Fire Science and Society

Spring 2012 quarter

Faculty

Sarah Hamman fire ecology, soil biogeochemistry and microbial ecology, restoration ecology , Richard Bigley forest ecology, sustainable forestry

Description

Fire plays the role of ecosystem engineer in forests and grasslands throughout the world. This role has
changed over the past hundred years, however, with increasing human populations, sprawling
development into fire-prone areas, and altered perceptions of this vital ecological process. With
fire suppression and exclusion, we are seeing dramatic changes in the structure and functioning
of fire-influenced ecosystems and the role of fire in natural resources management and policy.
There are significant ecological, social and political implications of these changes, ranging from
the listing of fire-adapted endangered species to more rigorous air quality regulations to altered
pressures and priorities for the timber industry. Adapting policies in the anticipation to climate
change has become a major priority. It is becoming more important for citizens to understand
both the benefits and the risks associated with fire as it is increasingly impacting people in their
daily lives. This course will introduce students to the language, the ecology and the politics
surrounding wildland fire and increase your effectiveness with opportunities that involve fire
science, application and management.

Field trips:

May 18 - 20: field trip to the Wenatchee area

April 18: Day trip to the 3rd Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire conference

Late May or early June: Half-day trip to local prairies

Texts :

There is one text to purchase: Living with Fire: Fire ecology and policy for the 21st century,
2008 by Sara E. Jensen and Guy R. McPherson

Advertised Schedule

6-10p Mon

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$110 fee for overnight trip to Wenatchee area May 18-20; $15 conference registration fee

Undergraduate Credit Option

Requires Faculty Approval

Offered During

Evening