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Instructor:

Camille Stevens-Rumann

Wildland Fire Program Instructor and Research Scientist

College of Natural Resources

Office: Phinney 306 University of Idaho

Phone: (208) 885-8340

Email: csrumann@uidaho.edu

Contacting me: I will try to respond to your emails within 24 hours, and this is the most efficient way to get in contact with me.

Learning outcomes

 Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Understand fire as an ecological and biophysical process.
2. Characterize fire over space and time, including the fire regimes and the factors affecting them.
3. Apply fire ecology knowledge to ecological restoration and fire management issues.

Course Overview 
This online class is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of fire ecology and implications for ecologically-based fire management in a variety of wildland ecosystems. You will learn about the ecological effects of fire on plants, animals, soil, water and air. Our discussions about fire management will address current issues, including fire management in the wildland/urban interface, climate change, and effects of fires on watersheds, streams and riparian areas. We'll also read current scientific literature to gain familiarity with fire ecology research. We will emphasize fire as an ecological process in wildland ecosystems, how to characterize and predict fire effects over time and space, and how to apply this to restoration ecology.

Grading

*Assignments turned in late will be marked off 10% of total points available for every day it is late, unless the student has previously arranged with the instructor to turn in the assignment late. A previous arrangement must be made more than 24 hours before the due date unless a medical emergency or unexpected work conflict has occurred. No other excuses will be accepted and due dates will be strictly enforced. Any medical emergencies must be accompanied by a doctors note on official letterhead. *

Grades will be based on the total number of points received in this class:

A = 900-1000

B = 800-890

C = 700-790

D = 600-690

F < 600

Exams

You will have three exams, which will focus on concepts and definitions (with examples), as well as on issues and applications in fire ecology and management. Exams will include short essay questions, which will require you to utilize class readings, current fire ecology tools and the internet. All exams will be take home and open book. However, I expect you to cite relevant source when applicable.

Comparison Papers

This is a 3-5 page paper comparing and contrasting two topics. I will provide you with 3 options for comparison for each of the two papers. You will be required to choose one and discuss how the topics differ. The first will be a comparison of historical fire regimes in various ecoregions across the world and the second will be a comparison of fire effects in different ecosystems. You will need to support your statements with relevant literature used in class, as well as relevant papers you research on the topic.

Briefing paper

You will have to write a short, well-structured 3-5 page briefing paper that quickly and effectively inform decision-makers about an ecologically-based fire management issue (page count does not include figures, tables and literature cited, and I encourage you to include figures and tables). Your briefing paper must include a introduction (clearly state the issue and why it is significant), background synthesis of relevant scientific literature (what is and isn't known, implications for the future), and conclusion (a summary of the important ideas from your paper and your recommendation based on the science). Write to communicate clearly with a senior-level decision maker who hasn't read the science. Your first version must be a complete, professional paper reflecting your best work (it is not a first draft), and you must incorporate my comments on your first version into your final version. Before you turn it into me, I strongly advise you to your paper with other students in the class, coworkers and anyone else so that you can incorporate their feedback and produce a strong paper. I expect these papers to be formatted as a scientific paper (following format of citations, tables and figures as required for the journal Fire Ecology).  I will base my grade of your paper on the rubric included below. 
HINTS: Think of your topic in terms of a specific question or problem.  For example "Do large-scale mountain pine beetle outbreaks affect alter the probability and effects of future fires?" Another example might be "Does the reintroduction of prescribed fire in ponderosa pine forests increase the risk of mortality in old growth trees?" Think of yourself as an analyst, advocate, or evaluator.  Doing this will improve your chances of finding something that isn’t overwhelming and is manageable, and that will lead to a better grade. Please ask me for help. I am more than happy to work with you on your papers. I have found that students who call or email me for help tend to do better than those who do not!

Grading Rubric for Briefing Papers First and Final Version

Weekly Reading Questions

You will need to answer questions on the readings throughout the semester. A full list of the semesters questions are available on blackboard and blackboard  is where you will need to submit your responses. Every week 2-3 questions pertaining to assigned readings should be answered using grammar and format similar to that required in papers for the class. The responses should be prompt but thorough. You will be graded on the accuracy to which you answered the questions (9 pts), use of relevant terminology (2 pts)  and grammar, spelling, etc. (4 pts).

Muddy Moments

This is to encourage you to ask questions. I have provided the space to post your questions so everyone can see and learn from your questions. However, if you are more comfortable emailing them directly to me, that is fine also. This will be graded on participation. You must submit 5 questions. Please contribute throughout the semester; it will be obvious you made up questions if you send 5 to me the last week of the semester!

Extra Credit

You can receive extra credit by answering the questions posed in the “Muddy Moments”. If you accurately and effectively answer a fellow students question you can earn up to 5 points extra credit per answered question. The maximum you can earn is 20 points by answering 4 questions.

Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism

Accommodations for disabilities

 Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify the instructor during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the course. Late notification may mean that requested accommodations might not be available. All accommodations must be approved through Disability Support Services located in the Idaho Commons Building, Rm. 333, 885-7200, dss@uidaho.edu.