The Southeast Fire Ecology Partnership promotes training, education, research and collaborative projects in the area of fire ecology, especially in the Southeastern states

Current membership includes: the National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

SEFEP Charter

Vision

The Southeast Fire Ecology Partnership supports science-based ideas, practices, and innovations in land management issues related to fire. This information is widely communicated and accessible; it is extensively integrated into fire and land management decisions and actions, resulting in diverse, functioning landscapes. The partnership serves as a focal point for fire ecology information transfer, especially with regards to management issues on public lands and lands managed primarily for ecosystem health. Our efficient, creative, and cooperative efforts lead to a workforce and society that understands and supports the role of fire as a fundamental cultural, social, and ecological force.

Mission

To serve as a reference point for fire ecology issues and to support collaborative research, training, and education efforts within the field of fire ecology, especially in the southeastern United States.

Objectives

1. Serve as a centralized reference point known to academic, research, federal, state, and private communities regarding fire ecology issues.
   Strategies:
   1. Advertise partnership existence and name via email, traveling poster display, and TTRS web page.
   2. Maintain a partnership mailing list
   3. Meet bi-monthly to address issues
   4. Rotate Chairperson annually
2. Serve as a clearinghouse for identification and prioritization of cooperative fire ecology related research and educational needs.
   Strategies:
   1. Establish contact and correspondence protocols with TTRS, JFSP, Missoula Fire Lab, USDA Research Stations, USGS Research Stations, Prescribed Fire Training Centers, Academic Institutions, State Fire Councils etc.
   2. Write joint research proposals and provide reviews of research proposals, training courses etc.
   3. Sponsor/Host Fire Ecology related training
   4. Support maintenance and development of the E.V. Komarek fire ecology database.
   5. Serve as a source for speakers/presenters regarding fire ecology and the partnership at meetings and conferences.
3. Capitalize on co-location at Tall Timbers Research Station by sharing resources.
   Strategies:
   1. Establish a mechanism to streamline transfer of funds between partners.
   2. Share equipment, technical support, infrastructure requirements etc.
   3. Participate in fire management program/project evaluations with requesting agencies.
   4. Conduct bi-monthly meetings coordinated by a rotating chairperson who will provide agendas, notes, and conduct necessary meeting correspondence.
   5. Review charter and rotate chairperson annually on January 1.

Download Charter (72kb PDF)