In the United States and many other parts of the world, fires are behaving differently now than they have throughout history, largely as a result of human actions. An estimated 80% of U.S. forests and rangelands have altered fire dynamics. The U.S. Fire Learning Network (USFLN) is engaging dozens of multi-agency, community-based projects in a process that accelerates the restoration of landscapes that depend on fire to sustain native plants and animals. By restoring this balance, the ecological, economic and social values of the landscapes can be maintained, and the threat of catastrophic wildfire can be reduced.

Collaborative planning, implementation, adaptive management and the sharing of lessons learned are at the core of the U.S. Fire Learning Network. Workshops, peer learning and learning exchanges are just a few of the mechanisms the Network uses. Participants have a common desire to learn, as well as to share their results and insights with one another to overcome barriers to sustainable and integrated ecological, economic and social solutions.

See a map of the FLN and information about regional networks and landscapes in the network.

The Fire Learning Network (FLN) process provides an integrated approach that establishes collaborative goals, guides actions and directs resources to gain conservation results. It is an iterative and adaptive approach that operates at multiple scales and has been employed successfully in diverse geographic and cultural settings. This approach allows sharing of experience and learning across geographies, and improves integrated fire management and conservation practices over time. FLN products facilitate NEPA preparation and fire management plan development, contribute to forest and land management plans and inform policy. The FLN’s track record of success and the credibility of its products have allowed the partnership to positively affect management on more than 135 million acres to date.

Search an archive of FLN products. 

FLN communication takes many forms. Regional network workshops bring partners from several landscapes together once or twice a year for peer review of products and learning exchange. Field learning exchanges and topical workshops on specific aspects of planning or implementation are also used to address particular local or regional needs. The national Fire Learning Network also convenes workshops at which landscapes can share knowledge, restoration tools, products and ideas across regions. In addition to workshops and learning exchanges, a bi-weekly newsletter, several other short publications, and an annual Field Guide to the network are distributed both within and beyond the network.

Search the library of FLN publications.   

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The Fire Learning Network, launched in 2002, is a joint project of The Nature Conservancy, the USDA Forest Service and several agencies of the U.S. Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife Service and National Park Service).