Michigan Prescribed Fire Council Quarterly Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
Date: 11 June 2024
Location: Jay’s Sporting Goods and Virtual
Attendees:
Steve Woods, Jarod Reibel, Nia Becker, Glenn Palmgren, Grace Anna Cooper, Nate Koetje, Abby Mesick, Dave Borneman, Mark Sargent, Jeb Barzen (WIPFC Chair), Ben Savoie (VP), Brian Hintz, Jack McGowan-Stinski, Tina Stephens, Dave McKinney-Brown, Amy Frye, Laura Judge, Kevin Butler, Ryan Koziatek, Cody Selewski
First Michigan Training Exchange (TREX) hosted at Fort Custer Training Center May 2024
1. Policy Governance Discussion
Review of By-Laws:
One section of by-laws will be reviewed at each meeting.
Article I Amendments:
Dissolve the first section.
Retitle Section One to "Goals, Objectives, and Strategies."
Section One provides the mission statement.
Section Two discusses the review and updating process of goals, objectives, and strategies.
Emphasize ecological restoration in the second bullet point.
Additions: Section 3:
At the time a new strategic plan is adopted, these bylaws immediately reflect the changes to the plan after approval by a vote of the MPFC steering committee.
Motion to Adopt:
Glenn moved to adopt the amendments.
Amy seconded.
Vote: All in favor, none opposed, no abstentions.
Discussion of Article II:
Jarod read and shared it with the attendees.
Missing Elements:
A formal DEI statement is missing.
Tribal, local, state, and federal stakeholders are not mentioned.
Proposed Changes:
Change Section 1 to include stakeholders and rightsholders.
Jarod will draft new language and distribute for review.
2. Subcommittee Updates
Education and Outreach (Tina Stephens):
Progress on "Learn and Burns" events.
Establish guidelines and guardrails.
Working on distribution materials.
Funding requests for events.
Deer Association Proposal:
Grant runs through 2026; metrics can be met without additional funding.
Proposed sponsorship options and potential speakers.
Concerns regarding MPFC’s name associated with events, and ensuring safe fire practices are used.
Proposal:
Jarod proposed $1000 sponsorship with a vetting call for safety metrics and prescribed fire insurance.
Action: Set up a meeting to discuss parameters for "Learn and Burns."
Burning Issues:
Need more planning volunteers.
Amy Frye, Jack McGowan-Stinski, and Michele are committed.
Action: Jarod will send an email to the entire MPFC to solicit help.
Training and Qualifications Update (Steve Woods):
Discussion on TREX and other training events.
Collaboration with USFWS and USFS on training sessions.
T&Q MOA signed by 18 organizations; efforts to get additional signatories.
Consideration for involving MUCC in policy discussions.
Training Courses:
List of desired courses and those by Huron Pines.
Formation of Northern Michigan Prescribed Fire Association.
MOU crafted by Steve, training ongoing, and field days scheduled.
Plans for S212 and TREX in 2025.
Emphasis on NWCG standards and video documentation of classes.
Action Items:
Reinvigorate the course interest form on the website.
Update instructions for completing 130/190 and related courses.
3. New Business
WIPFC Updates:
Focus on developing training for both professionals and landowners.
Sharing of materials and templates for burn boss credentialing.
Emphasis on increasing representation and participation in TREX events.
Treasurer Report (Presented by Jarod):
Preorder for merchandise to be released at the 10 December meeting.
Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils:
Possible umbrella organization for MPFC.
Transition to independent 501(c)3 and potential fiduciary role.
Fire and Tribal Interactions:
Discussion to be handled carefully by Ryan, Steve, and Michele.
NOAA Briefing Distribution:
Action: Stephanie to post briefings on the website.
Darwin to teach fire weather forecasting.
Media Outreach:
Response to a request from a Cadillac reporter about RX fire impacts.
NEMW Workshop Registration (Albany NY, Aug 19 – 22):
Open with a smoke tools workshop and main meeting sessions.
Dovetail Partners Collaboration:
Nia Becker’s role as a community partnership navigator.
Assistance with Community Wildfire Defense Grants and trainings.
NASA and USFS Presentation (Kevin Butler):
Focus on remote sensing and fire detection.
Collaboration with Michigan Tech Research Institute.
4. Additional Updates
Training Clearinghouse:
Need for a centralized Michigan training platform.
Potential college credit opportunities for TREX.
U of M and Ford Forest as potential hosts for learn and burns.
Upcoming Meetings:
Sept 10th – Marquette (UP) & Virtual
Accommodations in Gaylord may be possible
Contact Steve Woods for details on lodging
Dec 10th – Cassopolis (SW) & Virtual
Meeting adjourned.
