Flashy Fuels and Resilient Lands – Fueling Distinct Prescriptions for Eastern Grasslands
Photo Credit: Polly Weigand, North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange
This panel discussion, which was originally scheduled for November 21, 2024, but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, has now been officially postponed until Season 6 (Fall 2025/Winter 2026). We appreciate your understanding.
Fire, whether naturally ignited or culturally conveyed, did not spread across eastern North America frequently or evenly enough for fire-dependent grasslands to be as ubiquitous as the forested landscape. But in areas where it could, there were open grasslands and grassy savannas and woodlands composed of a rich diversity of unique species assemblages. This discussion will feature researchers and practitioners involved in protecting and maximizing the size and occurrence of these herbaceous upland ecosystems reflective of contemporary pressures and challenges with a focus on restoring ancient remnants (old growth grasslands) and reconstructing grasslands (where grassland vegetation was destroyed). Specifically highlighted will be the value of intergenerational knowledge as well as the regional networks that have emerged from and support specific grassland management prescriptions reflective of unique flora and distinct drivers. Understanding local variation is necessary to success – particularly in the context of fragmentation, seed sourcing, fire suppression, climate change, and other factors. Panelists will share their “mental maps” developed from navigating such complexities especially plant community composition, habitat needs of wildlife species, and components of the fire regime to address when planning fuel load reductions and reintroduction of fire to help maximize the protection and persistence of these heralded ecosystems.
This panel discussion has been approved for 1.5 Category 1 CFE's by the Society of American Foresters.
Moderator
Moderator information coming soon.
Elizabeth Bach (Panelist)
Elizabeth Bach is the ecosystem restoration scientist at Nachusa Grasslands for The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. She currently works with scientists, land managers and stewards to holistically investigate questions about tallgrass prairie restoration ecology. Her own research expertise focuses on soil ecology, exploring how belowground biology supports tallgrass prairie ecosystems through plant-soil interactions and nutrient and carbon cycling. Prior to joining The Nature Conservancy in 2020, Elizabeth served as the executive director for the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative. She earned her Ph.D. in ecology & evolutionary biology from Iowa State University after completing a B.A. in biology and environmental science at Cornell College and an M.Sc. in plant biology from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale.
Caren Caljouw (Panelist)
Caren Caljouw is the fire manager and a restoration ecologist with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. She coordinates prescribed fire and landscape restoration activities on MassWildlife lands statewide. Caren’s been with the Division since 2015. Caren is a skilled prescribed fire practitioner with knowledge and experience in managing fire-influenced ecosystems from Virginia to Maine. She has a keen interest in fire and ecosystem dynamics with a focus on fire and plant interactions and restoration benefits to improve wildlife habitats. She works to ensure collaboration and partnership in implementing safe wildland fire practices and developing mutually beneficial strategies and goals to further prescribed fire operations throughout Massachusetts and the region.
Ron Waukau (Panelist)
Ron Waukau has had a long career at Menominee Tribal Enterprises, starting in 1988. Ron has served multiple appointments across Menominee forest operations prior to becoming Forest Manager.
Our Panel
List of resources shared during the discussion:
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Coming Soon