2026 Illinois Prescribed Fire Symposium

September 9–10

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Mark your calendars for the 2026 Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium, bringing together land managers, fire practitioners, researchers, and conservation professionals from across the Midwest.

​Location
Giant City State Park Lodge
460 Giant City Lodge Rd
Makanda, IL

Download symposium flyer

​Wednesday, September 9
🔥 Field tours featuring prescribed burn units and on-the-ground management discussions. Timing is not final but will likely be 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Thursday, September 10
🎤 Indoor presentations, networking, lunch, and annual awards. 

• 8:00 – 8:10 AM Welcome and Introductions
  Ruffner and/Or Director McCabe
• 8:10 – 9:00 AM: Keynote Address
  John Loveseth—Principia College
• 9:05 – 9:30 AM Presentation
  Mike Tiller—UW Stevens Point
• 9:35 – 10:00 AM Presentation
  Arthur Stefanski—UW Stevens Point
• 10:00 – 10:20 AM Morning Break

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• 10:20 – 10:45 AM Presentation
  Brook Hagerty—Shawnee NF Climate scientist
• 10:45 – 11:10 AM Presentation
  David Cassin—Lake County Forest Preserves
• 11:10 – 11:35 AM Presentation
  Mark Vukovich—Shawnee NF Biologist
• 11:35 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch

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• 12:35 – 1:00 PM Awards Ceremony
• 1:15 – 2:15 PM Panel Discussion
  ​Volunteer Fire Departments and Prescribed Fire
• 2:15 – 2:30 PM Afternoon Break

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• 2:30 – 3:30 PM Panel Discussion
  ​Prescribed Burn Associations
  
• 3:30 – 4:00 PM Closing Discussion, Questions, and Symposium Wrap-Up
• 4:00 PM Adjourn

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. John Lovseth
Professor and Director of Stewardship, Principia College
Guest Speakers

• Dr. Michael Tiller, Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
• Terry Severson, Retired Fire Management Officer, Hoosier National Forest

LODGING
Cabins are available through Giant City State Park Lodge. To make reservations, call 618-457-4921.

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Check back for registration details, symposium costs and schedule. Coming soon!