This field trip will delve into the critical issues of wildfire risk and invasive species management in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, AZ. We will hear from public, state, and private land managers who have been conducting wildfire operations, prescribed burns, thinning, and invasive plant removal to protect the Sonoran Desert.
Field Trip Objectives:
- Overview of the Situation:
- Understand the factors contributing to increased fuels and fire risk in the Sonoran Desert.
- Understand the management challenges and solutions for working with mostly annual invasive plants as fuels.
- Showcase Strategies:
- Explore areas invaded by annual non-native species and observe fire risk reduction strategies in action.
- Engage in thoughtful discussions on the design and impact of current fuel reduction and invasive plant removal methods.
- Observe innovative approaches for fuels and invasive plant reduction.
- Identify Research Opportunities:
- Evaluate existing knowledge gaps and discuss the opportunities for scientific research to guide future work.
- Discuss the Future of Fire in the Desert:
- Delve into the future trajectory of fire in the Sonoran Desert and its implications for managers.
- Engage in facilitated dialogue to exchange ideas and perspectives.
Who Should Attend: Anyone who works in or near the Sonoran Desert (federal, tribal, state, municipal, and private natural resource and fire managers). Researchers looking for projects. Students looking for careers and wanting to learn. Members of collaborative conservation groups. Professionals across the Southwest wanting to learn more about this pressing and emerging issue.
Details:
- Date: February 14, 2024
- Time: most of the day, registrants will be emailed details
- Meeting Point: Apache Junction. We will be jumping into 6 vans so that we can accommodate a large group – you will not be able to drive separately. Registrants will be emailed exact meeting location.
- What to Bring: Field attire, water, lunch, sunscreen, and a spirit of curiosity.
