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Science shows that demographics and funding impact wildfire resilience

Valley area that has fire mitigation measures
America’s forests are in a state of fire emergency. Nearly 25% of the contiguous U.S. is at risk of severe wildfire, with Western landscapes bearing the brunt.The areas at greatest risk are those where forests and communities meet, often referred to as the wildland urban interface. These beautiful locales are where more and more people choose to call home…
wildfire, fire, resilience, science, fire science, Grants

Learning on the fireline: Fire Tigers of Clemson

A picture showing several students standing in a half-circle so that they can listen to their mentor.
(Adapted from CompassLive) Mentorship is a major part of the program – every student has the opportunity to spend time with experienced fire managers. USDA Forest Service photo by Helen Mohr. The only way to understand the nuances of working a fireline is by being on one. The six-year-old Fire Tigers Program…
fire, students, forestry, research

Prescribed fire science: Why it’s needed now more than ever

A picture of a Forest worker using a drip torch to start a prescribed fire to treat a forest area.
Editor’s note: The USDA Forest Service recently announced a 10-year strategy to confront the wildfire crisis and improve forest resilience. Increasing fuels treatments will be paramount to create healthier forests and reduce wildfire risk to communities. The Forest Service’s Southern Research Station routinely researches the science of prescribed fire and why it’s needed now more than ever.Much…
fire, prescribed fire, fire science, fire technology

Muddy Waters: Reducing post-fire erosion in an intensifying fire environment

A picture showing a forest worker, wearing an orange hat and vest, working to build an erosion control barrier.
Scientists are looking at land management practices that can mitigate erosion after severe fire events. Here Rocky Mountain Research Station Engineer Sarah Lewis-Scholes collects a runoff sample during a simulated rill experiment. Photo by Pete Robichaud. Editor’s note: The USDA Forest Service recently…
land management, erosion, fire, forest resilience

Planting new hope in the Umpqua River basin

A picture of a small tree seedling.
A sugar pine seedling grows within the Archie Creek Fire scar. Seedlings are planted in the early spring so they are not damaged by hot and dry summer weather. Forest Service photo by Adrienne Barcas Editor’s note: The USDA Forest Service recently announced a 10-year strategy to confront the…
restoration, fire, wildfire, forestry, forest health, forest management, vegetation, partnerships, contracts, umpqua

A Look Back at 2021

A picture showing a hiker walking down a trail with flowers on each side, mountains in the background and forested areas on each side.
Since the USDA Forest Service launched its Internet presence over 25 years ago nearly a thousand feature stories have been written and posted, highlighting the important work we do with our partners across the country. These articles highlight just some of the notable stories over the last year, the breadth of the work we do, and the contribution it makes to forest health, communities, and the…
recreation, science, shared stewardship, fire, safety, healthy forests, technology, employees
https://www.fs.usda.gov/fs-tags/fire