Background:

The Minnesota DNR Firewise Program addresses the risk of homes in the wildland/urban interface to wildland fire. As more homes are built in the woods and fields of Minnesota , the existing firefighting resources are less able to protect everyone's property while trying to control a wildfire. Homes close to evergreens and tall grasses of prairies or marshes are most at risk. Making your home able to survive an approaching wildfire is the goal of the Firewise program.

The “Firewise Community Assessment with JavaMaps” project provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to assess the wildfire risk of their community and to educate their community on steps that can be taken to reduce that risk.

The Summer 2009 Firewise Teacher Training includes content instruction, technology training in GIS and GPS and field trips to the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center and Forest History Center . Teachers will be prepared to lead students in conducting their own Firewise Community Assessment project.

Registration will remain open until July 30, 2009. For additional information, contact Sara Damon at damons@stillwater.k12.mn.us