WHAT'S NEW AT THE LEOPOLD INSTITUTE

• Award for Best Paper in Landscape Ecology

ALWRI (RMRS) Scientist Carol Miller and Post Doc Anne Black were recently notified that they and their co-authors, Don Falk (Univeristy of Arizona) and Don McKenzie (FS-PNW) are the recipients of the Best Paper in Landscape Ecology award for 2008 for their paper, Cross-Scale Analysis of Fire Regimes. The award, which is presented for an outstanding contribution to the literature in the field of landscape ecology over the past two years, will be presented on April 8, by the US Chapter of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (US-IALE), at their annual meeting in Madison, WI.

This paper originated from a special session on landscape fire regimes organized by Carol Miller and Don McKenzie at the 2004 meeting of the International Association for Landscape Ecology. It appeared in a special feature of the journal Ecosystems on cross-scale interactions. In this paper, the authors showed how fire frequency scales in space and present a useful framework for examining how properties of fire regimes and physical mechanisms influence these scaling patterns.

• CHECK OUT, Wilderness and Backcountry Site Restoration Guide (now available in CD format)

Research Biologist David Cole, in cooperation with Lisa Therrell and the Arthur Carhart Wilderness Training Center, successfully developed a wilderness and site restoration guide. David Cole wrote several sections of the guide which was compiled and written primarily by Lisa Therrell.

This comprehensive guide focuses on restoration of small-scale impact caused by human actions in wilderness and backcountry areas. The guide's goals are to (1) help practitioners develop plans that thoroughly address the question of whether site restoration is the best management action and, if so, develop a site-specific restoration plan that incorporates ecological concepts and addresses patterns of human use, (2) provide the latest information on site-specific restoration techniques, including site preparation, soil amendments, planting, mulching, and so forth, (3) explore the various methods of plant propagation both on and off a restoration site and (4) provide approaches for project monitoring and documentation. Techniques discussed in the guide do not rely on motorized tools or mechanized transport, although those options may be mentioned. Examples are drawn primarily from the Western United States. Many of the techniques could be used in other settings. The laws regulating wilderness management and the philosophy guiding it are considered when discussing whether restoration activities are appropriate in areas designated as wilderness.
For more information and to view or download the guide, please click here.

• Science and Stewardship to Protect and Sustain Wilderness Values: Proceedings of the 8th World Wilderness Congress Symposium

Research Social Scientist Alan Watson, Leopold Institute staff, and RMRS publication staff worked hard to obtain reviews, edit, design, publish and distribute (on the web, hardcopy and on CD) another World Wilderness Congress proceedings, Science and Stewardship to Protect and Sustain Wilderness Values: Proceedings of the 8th World Wilderness Congress Symposium. This proceedings included over 90 papers in the following sections: Alaska, Past, Present, and Future; Connections Between Wilderness and Communities; Values to Local and Distant Society of Wilderness Protection; Establishing Priorities and Developing Policies for Wilderness Protection; Wilderness Stewardship Challenges in a Changing World; Encouraging Stewardship through Education; Place and Spirit: Commitment to Wilderness; Protecting Ecological Integrity of Wilderness; and Wilderness, Water, and Wisdom.

"This Proceedings is only one visible reminder to the Forest Service, Forest Service R&D, and RMRS that we remain world leaders in wilderness protection, in developing knowledge that guides managers' decisions, and in bringing people together to share the enthusiasm for understanding of the values of wilderness to current and future generations," said Alan Watson. The publication is available on the web at http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_p049.html, or order from Publications Distribution at RMRS. The next World Wilderness Congress (WILD-9) is being planned for November 2009 in Mexico.

• Anne Black on Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center Team

Ecologist Anne Black was invited to participate on a Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) team to develop a series of case studies on implementing high reliability in wildland fire programs. LLC has been approached by members of the fire community interested in understanding how their colleagues have used concepts of high reliability to improve safety and fire program performance. The team, including Dave Christenson (LLC), Mike DeGrosky (Guidance Group) and Brett Fay (R-4), spent 2 days interviewing members of the Sequoia-Kings Canyon fire management staff January 15-16. Other units to be visited include Yosemite National Park and the Klamath and Shoshone National Forests. Target audience for the case studies will be fire managers at all levels and in all agencies (state, private, federal). Anne's work is being funded by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and the National Fire Plan.

