Posted 17 February, 2026
Students in Upper Iowa University’s BIO 433 Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem Management Practices and Principles course often take their learning beyond the classroom. One recent example to gain valuable hands-on experience in prescribed fire management — an essential tool in ecosystem restoration and management. Several ExcEL scholars with an interest in habitat management, along with University conservation management and staff, also participated.
Working under the guidance of Ryan Harr, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fire Management Officer, Iowa Hub, and Trever Elg, Fire Technician at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, students completed field-based training as part of their certification or recertification in wildland fire management, as well as classroom presentations by Harr, sharing his knowledge in the field. Harr is the former supervisor of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fire Program. He served with the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau for over a decade and has over 25 years of experience in wildland fires, carrying federal wildfire qualifications for over 18 years.
“In pursuing my RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher, they reinforced my understanding of fire’s role in ecosystem management. In addition to the hands-on experience, I really valued the opportunity to network with fire professionals. This helped me to develop new skills and gain a better understanding of the expectations of working in wildland fire. The incorporation of fire training into the coursework helps prepare us for real opportunities using fire as a tool for conservation. I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned to this next burn season by reflecting on the knowledge that I’ve acquired over the fire training.” shared Mara Moore, Conservation Management student.
Prescribed fire is a vital ecological process that helps restore and maintain healthy ecosystems, including grasslands and temperate woodlands. Properly managed, it supports biodiversity, improves habitat, and sustains ecosystem function.
As part of their coursework, students completed a series of online modules through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The program culminated in a hands-on field day facilitated by Harr, where students practiced using wildland firefighting tools and participated in interactive fire management scenarios.
Some participants also used this field day to complete their RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher. Upon successful completion of the exams and exercises, students received documentation verifying their training.
“Learning how to utilize different tools for ecological restoration and ecosystem management is a vital skill for students to help manage ecosystems and work on setting back succession in systems that used to see fire naturally,” said Dr. Jennifer Stoffel, professor of biology and instructor for BIO 433. “Some of the students who receive training will go on to careers where they regularly utilize fire. However, even students who might not seek out these careers can still use this knowledge to help build fire-resilient communities.”
The BIO 433 course explores biological, physical, and chemical processes that restore ecosystem structure and function in systems such as grasslands, forests, and stream and riparian areas. Students compare management practices, develop project objectives, and evaluate restoration success across multiple ecological scales.