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August 7
Fire in the Adirondacks: It has Happened Before - Can it Happen Again?
Venue:
The Wild Center
Location:
45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake
Date:
August 7
Hours:
11:00am - 6:00pm

Fire in the Adirondacks: It has Happened Before - Can it Happen Again?

Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 1 to 6 pm at The Wild Center

This event is in partnership with Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Paul Smith's College and The Wild Center.

Join us for Fire in the Adirondacks: It has Happened Before - Can it Happen Again?—a one-day conference bringing together community members, scientists, Indigenous voices, and policy leaders to explore wildfire risk and preparedness in the Adirondacks.

As wildfire threats increase across the Northeast, this conference aims to deepen our collective understanding of fire as a natural ecological force—and the growing need for proactive strategies to protect Adirondack landscapes and communities. Through panels, presentations, and conversations, we’ll explore what’s at stake, what’s possible, and what we can do—together.
 
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Local residents, community leaders, conservation organizations, educators, outdoor recreationists, researchers, students, 
and anyone invested in the future of the Adirondacks.
REGISTRATION
$45 General Admission
$40 Wild Center Members
register here
Registration the day of the conference will open at 11 am. Advanced registration is encouraged!

Fire in the Adirondacks: It has Happened Before - Can it Happen Again? Conference Schedule:

PRE-CONFERENCE: guests are encouraged to arrive when the Center opens at 10 am to explore trails, exhibits and programs. Conference registration includes general admission.

11 am: Registration Opens

  • Registered attendees check-in and receive their name badge
  • New attendees are invited to register if tickets remain

1 pm: Event begins in Flammer Theater with a welcome from The Wild Center

1:10 pm Recent Context: Panel of Partners Perspectives with The Wild Center, Paul Smith’s College, Adirondack Explorer, and ADK Chapter of the Nature Conservancy

1:30 pm Indigenous Perspectives: Jade Haumann- indigenous fire science historic & future management

2:15 pm History: Phil Terrie - Adirondack Ecology & Historic Fires

3 pm Panel: Can It Happen? Then What? with Justin Waskiewicz- Paul Smith's College, Angello Johnson- St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, Tom Curiale- Lyme Timber Company, Liz Schuyler- Adirondack Park Agency

3:50 pm Panel: Is Forever Wild Helping or Adding Fuel? - Current Park Policy Discussion with Mark Lesser- SUNY Plattsburgh, Rob Praczkajlo- NYS Forest Ranger and Claudia Braymer- Protect the Adirondacks

4:20 pm: Keynote with Jed Meunier: Dendrochronology, Forest Ecology and Management, Disturbance ecology

4:55 pm: Closing Remarks

POST-CONFERENCE: Meet the Presenters' Reception at 5:15 pm

  • Meet and network with attendees and conference presenters
  • Enjoy local beer, New York State wines and snacks
  • Take a photo with Smokey the Bear!

Learn more about the speakers and register at wildcenter.org/fire

Phone Numbers
  1. (518) 359-7800
Dates