• Rocky Mountain Research Station, through the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Institute, was a co-sponsor of the recent Steering Committee meeting of the IUCN's (World Conservation Union) World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

Held in September in Yellowstone National Park, the event brought together many of the World's conservation leaders to discuss international conservation issues. Much of the focus was on preparations for two important meetings next year: the Durban+5 World Protected Areas Congress, and the World Conservation Congress, to be held in Barcelona. Other topics covered included conservation corridors, wetlands, marine protected areas, invasive species and a World Database on Protected Areas. The WCPA Steering Committee meeting was co-sponsored by the George Wright Society, the US National Park Service, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

• Social Scientist / Ecologist Anne Black, recently served on the Jungle Fire Review Team

Anne Black served on the Jungle Fire Review Team along with retiree Dave Thomas, Deirdre Dether and Katie Hetts of Region 4, and Mike Dueitt from Region 8. The Jungle Fire was an ecologically successful mid-season burn designed to restore aspen in a spruce/fir zone. The review was triggered after the fire breached its boundary. The purpose of the review was to develop a new review process focused on learning and high reliability - to capture lessons on how to conduct ecologically and managerially successful burns in stand-replacing fire regimes during the summer season.

• David Cole Discusses Recreation Impacts with USFS Chief, Gail Kimbell

Research Biologist David Cole, Missoula, was recently invited to a "Conversation with the Chief." He, along with Associate Chief Sally Collins and National Program Leader for Social Science Research Anne Hoover, met with Chief Gail Kimbell to discuss a broad range of science topics concerning the impacts of recreation on the environment and wilderness management. Gail and Sally were very interested in recreation research in wilderness, as evidenced by several questions pertaining to strategies for addressing user conflicts in wilderness areas. "This conversation seems to have gone well and we are grateful to David for all his efforts in making the presentation, along with his travel from Montana."

• Workshop: Beyond Naturalness? Defining Desired Future Conditions for Protected Area Ecosystems

The Leopold Institute collaborated with the University of Montana and the Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit in convening a workshop on April 3-5 at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest, Montana. The workshop was entitled, "Beyond Naturalness? Defining Desired Future Conditions for Protected Area Ecosystems." Institute scientists David Cole, Dave Parsons and Peter Landres were joined by 13 scientists from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, Parks Canada, The Nature Conservancy, The Wilderness Society and Universities in Alaska, California, Montana, North Carolina, British Columbia and Western Australia. Presentations and discussions dealt with challenges in using the concept of naturalness to guide park and wilderness stewardship, particularly given rapid climate change, and explored alternatives such as ecological integrity and resilience.
The consensus of the group was that, while the workshop barely scratched the surface, substantial progress was made in articulating the need for and sketching out some trajectories for a plurality of goals for parks and wilderness. The group agreed to work together to produce an edited book on the topic.

• Workshop Helps Prepare Future Wildland Fire Use Leaders

Leopold Institute Research Ecologist Carol Miller helped organize the interagency workshop "Wildland Fire Use: What's Your Problem?," held May 1-3, at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Missoula. Co-organizers were Mitch Burgard (Glacier National Park), Chuck Mark (Idaho Panhandle NFs), Stu Hoyt (Bitterroot NF) and Pat Garbutt (USFS Region 1).

The workshop was held to cultivate tomorrow's wildland fire use (WFU) leaders. Thirty students worked on a class project to help the Ninemile Ranger District of the Lolo NF implement WFU in the Great Burn proposed wilderness area just west of Missoula. Students were treated to 3 days of lively panel discussions and campfire conversations - what one student described as a "Fire Use Dream Team." This Dream Team included Bob Mutch (former Fire Sciences Lab researcher), and Tom Zimmerman (soon-to-be manager of RMRS's Wildland Fire RD&A Program). Bob Keane, Missoula, and Bruce Rieman, Boise, presented on the ecological role of large, stand-replacing fires and the importance of WFU for sustaining the integrity of ecosystems in the northern Rockies. Anne Black, Missoula, gave a summary of barriers and facilitators to WFU, and Katie Knotek (formerly ALWRI) presented on how attitudes of wilderness visitors toward WFU have changed in the past 40 years, and how to provide information to the public during a WFU event. Carol says feedback from the students was so overwhelmingly positive that the organizing committee has reserved the facility for another workshop next year.

• The 2007 George Wright Society Biennial Conference on Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites

"Rethinking Protected Areas in a Changing World" - The 2007 George Wright Society Biennial Conference on Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites was held April 16-20, 2007 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Leopold Institute Director, Dave Parsons attended the conference and in his role on the program committee, Dave organized and introduced the opening plenary session.
For more information, please Click Here

• Research Ecologist Peter Landres has been selected to receive a 2005 National Wilderness Award

Peter Landres has been selected to receive a 2005 National Wilderness Award under the category "Excellence in Wilderness Stewardship Research". Peter was noted for his outstanding accomplishments in developing and implementing a national protocol for monitoring wilderness character. He was nominated by a group of national forest managers and the Washington Office. The award will be presented during a U.S. Forest Service National Leadership Team meeting in September 2006.

