Forest ThreatNet
Eastern Threat Center Highlights
Southeast Regional Climate Hub Turns One
The Eastern Threat Center-hosted Southeast Regional Climate Hub (SERCH) is celebrating its first year and reflecting on its successes. In February 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established SERCH and other regional climate hubs and sub hubs to deliver science-based information, tools, and technology to farmers, ranchers, and forest land managers. Since that time, SERCH has grown a network of producers, educators, and researchers to develop and share the tools and strategies needed to address climate-related challenges such as drought, heat stress, excessive moisture, longer growing seasons, and changes in pest pressures. To learn about SERCH's recent achievements and to sign up for SERCH news and alerts, read more in CompassLive...
During a SERCH field tour, Calvin Perry (left) and Gary Hawkins from the University of Georgia demonstrate a soil moisture instrument that is part of a precision irrigation system. Photo by Steve McNulty.
Traditional Knowledge, Science, and People Connect at "To Bridge a Gap" Meeting
“Successful partnerships often depend on trusting relationships,” says Serra Hoagland, Eastern Threat Center biological scientist and a tribal liaison with the Southern Research Station. She was among the attendees of the recent "To Bridge a Gap" meeting, the 14th such gathering intended to strengthen relationships between the Forest Service and federally recognized tribal governments. Held in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, the meeting provided opportunities to exchange scientific research and traditional ecological knowledge and to discuss strategies for managing cultural and natural resources in the National Forests. Hoagland hosted and moderated two presentation sessions focused on natural resource issues, and Center extension and technology transfer specialist Sarah Workman shared information and tools with meeting participants. All 39 federally recognized Oklahoma tribes attended the meeting, as well as many tribes from other states and representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and private industry. Read more in CompassLive...
Charles Coleman from Thlopthlocco Tribal Town (far left) speaks during a panel discussion at the "To Bridge a Gap" meeting. Photo by Serra Hoagland.
Scientists and Managers Collaborate to Understand Fire’s Role in Ecosystem Resilience
The Fire Learning Network (FLN) brings managers and scientists together to address common problems and solutions related to wildland fire. Eastern Threat Center research ecologist Steve Norman and biological scientist Emrys Treasure recently contributed to a workshop of the Southern Blue Ridge FLN, which highlighted efforts to restore and build resilient landscapes in the region. Norman discussed the ForWarn tool’s use of moderate-resolution remote sensing data to provide monitoring insights into coarse changes in forest composition and structure associated with wildfire, prescribed fire, and restoration more generally. Treasure demonstrated the Template for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Management Options (TACCIMO) as a source of science that could help FLN members respond to climate change.
During a field tour, workshop attendees found trillium thriving in a recently burned area. Photo by Steve Norman.
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