Wildfire is a part of life in Oregon and across the West, and fire is a critical piece of our work as land trusts and land managers. With the past years’ early and more intense fire season, it’s hard not to wonder how we got here and what the future of fire might look like—especially in a changing climate.
This September, Coalition of Oregon Land Trust’s Climate Alliance is diving into the connections between conservation, wildfire, and the lands we all cherish in a two-part virtual film screening of The West is Burning (9/23) and Catching Fire: Prescribed Burning in Northern California (9/30). Join us for these films’ unique insights into forest management and wildfire responses, as well as panel discussions with experts in the field following each screening.
The West is Burning
September 23, 3-5pm PST
The West is Burning raises awareness about the conditions of forests in the western U.S. This feature film tells the history of forest management and litigation that led to the current conditions which are causing catastrophic fire nearly year-round. The film explores the urgent need to act now, and the potential to generate positive change in our forests, watersheds, and communities, both rural and urban.
Panelists
- Dr. Lisa Ellsworth, Fire, Restoration, and Rangeland Ecologist at Oregon State University
- Nick Goulette, Executive Director of the The Watershed Research and Training Center (featured in the film)
- Jen Zalewski, Stewardship Manager at the Deschutes Land Trust
- Joe Moll, Executive Director of the McKenzie River Trust
- Galen McCaw, Sound Recordist and Editor for The West is Burning
Catching Fire: Prescribed Burning in Northern California
September 30, 3-5pm PST
- Katie Sauerbrey, Fire Program Manager and Burn Boss at The Nature Conservancy in Oregon
- Dr. Frank Lake, USFS Research Ecologist (featured in the film)
- Dr. Tim Ingalsbee, Executive Director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology (FUSEE). (featured in the film)
- Matt Blakeley-Smith, Stewardship Director at Greenbelt Land Trust
