participants will receive a certificate of completion for all completed workshops.
If you haven’t yet signed up for WFC2016 and you’re interested in workshops, register now and make the selection upon registration. If you have already registered but would like to change your registration to add a workshop, please contact wildlandfirecanada@gmail.com, or call 250-387-5965 during office hours (Pacific time) and we’ll be glad to add your selections to your registration record. Note that workshop registration costs $25 each on top of regular conference fees.
See the workshop page for more details and schedule.
WFC 2016 Entertainment night: announcing James Keelaghan!
If technical workshops aren’t your style, enjoy an evening of live entertainment and wine tasting on Tuesday evening. We are thrilled to announce an appearance by renown Canadian folk singer James Keelaghan! As one of Canada’s greatest singer songwriters, James’ rootsy sound and melodies are unique, soulful and steeped in history, telling poignant tales of mining, exploration, wildfire (yes!), and Canadian spirit.
For a closer look, check out Keelaghan’s website and bio:
www.keelaghan.com
See you all soon!