Michigan Prescribed Fire Council – Meeting Minutes
Date: June 11, 2025
Location: Indian Springs Metropark
Chair: Ben Savoie
Attendees:
Ben Savoie, Michele Richards, Steve Woods, Jeff Corser, Glenn Palgren, Katie Carlisle, Todd Aschenbach, Jack McGowan-Stinski, Kyle Martin, Dave Borneman, Dave Brown, GraceAnna Cooper, Andy Henriksen, Greg Corace (Alpena-Montmorency CD), Lindsey Sculpholm, Madeline Laura Moore, Jana Nutter, Mary Ellen Miller, Daniel Engel (Chikaming Land Trust), Bruce Miller
Meeting Proceedings:
1. Bylaws Review
Article V of the bylaws was reviewed.
Final edits were made and will be posted to the MPFC website.
Motion: Michele moved to approve the changes. Ben seconded.
Result: Motion passed unanimously (0 nays, 0 abstentions).
2. Burning Issues (BI)
Scheduled for February 10–11, 2025, at FCTC.
Seeking speakers, topic suggestions, and logistical support requested.
Jarod taking lead on organizing with significant help from Ben and committee.
3. Education & Outreach Subcommittee
GraceAnna proposed a “Torchy Tom” turkey mascot for outreach ($400 est. cost). Open to alternative names/species
PLT Train-the-Trainer scheduled for July 11, led by GraceAnna.
Planning for “Learn & Burn” outreach in Detroit, targeting neighborhood engagement.
Members encouraged to review Sheri’s fire-related articles and assist in amplifying her work.
4. Training & Qualifications Subcommittee
Planning a refresher and S-130 field day in September before Collaborative Burn Week.
Work capacity test liability paperwork is still being finalized.
CPBM course scheduled for late September; We will offer S-212 in cooperation with USFS in October.
MPFC to sponsor S-212, with MPFC registrants receiving priority.
S-130/190 in-person training planned for NW Lower Michigan (2026).
TREX training event targeted for fall 2026.
GraceAnna distributed the CPBM binder for shared information.
December S-130/190 at FCTC: primarily for ANG, but MPFC-affiliated registrants may join for a fee.
BIA’s local director has been promoted to regional level.
Efforts continue to secure BIA’s signature on the Training & Qualifications MOU.
5. Financial Updates
Motion: Ben moved to appoint GraceAnna as interim treasurer. Steve seconded.
Result: Approved unanimously (0 nays, 0 abstentions).
Internal annual financial review will serve as a basic “audit.”
Approved $500 to support the NEMW Prescribed Fire Management Workshop during an interim virtual meeting.
6. NEMW Prescribed Fire Management Workshop (July)
Cost: $50 or free.
Includes a field trip to Wilderness State Park focusing on cultural burning and red pine ecosystems.
Steve coordinating trip logistics.
Mark Sargent will lead the State of the State session.
7. Open Floor
SWAG Ideas:
Insulated travel mugs, bandanas, neck gaiters, notebooks, socks, bumper stickers, “Prescribed Firelighter” shirts/hats/stickers.
CPBM Letter of Support:
Letter sent to Mr. Stampfly with a 30-day timestamp for response.
Ben will attend the Natural Resources Commission meeting to advocate for CPBM program support.
8. Upcoming Meeting
Next Meeting: September 10, 2025, in the Upper Peninsula (location TBD).
Possible venues: Ottawa NF office or Bay Mills.
Steve, Greg, and Katie will help identify and confirm the location.
Adjournment