Parks, Land & Water Volunteer Portal

Prescribed Burn Photographer

These volunteer photographer roles are for those with their own cameras who are interested in helping visually record the work being done at our parks. Volunteers must have the DCP Photographer qualification to sign up. These roles are always optional - come if you are interested and able! You must attend the briefing so that you are informed on safety and operations for the burn. You are welcome to leave whenever you would like but let staff know when you do. 

*** Spring burns are extremely weather dependent. That means that cancellations, changed start/end times, location switches, and other hiccups are highly likely to occur. These burns are for volunteers with adjustable schedules and a willingness to remain flexible as our staff determine burnable units ***

Location: 

Arrive at least 10 minutes before start time so we can all be on time. Burns require everyone to be prompt and ready to move together. Locations listed are meeting places.

• Monday, April 6 - Prairie Moraine* 6679 Wesner Ln, Verona, WI 53593
  • Briefing at 10am (arrive by 9:50)
  • Staff will meet you at the parking lot
• Tuesday, April 7 - Location TBD
  • Briefing at 9am (arrive by 8:50)

*This location contains steep terrain!

How to Prepare: 

What to Know:

• Volunteers often have various levels of knowledge about and experience with prescribed burns. Our squad bosses do their best to train those with minimal experience during the burn itself. We conduct our burns using multiple styles of ignition techniques and have safety on the top of our lists during each and every burn.
• End time is uncertain and depends on how the burn progresses over the course of the day. Our burns vary widely on size, scope, and amount of mop-up required. Some burns will end an hour later while others might take until the end of the day. Please communicate with us when you would need to leave by, if you need to.
• All necessary materials are provided for workdays. 
  
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as fire-resistant Nomex jumpsuits (XS - XXXL), helmets, leather gloves, and eye protection are provided for those without their own.

What to Bring:

• Your camera and any necessary equipment for it.
• Bring drinking water and a snacks (we don't always have time to stop for lunch so bring things you can eat on the go). 
   

What to Wear: 

• "Fire safe” clothing made of natural fibers that will not melt (no nylon, polyester, etc.). Layering is recommended. You may wear synthetic layers under natural ones.
• Leather (or similar) work boots. Boots made of plastic and/or synthetic materials are not allowed.
• A ball cap or hat to protect your head/hair. 
• Please try to bring your own leather gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, or goggles). We have extra, but they may not be to your size/liking.
• We provide a fire-resistant Nomex jumpsuit for volunteers to wear over their clothing
   

Accessibility & Physical Requirements:

• This is a physically strenuous activity. Volunteers should be comfortable with walking on uneven terrain, up hills, and down slopes. 
• For these events, you must be able to hear, communicate orally, and walk unassisted.
• Bathroom availability is limited at these events. View the Open Restrooms webpage for more information. There may be no open bathroom at a burn site. It is recommended that you use one before the workday.

Burn Cancellations and Schedule Change Notifications:

These prescribed burns are very weather dependent. Registered participants will receive immediate emails and/or phone calls if a burn needs to be relocated, rescheduled, or cancelled. Please make sure your contact information is included when you sign up.

Questions?

Please contact either Leah, Lars, or Shane, with any questions.
 

• Lars Higdon, Botanist/Naturalist: Dane County Parks
• (608) 286-9497 higdon.lars@danecounty.gov
• Leah Kleiman, Land Restoration Specialist
• (608) 843-1863 kleiman.leah@danecounty.gov
• Shane Otto, Botanist/Naturalist: Dane County Parks
• (608) 575-0396 otto.shane@danecounty.gov