PRESCRIBED FIRE FOR WILDLIFE
December 3-5, 2024
FFA Leadership Training Center
5000 Firetower Road
Haines City, Florida 33844
Sponsors:
Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Cooperators:
Seminole Tribe of Florida, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Park Service, Trinity College, Archbold Biological Station, Tall Timbers Research Station, Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management, South Florida Water Management District, St. Johns River Water Management District, National Wild Turkey Federation, City of Gainesville, Alachua Conservation Trust
Your sponsors and cooperators are pleased to once again host “PRESCRIBED FIRE FOR WILDLIFE” at the FFA Leadership Training Center located on Lake Pierce near Haines City, Florida. Our 2024 session will be held December 3-5. Attendees are encouraged to stay onsite with meals and lodging provided. 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 at the Leadership Training 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.
UPDATE, Nov. 5th: REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD. Please check back for updates coming soon.
Class size is limited so early registration is encouraged. Basic Registration is $375.00 and full registration with all meals and lodging is $675.00. The Registration deadline is November 19, 2024. 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: 19 November 2024
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
PRESCRIBED FIRE / WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES
Review and understand basic habitat management principles as they relate to fire.
Review standard habitat management and prescribed fire practices for selected wildlife species.
Prescribed fire recommendations for panther and bear in Florida.
Prescribed fire recommendations for quail and other small game.
Prescribed fire recommendations for turkey.
Prescribed fire recommendations for the bald eagle and red cockaded woodpecker.
Case studies of specific habitat management programs emphasizing prescribed fire in Florida.
IGNITION PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION
Review and understand fire intensity and its relationship to wildlife impacts.
Explore methods to regulate intensity.
Discuss specific ignition techniques for a variety of habitats and fire return intervals.
Techniques and considerations for re-establishment of short return intervals in fire deprived habitats.
Review specific examples of problems and solutions associated with prescribed fires for wildlife in Florida.
AgendA
TUESDAY December 3
09:00-10:00 Check in and Orientation
10:00-10:30 Introduction
10:30-11:15 Introduction to Lake Wales Ridge: Techniques for Scrub Habitat and Wildlife
11:15-11:45 Basic Habitat Management Principles
11:45-12:15 Planning and Implementation: Keys to Success
LUNCH (PROVIDED)
13:00-13:40 Using Prescribed Fire for Restoration and Management of Bobwhite Quail
13:40-14:30 Prescribed Fire for Reptiles and Amphibians
14:30-15:00 Overview Lake Wales Ridge: ADB Catfish Creek SP, Hatchineha Unit of the Everglades Headwaters NWR WMA, & SFWMD Lake Marion Creek WMA
15:00-17:30 Field Exercise: Incorporating Wildlife Benefits in Rx Fire Programs
17:30-19:00 Welcome to the FFA Leadership Training Center
WEDNESDAY December 4
08:00-08:30 Palm Beach County Natural Areas and Wildlife Stewardship
08:30-09:00 Deer Management and Rx Fire
09:00-09:30 FWC Programs Supporting Rx Fire
09:30-10:00 Rx Fire for Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers, Caracara and Bald Eagles
10:00-10:30 Fire on Private Lands: Challenges and Opportunities
10:30-11:00 Rx Fire Recommendations for Turkey
11:00-11:30 Fire Management on Babcock/Webb WMA
11:30-12:00 Dry Prairie and Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
LUNCH (PROVIDED)
13:00-13:30 Prescribed Fire Considerations for Panther
13:30-14:00 Fire in Wetlands
14:00-15:00 Panel Discussion and Student Topics
15:00-17:30 +++ Field Exercise: Incorporating Wildlife Benefits in Rx Fire Programs
THURSDAY December 5
08:00-08:30 Field Exercise continued
08:30-09:30 Panel Discussion: Evaluating Prescribed Fires & Wildlife Responses
09:30-12:00 Student Presentations on Field Exercises
LUNCH (PROVIDED)
13:00-14:00 (cont) Student Presentations on Field Exercises and Final Exam
14:00-14:30 Closing Remarks - Making a Difference
A PDF version of this flyer can be accessed by clicking HERE