Lunch + Learn: Wildfire Mitigation in Southern Appalachia

with Troy Harrison

Sunday, March 23  |  12pm – 1pm

BRN + BREG – Elective

The Southern Appalachian ecosystem is home to a diverse landscape filled with a unique combination of wildlife and vegetation.  It is hardly surprising that Western North Carolina is a popular destination for those seeking a pace to settle down or build a second home.  However, living in close proximity to nature can carry a risk of damage or loss from wildfire.  This program will explore a brief history of wildfire suppression in our area, along with specific measures anyone can take to reduce risk of property damage.

Troy Harrison has over 30 years experience in environmental regulations, forest inventory and fire control.  Before retirement in 2022, He worked in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, US Forest Service, and NC Forest Service.  He was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine in 2022 for excellence in service to the state of North Carolina, He is the Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator for Mountain Valleys Resource,Conservation & Development District.   Troy graduated from Warren Wilson College in 1988 with a BA in Environmental Studies and Business/Economics.  Troy is also recognized as a traditional musician by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

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