‘History of wildfire in the Gorge’ set for March 20

“The recent catastrophic wildfires in the Pacific Northwest serve as a stark reminder of wildland fire’s place on the landscape,” said a Sense of Place press release. “These events highlight the immediate dangers to communities and the natural world, but can overshadow the much broader historical impacts of wildland fire.

“For local tribes, fire was a tool for management of traditionally gathered and hunted resources, such as huckleberries and game,” continued the press release. “And since the early 1800s, the documentation of both natural and human-caused fires has been chronicled in periodicals and published literature, photos, maps, and in first-person accounts from early forest rangers, loggers, and miners. Modern-day wildfires have led to evolving fire management strategies, but looking ahead has prompted increased recognition to also look back.”

Donnermeyer has been working as a Heritage professional since 2000 and has held roles in both the private and public sectors. Donnermeyer began his federal career in 2004 with the Flagstaff Area National Monuments. In 2010, Donnermeyer worked with the Bonneville Power Administration, then moved to the U.S. Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, first as an archaeologist, then as the Heritage Program manager. In 2017, he joined the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area as the Heritage Program manager. In this role, he has worked using a variety of methods, including reconnaissance and historic surveys on privately-owned lands, and in coordination and co-stewardship with over a dozen Federal and state agencies, and six Tribes.

Tickets are $12, available at SenseOfPlaceGorge.org. Advance purchase is encouraged as presentations often sell-out. Seats not filled by 6:45 p.m. will be made available to those on the waitlist. The event and will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Sense of Place host, Sarah Fox.