The 4th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference will be held May 17 to 19, 2011 at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Missouri. The Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference is a major symposium focused on fire in oak forests, woodlands and savannas where noted experts in research and management gather to present state-of-the-art information, perspectives and synthesis on key issues. The conference is held once every three to five years with the most-recent conferences held in Carbondale, Illinois (2008), Columbus, Ohio (2005), and Richmond, KY (2000). This symposium will emphasize topics relevant to management of oak-dominated forests, woodlands and savannas and will be a great interest to managers, scientists, landowners, consultants and students.

The theme of this conference will be “Managing Oak Woodlands & Savannas in the Forest-Prairie Region”. The conference will feature 16 invited presentations and additional offered posters by scientists and managers on a wide range of topics including:

• Restoring oak woodlands and savannas in the Cross Timbers Region, the Ozark Highlands, and Midwestern landscapes
• Natural and fire history of the Ozark Highland Region
• Human history, culture, and fire-use in the Ozark Highland Region
• The history and current use of fire in natural resource public agencies in the Midwest
• Patch grazing in woodlands and savannas to simulate the role of large ungulates
• Ecosystem services and climate change adaptation
• The role of fire in the southern Appalachian Region during the Holocene
• Fire effects on bats and reptiles
• Managing woodlands and savannas for songbirds
• Invasive species in woodland and savanna restoration
• Wildlife habitat restoration and maintenance

There will be a day of speakers, a field trip day, followed by a final day of speakers.  See the Program and Field Trip pages for more information.

Key sponsors and supporters of this conference include:

• USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station
• USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry
• Joint Fire Science Program
• USDA Forest Service Mark Twain National Forest
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources
• USDI National Park Service Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
• Missouri State University

Continuing Education Credits

“The Wildlife Society awards a maximum of 17 contact hours in Category I Organized Activities of its Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program for participation in the 4th Annual Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference.”

“The Society of American Foresters awards a maximum of 17 credits of Category I in the Continuing Forestry Education Program for participation in the 4th Annual Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference.”

Keep checking this website for 4th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference Updates!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.