11 June 2025 Quarterly MPFC Meeting

Michigan Prescribed Fire Council – Meeting Minutes

Date: June 11, 2025

Location: Indian Springs Metropark

Chair: Ben Savoie

Attendees:

Ben Savoie, Michele Richards, Steve Woods, Jeff Corser, Glenn Palgren, Katie Carlisle, Todd Aschenbach, Jack McGowan-Stinski, Kyle Martin, Dave Borneman, Dave Brown, GraceAnna Cooper, Andy Henriksen, Greg Corace (Alpena-Montmorency CD), Lindsey Sculpholm, Madeline Laura Moore, Jana Nutter, Mary Ellen Miller, Daniel Engel (Chikaming Land Trust), Bruce Miller

Meeting Proceedings:

1. Bylaws Review

  • Article V of the bylaws was reviewed.

  • Final edits were made and will be posted to the MPFC website.

  • Motion: Michele moved to approve the changes. Ben seconded.

    • Result: Motion passed unanimously (0 nays, 0 abstentions).

2. Burning Issues (BI)

  • Scheduled for February 10–11, 2025, at FCTC.

  • Seeking speakers, topic suggestions, and logistical support requested.

  • Jarod taking lead on organizing with significant help from Ben and committee.

3. Education & Outreach Subcommittee

  • GraceAnna proposed a “Torchy Tom” turkey mascot for outreach ($400 est. cost). Open to alternative names/species

  • PLT Train-the-Trainer scheduled for July 11, led by GraceAnna.

  • Planning for “Learn & Burn” outreach in Detroit, targeting neighborhood engagement.

  • Members encouraged to review Sheri’s fire-related articles and assist in amplifying her work.

4. Training & Qualifications Subcommittee

  • Planning a refresher and S-130 field day in September before Collaborative Burn Week.

    • Work capacity test liability paperwork is still being finalized.

  • CPBM course scheduled for late September; We will offer S-212 in cooperation with USFS in October.

    • MPFC to sponsor S-212, with MPFC registrants receiving priority.

  • S-130/190 in-person training planned for NW Lower Michigan (2026).

  • TREX training event targeted for fall 2026.

  • GraceAnna distributed the CPBM binder for shared information.

  • December S-130/190 at FCTC: primarily for ANG, but MPFC-affiliated registrants may join for a fee.

  • BIA’s local director has been promoted to regional level.

    • Efforts continue to secure BIA’s signature on the Training & Qualifications MOU.

5. Financial Updates

  • Motion: Ben moved to appoint GraceAnna as interim treasurer. Steve seconded.

    • Result: Approved unanimously (0 nays, 0 abstentions).

  • Internal annual financial review will serve as a basic “audit.”

  • Approved $500 to support the NEMW Prescribed Fire Management Workshop during an interim virtual meeting.

6. NEMW Prescribed Fire Management Workshop (July)

  • Cost: $50 or free.

  • Includes a field trip to Wilderness State Park focusing on cultural burning and red pine ecosystems.

  • Steve coordinating trip logistics.

  • Mark Sargent will lead the State of the State session.

7. Open Floor

  • SWAG Ideas:

    • Insulated travel mugs, bandanas, neck gaiters, notebooks, socks, bumper stickers, “Prescribed Firelighter” shirts/hats/stickers.

  • CPBM Letter of Support:

    • Letter sent to Mr. Stampfly with a 30-day timestamp for response.

    • Ben will attend the Natural Resources Commission meeting to advocate for CPBM program support.

8. Upcoming Meeting

  • Next Meeting: September 10, 2025, in the Upper Peninsula (location TBD).

    • Possible venues: Ottawa NF office or Bay Mills.

    • Steve, Greg, and Katie will help identify and confirm the location.

Adjournment

SUBMIT EVENT OR TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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The FIRST NE-MW Regional Prescribed Fire Science and Management Workshop will be held in Madison, Wisconsin at The Madison Concourse hotel on August 29 – 31, 2023. Sponsored by the Northeast Regional Strategy Committee (NE RSC), a regional org
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Large burn sites in forested areas are ideal for morel mushroom hunting, especially in burned areas where jack, white or red pine once grew. Grassy and other non forest areas are not as likely to produce morels. The MI DNR have put together a map of