The Goddard Chair partnered with the Eastern Fire Network (EFNet) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to address the growing challenge of wildfire in the Commonwealth and across the Eastern United States.
Goddard Chair, EFNet, and DCNR Logos
The forum comprised a daylong meeting of EFNet member scientists and managers, a second day in the field at a site in the Michaux State Forest that burned in 2025, and a wildfire risk policy forum on the third day. Commonwealth and Federal managers and policymakers, researchers, civil society representatives, and partners from Florida, North Carolina, New York, and beyond identified policy needs and opportunities.
Forum Synthesis
Forum Participants
Forum Agenda
Day 1: Poster and Networking Reception
Monday, August 24th
- 4:30 – 6:00 PM – Welcome Poster Session and Networking Reception
Day 2: EFNet Workshop
Tuesday, August 25th
- 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Arrival, Coffee and Light Breakfast [Provided]
- 9:00 – 9:30 AM – Welcome and Introductions
- 9:30 – 10:00 AM – EFNet Overview and Workshop Goals
- 10:00 – 10:45 AM – Breakout topic #1: What is unique about eastern wildfires? [Group Notes]
- 10:45 – 11:00 AM – Break
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM – Report Out and Discussion
- 11:30 – 12:30 PM – EFNet Fellows Project Findings: Relationships between wildfire and prior burns in the Southeastern U.S.
- 12:30 – 1:30 PM – Working Lunch
- 1:30 – 2:30 PM – Breakout topic #2: What are the key research needs to better understand future wildfire risks and vulnerabilities in the eastern U.S.? [Group Notes]
- 2:30 – 3:00 PM – Report Out and Discussion
- 3:00 – 3:30 PM – Break
- 3:30 – 4:30 PM – Open Discussion: Operationalizing a research agenda: data gaps, indices, case studies, and potential partners
Day 3 – Wednesday, August 26th - Michaux State Forest Field Visit
- 7:15 AM – Depart State College for Michaux State Forest
- 10:00 AM - All attendees meet at The Pine Grove Iron Works Trailhead Parking Area, Pine Grove Furnace State Park
- 10:30 AM - Depart from Pine Grove Furnace State Park for the field site tour.
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM - Understanding the 2025 Thompson Hollow Wildfire [drive through with strategic stops, each vehicle with a State Forest staff member]
- 1:00 – 2:30 PM - Working Lunch at Pine Grove Furnace State Park; presentation of extension music about prescribed fire (Melissa Kreye, Assoc. Professor, Ecosystem Science and Management, Penn State)
- Debrief in groups to discuss:
- Pre-Fire Conditions and Forest Health
- Fire Operations and Incident Management
- Post-Fire Effects
- Debrief in groups to discuss:
- 2:30 – 3:00 PM – Drive through additional burn areas towards I-81 and depart for Camp Hill, PA.
- 4:00 – 6:00 PM – Networking Dinner
Day 4
Thursday, August 27th
Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center Harrisburg Trademark Collection by Wyndham (1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA 17011)
- 8:30 – 9:00 AM - Arrival and Coffee/Tea
- 9:00 – 9:15 AM - Introductions and Welcome - Christopher Scott (Goddard Chair, Penn State University)
- 9:15 – 10:45 AM - Policy and Research Spotlights
- Climate and wildfire in Pennsylvania - Meredith Seltzer (Director of Climate and Sustainability, DCNR)
- Forest health and wildfire - Seth Cassell (Director, Bureau of Forestry)
- Wildfire emergency response - Tom Hughes (Director, EM Mitigation, Insurance and Resilient Communities, PEMA)
- EFNet overview of goals and research findings to date - Erica Smithwick (PI and Professor, Penn State)
- Prepare PA climate initiative - Erica Smithwick (PI and Professor, Penn State)
- Forestry, fire, and extension - Carrie Laboski (Dept. Head, Ecosystem Science and Mgmt, Penn State)
- 10:45 – 11:00 AM - Break
- 11:00 – 12:00 PM - Wildfire Resilience Panel Discussion: Forest health, prescribed fire, and policy
- Thompson Hollow: Past, present, and future - Roy Brubaker (Forest District Manager, DCNR)
- Wildland fire - David Cavanaugh (Nature Conservancy)
- Prescribed fire as a tool - Jesse Kreye (Assoc. Professor, Ecosystem Science and Mgmt, Penn State)
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Working Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:30 PM – Breakout group discussions
- Breakout topic #1: What are the key challenges around wildfire coordination and communication (local and regional levels)? [Group Notes]
- Plenary topic #2: What are policy gaps or needs to better support wildfire planning?
- Notes: GF 8-27 Plenary Topic 2
- 2:30 – 3:00 PM – [Plenary] Deliverables, next steps, and Forum closing
- 3:00 PM – Adjourn
