Skagit Conservation's Forestry and Wildfire Resilience teams will be presenting on forest and fire ecology along with current wildfire season conditions in Western WA and the Anacortes area. This will include discussing what homeowners and communities can do to mitigate their wildfire risks and how we as the local Conservation District, can help.
Instructor Bios:
Nick Kunz, Skagit Conservation District Forester
Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources and professional certifications in GIS, wetlands, dendrochronology, and wildland fire, with extensive experience across private, state, federal, and tribal forestlands. He assists landowners through our forestry program, which provides no-cost, voluntary technical assistance for developing integrated forest management plans for cost-share eligibility. In addition to planning services, the program provides all landowners with resources on establishing and maintaining healthy trees and forests, natural resource conservation practices, local forest products resources, tree farm certification for eligible forest landowners, and supports outreach and education for a variety of community groups, students, educators, and forest landowners.
Robert Walters, Skagit and Whatcom Conservation District Community Wildfire Resilience Specialist
Robert Walters has been with the Conservation District since February of 2024. Robert brings extensive experience across a variety of professional fields to, once again, pursue his passion for natural resources. He often finds himself in awe at the beauty of natural systems and their interactions. Fire plays an important role in these systems, but also requires that we are prepared and have plans in place for when fire crosses from the wildland into the settled land. Robert received his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Policy & Management from Oregon State University, graduating summa cum laude. In his spare time, Robert can be found on a golf course, in a local river or stream, or enjoying a good football game.
Alexis Bryson, Skagit and Whatcom Conservation District Community Wildfire Resilience Technician
Alexis is a Western Washington University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Political Science, and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Environmental and Climate Law. She joined the Conservation District in April of 2024 and has enjoyed leading homeowners in wildfire home risk assessments and educating folks of all ages about wildfires and natural resources. When she is not at work, Alexis can be found volunteering at the local humane society or enjoying walks outdoors.