In light of the recent Black Lives Matter protests and the national conversation surrounding racial justice, the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) and the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) issued a joint statement against racism in wildland fire. IAWF and AFE both have diversity and inclusion policies outlined on their websites, and those wishing to give feedback on the public statement can do so through this Google Form.

Mountain Journal also republished an essay by the USDA Forest Service's first African-American woman forester, which reflects on sexual assault, justice, and racism within the agency.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the following information and resources related to COVID-19 may be useful to the Southern prescribed fire community.

As many meetings, conferences, and events move to virtual platforms, the following resources may be helpful to those planning or participating in these events.

The National Woodland Owners Association has released its top five concerns and priorities for 2020. Wildfire management and supportive funding is listed as the second priority item. NWOA's objectives include raising awareness about wildfire-related issues within the WUI, increasing training, and partnering with state agencies to help woodland owners address wildfire risk.

The National Association of State Foresters Wildfire Mitigation Awards are accepting nominations for the 2021 Awards. Those interested in submitting a nomination should review the criteria and submit the online form by November 13, 2020. The 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Awards will be presented at the Wildland Urban-Interface 2021 Conference.

Two videos were recently released highlighting the use of prescribed fire in Louisiana. The first, produced by LSU AgCenter, covers a recent Prescribed Burn Workshop at the Louisiana Ecological Forestry Center near Florien, LA. The second, created by RFDTV, discusses the science behind the use of prescribed fire in Louisiana.

There are two award opportunities currently open for the fire community in North Carolina:

The Longleaf Partnership Council has released a new communications fact sheet: Blowing in the Wind: Advantages of Longleaf Pine in Wind Storms. This informational product demonstrates the benefits of longleaf pine during windstorms such as hurricanes and tornadoes. This windstorm fact sheet is the second in a series, the first of which covered Longleaf Resiliency: Insects and Pests.

Texas Coordinating Wildlife Biologist - Prescribed Fire - Quail Forever, in partnership with the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV), and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is are filling a position to coordinate, promote, and support the safe and effective use of prescribed burning on private and public lands. Applications are due by July 9.

Prescribed Fire Crew Technician - North Carolina State Parks is accepting applications for a prescribed fire crew member to be based out of Seven Springs, NC. Applications will be accepted through July 11.

Assistant Professor of Forest Health and Fire Protection - Alabama A&M University is hiring for a nine-month academic appointment with additional three-month summer employment available and expected. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

Veterans Fire Corps - The Student Conservation Association is accepting applications from post-9/11-era US military veterans for its Fire Corps internships. Additional information and the application portal can be found on the program website.

Fire Ecology Internships - The Fire Ecology Program at Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy in Tallahassee, FL seeks to provide field and laboratory experience for college students and recent graduates in the areas of plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, and fire ecology and science. Most internships last 12-16 weeks and are largely fieldwork based. Summer interns work from May-August and Fall interns work from October-December.  Get full details and application instructions here.