In preparation for Wildfire Awareness Month beginning in May, Mountain Studies Institute is gearing up for its 4th annual Forest & Fire Learning Series that will take place every Thursday in April 6-7pm. This livestream e-vent will feature a Q&A session following presentations intended to educate and engage our community on a variety of topics that include wildfire management, fire-adapted communities, the connection between wildfires and water, adaptations to the challenges of 2020, the chemistry of wildfire smoke and air quality, seasonal outlooks for 2021, and personal stories of living with fire.

The 1st in a series of 5 evening e-vents will kick off with a co-presentation from Shawna A. Legarza PsyD and Alison Layman on the topic of forest and fire management. They will begin with an overview of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, explain the importance of building an efficient and effective wildfire response, and how to achieve a fire adapted community while maintaining and restoring landscapes. They will also update local efforts with CPAW (Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire) in La Plata County.

SPEAKERS
- Shawna A. Legarza, Psy.D.: Director of Emergency Management, La Plata County - Alison Layman: Planner I, La Plata County

We invite you to join the conversation, ask questions, and help to inform a community approach to living with fire!

Photo: Michael Remke