We want to keep learning and attending workshops!  Much is known about the science of chaparral and forest fire ecology, of design and construction of ignition-resistant buildings, and of managing local vegetation to sustain healthy natural environments.  Yet there are still controversies and concerns that can productively be deliberated among professionals and the public, in two-hour, half- or all-day workshops:

• Plant Selection and Maintenance:  What plant traits affect fire susceptibility?  How should shrubs and trees should be selected and planted?  What are the 3 most important maintenance actions that homeowners should take?  How can water use be minimized?
• Vegetation Management Reduction Practices:  What are the common initial conditions of vegetation before you treat it?  What are the 3 final conditions you expect when work is completed?  What weed abatement do you do, to maintain vegetation treatments?  What are the costs per acre for initial treatments and for maintenance?
• Working with Crews:  What contract language are you usually given? (provide written examples)  What instructions do you give to crews?  What does “good” defensible space look like?  A year after treatment? 
• Targeted Goat Grazing:  What are the plant preferences of goats?  What conditions are most suited for goat grazing?   Where are goats likely to create ecologically-unacceptable fuel reduction?  What do management plans include?  What are the costs, relative to other alternatives? 
• Working with Developers:  What are the 3 most important features of a development plan, to reduce wildfire property losses and sustain natural habitats?  What are the 3 most difficult aspects of the code to enforce?  What determines how defensible space is established?  Maintained?
• Existing Structures:  How can the fire-resistance of existing structures be increased?  What are 3 least-cost high-benefit investments that homeowners can make?  How can these costs be recovered?
• Effect of Large-scale Repeated Wildfires on San Diego’s Natural Environments:   What plants resprout and reseed successfully after various wildfire intervals?   What are the effects on animals?  What should be monitored?  How should defensible space be established and maintained?  What reserve design will maximize habitat values after large-scale wildfires?
• Effect of Global Climate Change on San Diego’s Wildfires:  What are recent precipitation trends?  What drought patterns can we expect in the future?  How will extreme weather affect Santa Ana winds and local wildfire events.  Read an overview of likely effects in San Diego in an April 2007 article by Anne Fege and Phil Pryde, http://www.sdearthtimes.com/et0407/et0407s2.html.
• Fire Ecology and Silviculture of San Diego’s Forests.   San Diego County has 240,000 acres of forests that have experienced wildfires, logging, fire suppression, drought, and many more events over the past century.  Yet there are limited studies on local species and ecosystems, and few discussions about future management options.  This workshop would address what we know about our forests, and what we can collectively and individually do to enhance the health of San Diego’s forests!