Igniting Change: Fire Management & Forest Sustainability in the Western USA
May 5th, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am PT
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Nature Nerd Chat in collaboration with the Nature, Art & Habitat Residency (NAHR) present a Salon series on the topic of FIRE: Renewal, Rituals, Power -- co-hosted by Anne LaForti and Sarah Valeri. We'll host special guest Jerry Bird on May 5th, at 10:00-11:30am PST (7:00-8:30pm CET).
Jerry Bird, with over 25 years of experience in natural resources management across the western US, will discuss the USDA Forest Service’s mission and the challenges facing forests today. He’ll delve into the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and California’s specific issues, highlighting the importance of managing fire, water, and wildlife habitat.
This virtual event is free. Donations are very appreciated to help cover the costs of hosting the event.
Jerry Bird, MS (he/him) has worked in natural resources issues in the western United States for over 25 years. With the USDA Forest Service, he worked in six of nine regions on more than 50 national forests and grasslands. Jerry started his career as a geographic information system specialist in ND, worked as a hydrologist in ID, and later led inter-regional teams managing hydropower relicensing and Colorado Ditch Bill easements in four western regions spanning 12 states. As Klamath Basin Coordinator, he supported forests in OR and CA working on dam removal and restoration projects.
Jerry currently serves as regional forester’s representative, an external-facing government affairs position based in Sacramento where he facilitated numerous working groups, including biomass/bioenergy, state-federal air and land managers, smoke communications, prescribed fire training centers, and water. Significant past details include stints acting as regional chief of staff, forest supervisor on the Plumas National Forest, and regional director of public affairs and communications.
Jerry holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of OR, and a master’s degree in earth and planetary science from the University of NM. Prior to college, Jerry supervised and managed retail grocery stores in CA and OR.