Prescribed Fire’s Role in Wildfire Risk Reduction
The Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership (ESP) is a Marin County–based coalition dedicated to reducing wildfire risk through ecologically sound practices that protect biodiversity, strengthen landscape resilience, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2020, ESP advises fire professionals, helps define best practices for wildfire prevention, and serves as a trusted community resource connecting agencies, scientists, and land-stewardship experts.
On January 13, ESP hosted a panel discussion facilitated by Marin Wildfire focused on the role of prescribed fire in wildfire risk reduction, ecological restoration, and vegetation management in Marin County. Panelists shared updates on active projects, outreach and community engagement strategies, monitoring and research efforts, and cross-agency collaboration. The discussion emphasized the need to expand prescribed fire capacity, improve public communication, and make project data and resources more accessible to the public.
Recording of ESP Discussion Panel on January 13, 2026
Introduction to the Panelists
The panelists brought expertise spanning planning, implementation, monitoring, and communication of prescribed fire projects in Marin County:
- Jacob Dudman: Marin Wildfire, Vegetation Management Specialist. Extensive experience leading fuel-reduction and wildfire-monitoring projects across Marin County.
- Preston Duncan: GIS and Monitoring Manager, Marin Resource Conservation District (RCD). Supports natural resource conservation work and assists private land managers with prescribed fire implementation.
- Lee Farese: Range Ecologist, Marin RCD. Specializes in rangeland ecology, ecological restoration, and the use of fire as a land-management tool.
- Carl Sander: Natural Resources Program Manager, Marin Water. Specializes in planning, compliance, and management of vegetation treatment and prescribed fire projects across district lands.
- Jordan Reeser: Battalion Chief, Marin County Fire Department. Leads countywide prescribed fire implementation and project development, with more than 30 years of experience across multiple agencies.
- Kate Anderson: Wildfire Program Manager, San Rafael Fire Department. Focuses on public outreach, community notifications, and project management for prescribed burns in urban-adjacent areas.
- Naftali Moed: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Lead, California State Parks (Bay Area). Specializes in fire effects, monitoring, and long-term land management using prescribed fire.
