Beneficial Fire and Enhancing Wildfire Resilience

In this presentation, Kevin will draw from the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project’s recent report on beneficial fire (https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/beneficial-fire/). The objective is to introduce the concept of beneficial fire and to explore how it can enhance wildfire resilience.   The presentation will include a conceptual model of beneficial fire and propose steps that planners and resource managers can take to understand the ecological and community dimensions of wildfire and to determine which types of fire are beneficial in their area.  It will conclude with opportunities to promote more beneficial fire.

Join us at The Old Church, or via Zoom.

Kevin Kriese is trained as a forester (BSF, UBC) and planner (MRM, SFU), and has a certificate in conflict resolution(JIBC). He worked for over 30 years for the provincial government, designing and delivering land use plans, developing government-to-government agreements with Indigenous Nations, and leading organizational change. Kevin was an Assistant Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Operations and Rural Development, and served as the Chair of BC’s Forest Practices Board from 2018 to 2022.

Kevin’s work has centred on resolving resource conflicts through collaboration and multi-disciplinary problem-solving. His current interests include the intersection of forest management, climate change, water, and fire.

Kevin is currently a Land Use and Wildfire Analyst at the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project at the University of Victoria. Kevin is also the policy lead with the Bulkley Morice Wildfire Resilience Project.