Reframing the Ecology of Fire in Eastern United States 'Old Growth' Forest Ecosystems

PANEL DISCUSSION: Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST
 

Join us for this discussion exploring the complex relationship between fire and ‘old growth’ forests in the eastern United States. This event will bring together researchers and land managers to share diverse perspectives and experiences related to the fire ecology, history, and management practices of old/mature forests in the region.
 

Panelists will critically examine the role of fire—past, present, and future—in shaping eastern United States mature and old-growth forest ecosystems. Key questions may include (add your own!):
 

• Are current definitions and models of eastern ‘old growth’ forests outdated?

• Can ‘old-growth’ communities develop under frequent, low-severity fire regimes?

• What challenges and considerations arise when reintroducing prescribed fire to long fire-excluded forests with very old trees?
   

Participants are encouraged to submit their own questions prior to the session (during the registration process) to help guide this discussion on the evolving narrative of fire management in old and maturing forests in the East.

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This panel discussion has been approved for 1.5 Category 1 CFE's by the Society of American Foresters.