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Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-6342 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu |
For Immediate Release
Story contact:
Tom Heald
(307) 235-9400
Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site www.uwyo.edu/agadmin/news/news.htm
Date: Feb. 19, 2007
UW sponsors workshop addressing Casper Mountain fire aftermath
A workshop focusing on fire prevention and rebuilding after the Casper Mountain fire is Saturday, March 10, at the Agricultural Resource and Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, in Casper.
Sessions are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch is provided. Coordinating the event is the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES).
The subject matter, while confronting problems posed by the Casper Mountain fire, can be used anywhere there has been fire or there is potential for fire.
"The summer of 2006 was an extraordinary wildfire year for many parts of Wyoming including Casper Mountain,” said Tom Heald, UW CES educator in Casper. “Even though fire is a natural part of the mountain and prairie landscape, it can still have devastating effects on the ecosystem.”
Those effects include erosion, weed infiltration and burnt timber still standing. The sessions address those concerns and include fire preparedness, silviculture (cultivation and care of forest trees) practices and pine beetles, fire and weeds, reseeding after a fire, a land manager’s role, a fireman’s view, Firewise and defensible space, and fire safety and evacuation. Firewise (www.firewise.org/) is an effort to involve homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers and others to protect people, property and natural resources from fire before a fire starts.
Literally tons of earth can slip away with the melting snow, which can enter streams and rivers, said Heald, who serves Converse, Natrona and Niobrara counties. Native plants are resilient to fire, but there are places where heavy fire equipment disrupted the soil and weeds may start growing. The still-standing dead trees can fall without warning, possibly killing humans or animals.
“The workshop will also help people who were not affected by fire showing them how to create a defensible space and hear from firefighters themselves as to how they approach a fire scene and why, in some circumstances, they will not fight a fire on your property,” said Heald.
The workshop allows for people to connect with experts, he said.
“We want folks to come with questions and to seek assistance from these experts. It’s not just about Casper Mountain – anyone who has been impacted by wildland fire is urged to attend. By attending, everyone will receive some fantastic workbooks illustrating ways they can help the restoration effort.”
Preregistration by March 2 is urged. Contact Melissa Hemken at (307) 262-1714 or intern@barnyardsandbackyards.com. Attendees may also register from 8:15-8:45 a.m. at the building the day of the workshop.
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