Yosemite Gateway Prescribed Burn Cooperative (YGPBC) coordinator Laura Wisdom shared two upcoming workshops of local interest: Smoke Preparedness and Forest Stewardship.
YGPBC is a community-based organization serving Madera and Mariposa counties that helps residents, private landowners and fire professionals safely conduct prescribed burns to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forest health.
The agency is coordinating with San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District and Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council to offer a half day Smoke Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m.
The workshop is designed to help residents of Madera and Mariposa counties learn how to protect themselves from wildfire smoke during prolonged fire events, ask questions of the local air board and learn how to build a DIY air filter.
YGPBC will raffle off four air filters to participants. Registration is $10 and available at surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=49569
Wisdom said the Forest Stewardship Workshop is hosted by UCCE and is available online with weekly classes from Aug. 4 through Sept. 29 with an optional field day in Plumas County.
“The workshop will assist private landowners in developing a Forest Management Plan and will cover forest health, management objectives and planning, fuels reduction, wildlife and watersheds and more,” said Wisdom.
YGPBC member Ken Kinoshita attended the class last year.
“Our family has cared for a 50 acre property since 1976 and managing it over the years has often felt overwhelming — especially with the constant uncertainty about whether our efforts are benefiting or harming the environment,” said Kinoshita.
“Participating in the Forest Stewardship program was very helpful for us. The knowledge and practical tools shared during the sessions made me feel more confident and responsible about caring for our land.”
Kinoshita said one of the most significant benefits was the guidance the workshop provided in developing a comprehensive forest management plan. He said the advice alleviated “much of the stress he felt about making the right decisions for his land.”
The program’s value is enhanced by the follow-up visit from a registered professional forester, bringing all the training and planning together.
“Overall, I consider this program an incredible asset for anyone seeking to thoughtfully care for their forested land.”
Find more information and to register for the Forest Stewardship Workshop, visit ucanr.edu/site/forest-research-and-outreach/event/stewardshipworkshopsplumas
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