Historical Fire Regimes of the Northeast and Modern Fire Management Implications

This panel discussion will explore the growing body of research on historical fire regimes across the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Panelists will discuss a range of fire-history evidence, including sedimentary charcoal, fossil pollen, fire scars, and tree-ring records. Recent and historic high-profile fires, e.g., the 2023 eastern Canada fires and Maine’s 1947 “Year Maine Burned”, will be examined in the context of the region’s historical fire regimes. The discussion will highlight key research findings and lessons from fire and land management experiences, while exploring what these insights mean for managing fire in a rapidly changing environment.