• CHECK OUT OUR NEW, "Project Details & Resources"

Our new "Project Details & Resources" section on the AWLRI website was developed to supply further details and resources from selected Leopold Institute research projects including their associated publications and products. Project Details & Resources are ongoing and will include future projects as they become available.

• Carol Miller served on the steering committee and organized and moderated a panel session for the 1st Fire Behavior and Fuels Conference, "Fuels Management-How to Measure Success," held in Portland, Oregon, March 27-30 2006

Carol Miller's panel session was titled, "Wildland Fire Use: it's not just for wilderness anymore," and addressed the following:
"To meet the goals of fuels management, wildland fire and fuel managers will need to employ all available options and opportunities for reducing hazardous fuels, including prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and wildland fire use (WFU). Until recently, the strategy of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) was reserved for a relatively small number of wilderness areas and national parks to restore and maintain the natural process of fire. WFU is increasingly being recognized and used as a valuable fuels management strategy for lands outside wilderness. This trend presents significant opportunities and challenges for wildland fire managers."
Panelists discussed the disincentives and barriers that can limit WFU and explored how to facilitate its use. Topics addressed by the panel included cross-boundary collaborative planning, air quality regulations, policy and implementation procedures, organizational culture, and budget and funding structures.

This conference was the first in a series sponsored by the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF). The Rocky Mountain Research Station will publish the proceedings.
See www.iawfonline.org for more information.

• Katie Knotek and Alan Watson recently completed research on public outreach conducted during the planning and implementation of the South Fork of the Sun River Prescribed Burn in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana.

Their research on "Organizational characteristics that contribute to success in engaging the public to accomplish fuels management at the wilderness/nonwilderness interface" was presented at the 1st Fire Behavior and Fuels Conference, "Fuels Management - How to Measure Success," March 28-30, in Portland, Oregon. In addition, Katie was invited to present the research to Public Information Officers at the Northern Rockies Incident Management Teams Meeting, April 12, in Missoula, Montana, and to communications professionals from both state and federal agencies at the 2006 Northern Region Public Affairs Officer Conference, April 25, in Missoula. Katie is also helping to plan the upcoming workshop, "Managing the Unexpected in Fire Management Operations," May 22-25, Missoula, MT, which will highlight the concepts of mindfulness and high reliability organizing that were used as an analysis framework in their research.

• Carol Miller has been honored with the National Fire Plan Award for Excellence in Research.

The award was presented at the National Fire Plan (NFP) Conference in Albuquerque, NM. Carol’s nomination was based on her success in creating an interdisciplinary research program that proactively addresses high priority fire and fuels management needs - exactly fitting NFP core principles of collaboration, setting priorities, and promoting accountability. She and her staff conceived and built two decision support tools: BurnPro, which allows managers to analyze where fire is most likely to occur; and the Fire Effects Planning Framework (FEPF), which allows managers to anticipate the potential consequences of fire and continued fire suppression to ecological and socio-economic values. These tools significantly help managers document how decisions are made and then communicate with the public about different options and consequences.
For more information on BurnPro, please Click Here.
For more information on the Fire Effects Planning Framework, please Click Here.

• CHECK OUT OUR NEW Wilderness Visitor and Recreation Impact Searchable Database

We have developed a searchable database with the data listed in the following report's tables: Cole, D.N.; Wright, V. 2003. Wilderness visitors and recreation impacts: baseline data available for twentieth century conditions. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-117. Ogden, UT: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 52 p.

• CHECK OUT OUR SEARCHABLE PROJECT DATABASE

The Project Database, where you can search for current and completed projects that have been produced by Leopold Institute staff and cooperators, was designed to increase accessibility of project-related information for managers, other researchers, educators, and the public.

• The Linking Wilderness Research and Management Series of Annotated Reading Lists - Volume 5 (Draft, revised July 2006).

The Leopold Institute's Research Application Program has made available a draft of Volume 5: Backcountry Recreation Impacts to Wildlife

Tempel, Douglas; Neilson, Janet; Wright, Vita; Mildenstein, Tammy. In Prep. Linking wilderness research and management - volume 5. Backcountry recreation impacts to wildlife: an annotated reading list. (Wright, Vita, series ed.) Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-79-Vol 5. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.

To view or download Volumes 1-5, go to Project Details & Resources.

• SEE OUR NEW HOT TOPIC ON LOW-IMPACT PRACTICES

The Third Edition of Soft Paths, a book on low-impact practices and ethics, was printed in 2003. David Cole is a co-author of this book, which was sponsored by the National Outdoor Leadership School.