Fueling Collaboration Panel Discussion Series - Session 6.1
- nafsehelp
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Fueling Collaboration is a series of interactive panel discussions designed to connect fire managers and researchers. Each discussion is built on questions from registered attendees. We are working to bring people together to discuss, explore, and address the latest fire science and fire management issues across the eastern United States.
November 20, 2025 - Session 6.1 of the Fueling Collaboration Panel Discussion Series took place with a focus on grasslands. The session was entitled Flashy Fuels and Resilient Lands – Fueling Distinct Prescriptions for Eastern Grassland.
Fire, whether naturally ignited or culturally conveyed, did not spread across eastern North America frequently or evenly enough for fire-dependent grasslands to be as ubiquitous as the forested landscape. But in areas where it could, there were open grasslands and grassy savannas and woodlands composed of a rich diversity of unique species assemblages. This discussion will feature researchers and practitioners involved in protecting and maximizing the size and occurrence of these herbaceous upland ecosystems reflective of contemporary pressures and challenges with a focus on restoring ancient remnants (old growth grasslands) and reconstructing grasslands (where grassland vegetation was destroyed). Specifically highlighted will be the value of intergenerational knowledge as well as the regional networks that have emerged from and support specific grassland management prescriptions reflective of unique flora and distinct drivers. Understanding local variation is necessary to success – particularly in the context of fragmentation, seed sourcing, fire suppression, climate change, and other factors. Panelists will share their “mental maps” developed from navigating such complexities especially plant community composition, habitat needs of wildlife species, and components of the fire regime to address when planning fuel load reductions and reintroduction of fire to help maximize the protection and persistence of these heralded ecosystems..
Simply click on the video above to view the session. If you wish to learn more about the Fueling Collaboration Panel Discussion Series such as upcoming sessions or view past season offerings please click the button below.
