VANCOUVER, Wash. — In 1902, the first of many large wildfires named the Yacolt Burn engulfed much of southwest Washington in flame. During an Oct. 3 forum at Washington State University Vancouver, persons can learn about the history of the 1902 fire, find out whether another major forest fire could happen again and discover how new forestry techniques can reduce the risks of fire.
The 6:30 p.m. forum will be held in WSU Vancouver’s Student Services building lecture hall, Room 110. It is open to the public without charge.
The forum features the following five presentations:
“The Yacolt Burn: A Historical Perspective,” by Rick McClure, forest archaeologist for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest;
“How Hot and How Often Will It Burn? Fire Ecology of Western Cascade Forests,” by Andrew Gray, research ecologist for the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station;
“Burning Forests: The History of Fire Policy in the Pacific Northwest” by William G. Robbins, distinguished professor of history at Oregon State University;
“Lessons from the Yacolt Burn Relevant to Current Forest and Fire Policy Debates,” by Jerry Franklin, professor of ecosystem analysis at University of Washington; and
“The National Fire Plan: The 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy and Implementation,” by Bonnie Wood, executive director for the federal government’s Pacific Northwest National Fire Plan.
Sponsors for the event include the WSU Vancouver’s Science Program, College of Liberal Arts and Honors College, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center.
For more information call (360) 546-9559. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205.
