Reasons to Attend

• The Backyards and Beyond Conference offers a great opportunity to learn from those who work and live in the wildland/urban interface-
• Network with like-minded professionals-
• Share best practices used in the Wildland/Urban Interface –
• Leave with the knowledge to influence others who work and live in the WUI-
• Over 70 Educational Sessions from seven tracks to choose from –
• Special Thursday Opening General Session
• Special Friday General Assembly Presentation
• Spend time with Firewise Sponsors and Partners
• Earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Pre-Conference Workshops

November 4-5, 2008
Register Early! Space is limited.

The Backyards and Beyond Conference is offering three 2-day pre-conference workshops. Workshops are priced separately from the conference and does not require conference registration.

Each workshop attendee will receive class materials, certificate of attendance with 1.6 ceus, continental breakfast, lunch, and breaks. To register click on Registration.

Effectively Communicating the Firewise Message is a 2-part workshop.
Part I ~ The Writing Workshop ~ Learn how to write what you mean
John Sturtevant, America’s Expert on Clear Writing, The Writing Workshop

Information is plentiful in every business. But how you communicate that information is critical. The Writing Workshop is an intensive full-day training session that’s ideal for people at all levels in business – anyone who needs to develop a clear, confident writing style. During the workshop, you will collaborate on problem solving, write and revise assignments, and learn from others through peer critiques.

You’ll also learn the principles of analysis and argument. Most often in business, people write to convince others to do something - give permission, take action, or make a decision. Workshop participants will learn simple, practical ways to think analytically and form a logical, persuasive argument. The workshop includes lecture, exercises, 1-on-1 coaching, in-class assignments, critiques, and a 74 page workbook with notes, reference, examples, and assignments.

Part II ~ Communication Planning and Implementation
Amy Bollinger, Senior Vice President, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.
Ken Fields, Senior Vice President and Partner, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.

Following The Writing Workshop, this session will help participants communicate Firewise messages directly to a variety of target audiences through presentations, news media relations, and face-to-face discussions. Instructors will guide you through the process of planning outreach to those who need to understand and act on the Firewise message. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of effective communication techniques, audience identification, local and national news media, and responding to challenging questions. The result of this session will equip you to educate, engage, and enlist others to help tell the Firewise story.

Assessing Wildfire Hazards in the Home Ignition Zone
Jack Cohen, Research Scientist, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Montana
Hank Blackwell, Consultant, Santa Fe County, NM Fire Department Deputy Chief (retired)

This 2-day workshop covers the myths of wildland/urban interface fire, the history and context of WUI fire disasters, fire behavior, research and case studies, risk factors in the home ignition zone, information needed to conduct an assessment, the general health of the ecosystem, inspecting the home ignition zone, accessibility in case of a wildfire emergency, documenting an assessment, and much more. This workshop includes Q & A, class discussion, and classroom exercises where participates will perform home ignition zone evaluations, practicing the information they have learned.

Mapping Wildfire Hazards and Assets in the Wildland/Urban
Interface Hands-On Computer Training
Mike Price, Consultant, Entrada/San Juan
Day 1: GIS in the Wildland/Urban Interface will review the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping in the interface and will show how it is used to interpret and manage WUI values, hazards, and risks. Actual interface data will be used to map structures, transportation systems, and hazards.

Participants will review basic tasks, including file management, thematic mapping and table functions, and create their own map of an ArcView WUI Community. This session is recommended for anyone with an interest in improving their skills in using ArcGIS for interface mapping. Day 2: WUI Modeling with ArcGIS Spatial Analyst teaches using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst extensions to create and analyze raster and vector data in the interface. A slope-fuel model, created from actual data, applying NFPA 1144 assessment criteria will be constructed. Model data will be combined with structure mapping and imagery will be used to map structures, analyze forest health, and to study other issues.

Participants will display and model 3D WUI terrain, structures, and fuels. Students will understand basics of terrain modeling with USGS DEM and custom LiDAR data. This session introduces advanced modeling methods teach new and innovative uses of GIS technology in the interface.