Forest Fire Management in Penns Woods

With wildfire activity increasing across the region, it's a timely moment to look at how land managers work to prevent these fires before they start. Join us to learn about one of the most effective tools in wildfire prevention: prescribed fire

It might sound counterintuitive to fight fire with fire, but prescribed burning (also known as controlled burning), reduces the buildup of vegetative fuels on the forest floor, lowering the risk and severity of future wildfires. Beyond fire prevention, this practice helps young trees grow, restores native plant communities, and controls invasive species.

Led by foresters Jodi Skipper and Stephen Hoy of the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, this event will cover:

• Why prescribed burning is used as a forest management practice

• How foresters decide when a burn is appropriate

• Desired outcomes of a prescribed burn

• Smoke management considerations

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Conditions permitting, trained foresters will set up a demonstration area so attendees can see different burning techniques up close and learn how terrain influences fire behavior.

What to bring: Wear outdoor clothing and closed-toe footwear, and pack bug and sun protection. Be ready to walk off-trail for demonstrations if conditions allow. There's no pavilion or seating area at this site, so bring a camp chair if you'd like a place to sit.

About the Presenters:

Jodi Skipper:

Jodi Skipper is the Assistant District Forester for the Rothrock State Forest for the last 10 years but worked for DCNR in Buchanan State Forest as a management forester since 2000. In 2000 she found this passion for working on wildfire and prescribed fires in PA and out of state assignments and has continued ever since. 

Stephen Hoy: 

Steve Hoy has been the Fire Forester for Rothrock State Forest since 2024. Prior to working for Pennsylvania DCNR he spent eight seasons working for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service as a wildland firefighter. 

Reschedule Policy

Because of the frequency and nature of our wellness sessions, adventure hikes, and guided outings, we are unable to reschedule these events. For special-topic programs, we will make every effort to reschedule when possible. If a special-topic event is postponed, participants will be notified with updated details as soon as they are available.

All programs are held rain or shine. In the event of a cancellation for severe weather, registrants will be contacted by email and/or phone, and it will be announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.