Bozeman Magazine

Large wildfires and the negative impacts are increasing as the climate warms. To learn how we can better protect our community from the worst impacts, join us to watch the critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE, and join a discussion with local experts Dave McWethy (MSU), Jessica Haas (USFS), and Jessica Braun (Firebreak Management) to discover what steps we can take to be more prepared. About Dr. David McWethy Dr. David McWethy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University. He received his Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Studies from Montana State University in 2007 (A. Hansen, advisor), an M.S. in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1998 (Advisor D. Waller), and a B.A. in Political Science and African Studies from St. Lawrence University in 1992. McWethy's research focuses on how past and present human and natural disturbances shape vegetation and influence the structure and function of ecosystems, and it is inherently interdisciplinary, spanning the disciplines of geography, biogeography and paleoecology. Specifically, his research examines the natural resiliency of different ecosystems to natural and anthropogenic fire and how climate change and land-use will alter fire and vegetation in the future. About Jessica Haas Jessica Haas has worked with the US Forest Service as a fire ecologist for 15 years. Her career focuses on applied research and delivery of wildfire risk assessments, natural hazard modeling and community planning for wildfires. Her work has been used nationally to support wildfire mitigation by major land managers such as the US Forest Service, the BLM, DoD, the Nature Conservancy, and various state forestry departments throughout the United States. She holds a Master of Science in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana, and she resides in Livingston, Montana. About Jessica Braun Jessica Braun is a former Forest Service Wildland Firefighter who has put her life on the line to protect others. With years of experience in the fire service, she has dedicated herself to keeping people and their property safe from wildfires. Jessica has worked as an EMT on multiple ambulances and Ski Patrolled with Big Sky Resort. Currently, she operates Firebreak Management, a company that aims to save wildland firefighters, homeowners, and their properties.