Watershed Symposium 2019

Playing With Fire: Climate, Forest and Watershed Health

Summary:
We've built and modified landscapes and forests, altering natural processes in deference to other values, regardless of intention. In suppressing fire however, we've effectively eliminated the predator that keeps our forests healthy, stymieing natural selection. In the absence of fire what tools do we have to help restore forests and watersheds?

Full Abstract:
Mother Nature knows how to take care of herself, that is, until we start tinkering. And tinker we have - for generations, we have suppressed fire, something that we've been taught to fear, something that threatens human values. We've built and modified landscapes and forests, altering natural processes in deference to other values, regardless of intention. In suppressing fire however, we've effectively eliminated the predator that keeps our forests healthy, stymieing natural selection. We've also eliminated the catalyst that spurs regeneration of forests. Aging trees and invasive species are exacerbating tree mortality. Underbrush is overgrown, tree densities are too thick, conifers are crowding out aspen stands. Climate change is enhancing the extremes of wet and dry, cold and hot. Catastrophic wildfires due to build up of fuels, development and poor forest conditions are breaking out across the west. Healthy forests play a critical role in having a healthy watershed. Is it possible to invite Mother Nature's processes back into our community? What choices are we facing in dealing with the challenges we are facing?

This panel will feature Laura Briefer, Director of Salt Lake City Dept. of Public Utilities, Bekee Hotze, District Ranger, Salt Lake Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and Brian Trick, Wasatch Front Area Manager, Utah Dept. of Natural Resources, Forestry Fire and State Lands.The conversation will be moderated by Carl Fisher, Executive Director of Save Our Canyons.

While this is a complex issue, our goal is to ignite a conversation around the health of our forests and protecting water quality, exploring what the role of fire is in our landscape. In the absence of fire, what alternatives to restoring healthy forests, habitat and watersheds will we be faced with?