About this episode

This episode discusses the ecological value of prescribed fire in the Catskills with Ryan Trapani from the Catskill Forest Association.

Prescribed Fire in the Catskills: Restoring a Lost ToolIn this episode, Brett sits down once again with Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services at the Catskill Forest Association, to explore the surprising ecological value of prescribed fire in the Northeast. Recorded fireside at the Kaatscast studio, this conversation digs into the science, history, and cultural memory of fire in the Catskills, and why small, carefully managed burns may be key to healthier forests, richer wildlife habitat, and a more resilient landscape.Key TopicsWhy fire disappeared from Northeastern land management — and why that’s a problemHow Indigenous communities shaped ecosystems with fireWhat “pyrogenic species” like oak and chestnut need to thriveThe Catskill Forest Association’s new prescribed burn programHow controlled burns can improve wildlife habitat and biodiversityThe challenges of permits, insurance, and public perceptionWhat early‑successional habitat is — and why we’re losing itLessons from the Albany Pine Bush and Shawangunk RidgeAbout the CFA Prescribed Burn ProgramRyan outlines CFA’s cautious, incremental approach to reintroducing fire on private lands — starting with low‑complexity field…

People in this episode

Host: Brett

Guest: Ryan Trapani

Topics covered

• prescribed fire
• forest health
• biodiversity
• ecological value
• land management
• wildlife habitat
• cultural memory

Keywords

• prescribed fire
• Catskills
• forest health
• biodiversity
• wildlife habitat
• Indigenous communities
• pyrogenic species
• CFA Prescribed Burn Program

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Catskill Forest Association

Places: Catskills, Northeast, Albany Pine Bush, Shawangunk Ridge

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