PRESCRIBED FIRE FOR WILDLIFE

September 30 - October 2, 2026

Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Drive

Venus, Florida 33844

Sponsors:

Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Archbold Biological Station

Your sponsors and cooperators are pleased to once again host PRESCRIBED FIRE FOR WILDLIFE. This training is designed to provide land managers and wildlife stewards with basic information on wildlife habitat management practices associated with prescribed fires in Florida. It includes sections addressing how ignition plans can be developed and implemented to meet specific wildlife objectives while minimizing risk. This training combines classroom lectures, panel discussions, and field exercises covering a variety of wildlife and habitats. Classroom activities will be held onsite at the Archbold Learning Center. Field exercises will be held at nearby central Florida wildlands and will focus on prescribed fire techniques that maintain and improve valuable wildlife habitats. Groups will be assigned a field scenario which will require a written report and presentation submitted during the final class. Successful completion of the course requires full attendance at all sessions and active participation as a group member.

Our 2026 session will be held September 30th through October 2nd. Attendees are encouraged to stay onsite with meals and lodging provided. Both class size and onsite lodging are limited so early registration is encouraged. Full registration with all meals and onsite lodging is $500.00. Onsite lodging is bunkhouse style and is recommended due to the full schedule, enhanced interaction with other participants, and reduced travel time. Basic Registration without lodging is $350.00. Once onsite lodging is full, only basic registration will be allowed. Off-site lodging at the Holiday Inn, Lake Placid is available at a group rate (GROUP: Rx FIRE).

Registration deadline is August 29, 2026. Register online via https://fltws.org/shop (credit cards or state or federal pcards accepted).

For additional information contact:   Jim Schortemeyer (239) 455-5847, Schortfire@aol.com

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 29 August 2026

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

PRESCRIBED FIRE/WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES

1.        Review and understand basic habitat management principles as they relate to fire.

2.        Review standard habitat management and prescribed fire practices for selected wildlife species.

3.        Prescribed fire recommendations for panther and bear in Florida.

4.        Prescribed fire recommendations for quail, turkey and other game species.

5.        Prescribed fire recommendations for the bald eagle, crested caracara, and red cockaded woodpecker.

IGNITION PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION

1.        Review and understand fire intensity and its relationship to wildlife impacts.

2.        Explore methods to regulate intensity.

3.        Discuss specific ignition techniques for a variety of habitats and fire return intervals.

4.        Techniques and considerations for re-establishment of short return intervals in fire deprived habitats.

Rx Fire for Wildlife, September 30 – October 2, 2026

Draft Agenda

Click HERE for a PDF version of the class flyer and agenda

WEDNESDAY, September 30, 09:00-20:00

Check in and Orientation

Introduction

Lake Wales Ridge: Techniques for Scrub Habitat and Wildlife

Basic Habitat Management Principles

Planning and Implementation: Keys to Success

LUNCH (PROVIDED)

Using Prescribed Fire for Restoration and Management of Bobwhite Quail

Prescribed Fire for Reptiles and Amphibians

Overview Lake Wales Ridge

Field Exercise: Incorporating Wildlife Benefits in Rx Fire Programs

Dinner and Welcome to the Archbold Learning Center

THURSDAY, October 1, 08:00-17:30++

Palm Beach County Natural Areas and Wildlife Stewardship

Deer Management and Rx Fire

FWC Programs Supporting Rx Fire

Rx Fire for Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers, Caracara, and Bald Eagles  

Fire on Private Lands: Challenges and Opportunities

Rx Fire Recommendations for Turkey  

Fire Management on Babcock/Webb WMA

Dry Prairie and Florida Grasshopper Sparrow

LUNCH (PROVIDED)

Prescribed Fire Considerations for Panther

Fire in Wetlands

Panel Discussion and Student Topics

Field Exercise: Incorporating Wildlife Benefits in Rx Fire Programs

FRIDAY, October 2, 08:00-14:30

Field Exercise continued

Panel Discussion: Evaluating Prescribed Fires & Wildlife Responses

Student Presentations on Field Exercises

LUNCH (PROVIDED)

Student Presentations on Field Exercises and Final Exam

Closing Remarks Making a Difference