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We are starting a monthly "Science on Tap" series at the Madison Tap Room.The format will be an hour long talk, with short presentation by the guest speaker with a moderator on our little stage, then a question and answer discussion format for the remainder of the hour.
This event if free of charge, so come thirsty for beer and a little science education.
Title: Seeing the forest for the trees: fire as an ecological process in the Lake states
Abstract:
The idiom of ‘not seeing the forest for the trees’ is to not understand or appreciate a larger situation because one is considering only particular parts. Collectively we (e.g., researchers, managers, the public) appreciate trees for the myriad of benefits and enjoyment they provide. However, we have relatively little understanding the role of fire in the ecology of our forest in the Lake States region. This is in part due to unique circumstances, namely the leveling of our forests and subsequent large destructive wildfires, at the time of European “settlement”. As we consider large-scale (global!) tree planting efforts which are being adopted as a tool to combat the impacts of climate change, an understanding of fire ecology is more critical than ever. Fire will likely determine the success or failure of these efforts. This talk will revisit the role of tree planting, starting with the first American Arbor Day (1872), as well as the role of fire as a natural process in creating and maintaining resilient landscapes.
Biography:
Jed Meunier is an ecologist and research scientist within the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. His research interests range from individual species attributes to landscape ecology with a unifying theme of understanding how forces of climate and disturbance drive ecological change and how we can in turn manage for resilient systems. His dissertation research was on fire ecology in northern Mexico investigating spatial and temporal aspects of fire in relation to climate and land-use over several centuries. Jed received his M.S. in the wildlife ecology department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying the effects of hunting on declining American woodcock populations. Jed considers himself lucky to spend his time asking questions and through applied research to assist in the management of Wisconsin’s many treasures.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2927 East Washinton Avenue, Madison, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53704