Introduction to Fire Ecology 2024S PDF

1/6/2024 Introduction to Fire Ecology Outline Introduction to this course – People – About the course – Course Policies – PPE discussion Dr. Bruce A. Snyder [email protected] Office: ISC 123 Hours: MWF 10-11:45 OR email for appointment BS: Biology; Environmental Science MS: Environmental Science...

1/6/2024 Introduction to Fire Ecology Outline Introduction to this course – People – About the course – Course Policies – PPE discussion Dr. Bruce A. Snyder [email protected] Office: ISC 123 Hours: MWF 10-11:45 OR email for appointment BS: Biology; Environmental Science MS: Environmental Science & Policy PhD: Ecology - University of Georgia of Wisconsin} University Green Bay Research: Ecology, biology, and taxonomy of soil fauna (especially earthworms and millipedes) Invasion biology Teaching philosophy: engaged, relevant, job preparation 1 1/6/2024 May 6-31, 2024 (May term dates) BIOL/ ENSC 4951/5951: Ecosystems of Georgia (4 cr) Charge: $700 (plus tuition and fees) Application Deadline: March 1 Introductions Name, major, year What are your career goals? What do you want to get out of this course? Has anyone not taken ecology? Does anyone have any fire training or experience? About this course What this course is not – Wildland Fire Fighter (FFT2) training – About structural fires – For people who just want to light stuff up What this course is (general goals) – – – – How fire functions on the landscape Put fire into the context of other disturbances Learn about an important management tool Provide outlook on potential career paths Things you need to know about this course – Too much to cover in a semester! – Unpredictability and unplanned opportunities (syllabus is VERY tentative) 2 1/6/2024 About this course What this course is not – Wildland Fire Fighter (FFT2) training – About structural fires – For people who just want to light stuff up What this course is (general goals) – – – – How fire functions on the landscape Put fire into the context of other disturbances Learn about an important management tool Provide outlook on potential career paths Things you need to know about this course – Too much to cover in a semester! – Unpredictability and unplanned opportunities (syllabus is VERY tentative) About this course - fieldwork I am working to set up opportunities for real-world and hands-on application – Guest lectures – Observe prescribed fire – Use tools of the trade – Light test fires These will require travel – Carpool Flex between lab/lecture time Capstone and grad student may have extra work outside of class Course Policies Academic Honesty: All students are expected to abide by the Honor Code – No notes or electronic devices during exams – Work must be your own Classroom conduct: Show respect for fellow students, avoid disruption of learning environment 3 1/6/2024 Materials/Resources: Field Gear Field notebook Water bottle Personal protective equipment (PPE): – Full leather gloves that fit comfortably – Sunglasses or safety shields – Boots (hiking boots, leather boots, or equivalent - not rubber boots) – Long sleeve shirt made of natural materials (cotton or wool) – Long pants made of natural materials (e.g., jeans) Optional: – Insect repellant – Sunscreen Materials/Resources No textbook to purchase - lots of online readings Follow syllabus. I will provide updates Several books online, see links in GeorgiaView document GeorgiaView: pdfs of PowerPoints Your instructor... OFFICE HOURS Communication Usually in class Check your Georgia College email Don’t contact me through GeorgiaView messaging GroupMe? Reasonable expectations for email responses 4 1/6/2024 Grading/Assessment Grading – – – – 3 Exams (300 points) Lab practical exam (50 points) Assignments (100 points) Participation (50 points) Additional assignment(s) for capstone or grad sections Policy for missed exams – Exam makeup ONLY for unavoidable conflicts – Contact me – Leaving campus early for break does not count! Late work: penalties See complete policies in syllabus Course Policies Format: lecture + lab – Discussion, hands-on activities – Fieldwork Attendance is expected - part of participation grade Attendance, Coronavirus, etc. BUT... – Sick? Instructed to isolate or quarantine? Exposed? Waiting for test results? -> do not attend class, and email Dr. Snyder – Follow CDC protocols if exposed or infected GA DPH 5 Jan 2023 5 1/6/2024 Preventing COVID-19 Infections Vaccines Hand washing Masks when appropriate Deep learning - Bloom’s Taxonomy Knowledge Synthesis & Evaluation Comprehension Application Analysis Analysis Synthesis (Compare, Contrast) Application (Use info. in new situation) Comprehension (Understand, Describe, Explain) Knowledge (Remember) Success in this course Read before class Come to class, pay attention, take notes, ask questions. BE ENGAGED – Distractions (phone/texting/social media/shopping...) – Thoughts on note taking... Note taking, however you do it, is critical – Be on time Review/study after class Pay attention to the learning objectives 6 1/6/2024 Schedule This week and next week: hand tools, fire basics, fire weather Wednesday: meet in lab. – Plan to introduce tools – Read! – Lecture: fire basics Next week: – – – – Monday: No class Wednesday: apply what we’ve learned (use tools) Outside for lab (location TBD) Wear/bring PPE, etc. General Field Safety: flora and fauna Poison ivy Ticks Chiggers Mosquitos Stinging insects Venomous spiders Venomous snakes Megafauna Trip hazards, tree falls Stabby plants Skin-irritating plants General Field Safety: weather-related Sunburn Dehydration, heat exhaustion/heat stroke Severe weather (lightning, hail, tornadoes, flash flooding) 7 1/6/2024 Largest Health/Field Safety Concerns Specific to Fire Dehydration, heat exhaustion/heat stroke Smoke/volatilized irritants Burns - wear your PPE Trip hazards, tree falls Wasps? Snakes? 8