Continuing Education in Fuels Management (CEFM) addresses the need for fire and fuels management programs which incorporate realistically projected changes in vegetation, fuels and fire behavior over time. This course prepares managers to analyze and plan such vegetation and fuels management projects and by the completion of the course participants will be able to develop more effective fuels projects. CEFM is based on a hands on approach to learning and participants will apply a series of tools to inventory fuels and vegetation, predict fire behavior, and predict change in vegetation structure. Participants will inventory a project area and apply concepts and tools to conduct an analysis of current condition and fire risk, and to propose and evaluate alternative fuels treatments. A critical component of the evaluation of alternatives will be an assessment of future conditions including longevity of treatment effects and maintenance activities

By the end of the course the participants will be able to conduct a fuels and vegetation analysis that will support sound management decisions. Participants will:

The course is based on a hands on approach to learning. Academic credit will be offered through Utah State University as NR 6560 – Fire & fuel management, for 3 semester hours. This course has been approved for credit for GS-401 Fire Management requirements and meets requirements for Category I silviculture recertification.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  Resource management personnel, including Silvicultural, Fire, Fuels, Range and Forest Management. Specialists with responsibilities in planning and implementing vegetation management projects with fuels reduction objectives. It is not a requirement; however, fire/fuels and vegetation specialists from the same home unit are particularly encouraged to attend CEFM together.

PREREQUISITES:  Participants should have experience in fire, fuels and/or vegetation management.

COURSE TIMES:  The course will begin at 0830 on Monday, May 19th. A class exercise is an integral part of the training and completion will require group participation in evening sessions and a field day. There will be class on Saturday, May 24th. We will finish at noon on Friday, May 30.

COST:  $1850 plus room and board. There is no additional cost for those receiving university credits.