The Southwest contains both some of the greatest of archaeological sites and landscapes in which fire plays a major role in the ecosystem. Due to the widespread prevalence of both fire and cultural resources, archaeologists and fire managers must work together to locate and manage significant sites. However, different perspectives and approaches between fire managers and archaeologists can arise during fire management efforts that could result in loss of cultural resources.
A Success Story
To improve fire management and protect cultural resources where possible, members of local archaeological communities and the Southwest Fire Science Consortium (SWFSC) board identified the need to help mitigate conflict during fire management by facilitating communication between fire managers and archaeologists. Together they developed a workshop to allow a platform for education and facilitate conversation and relationship building among resource staff. Topics included basic fire effects on resources, the importance of fire on the landscape and importance of protecting cultural resources within that context, how fire manager and archaeologists can effectively work together, how to build an inclusive planning process pre-fire, and much more!
To view the Story Map exploring the workshop and other resources, click the image below.
