Did you know that the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FAC Net), Fire Learning Network (FLN), Indigenous Peoples Burning Network (IPBN), Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX), and Women-in-Fire Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (WTREX) are all connected?
We’re part of a larger partnership, known as the Fire Networks, working to provide resources and relationships that enable fire practitioners to improve fire outcomes in the near term, and for generations to come. The FLN was the first of the Fire Networks and was established in 2002. Each of the other three networks began within the FLN and grew to the thriving, independent, and still interconnected entities they are today. TREX began in 2008, FAC Net in 2013, IPBN in 2015, and WTREX in 2016.
The Fire Networks partnership has been around for a long time, but earlier this year we articulated the connections more clearly by merging to create the Fire Networks Blog. This month, we’re excited to introduce the new Fire Networks website, firenetworks.org, to provide a shared online home for the FLN, FAC Net, IPBN, TREX, and WTREX—and a place where you can find information, resources, announcements and contacts for all.
So, what does this mean exactly? Read on for some FAQs about the Fire Networks and what you can get from this new website as a resource.
Why is this happening now?
The work of all Fire Networks partners is rooted deeply in relationships and shared learning, and we hope having a single website has the potential to help expand both for Fire Networks partners more efficiently and effectively than a set of separate sites. Fire Networks staff have the good fortune of working across networks and programs and learning from all. We want others to share in that benefit. Having a consolidated site also will also make it easier for Fire Networks staff to maintain up-to-date resources!
What should I use this site for?
To learn more about each individual network and the partnership as a whole. To stay up-to-date on the latest TREX events and application deadlines (and any other events from other networks). To access resources, information, and materials related to fire adaptation. To get in touch with Network facilitators. And more…see for yourself!
What organizations are involved?
The Fire Networks are administered by three organizations, with members representing many, many more. The FLN, IPBN, and TREX are administered by Nature Conservancy staff. FAC Net is under the umbrella of the Watershed Research and Training Center. WTREX is led by Lenya Quinn-Davidson with University of California Cooperative Extension. But no matter the administering organization, Network staff consider ourselves one team working first and foremost to serve the Fire Networks.
Is FAC Net going away? Is FLN going away?
Absolutely not! This website is an important tool for us to communicate about our partnership. But it is just a way for us to tell you how we are already working. Our Fire Networks will remain independent but interconnected as they consistently have been. FLN, FAC Net, IPBN, TREX, and WTREX have strong individual identities and focal areas that aren’t changing. The networks have their own social media channels, and FAC Net’s website will continue to go strong.
Please let us know what you think! If you have specific feedback or suggestions, please send it to FLN Manager Laurel Kays (laurel.kays@tnc.org).
Thank you for the work you do. Thank you for being a partner. And thank you for visiting firenetworks.org!
****
