Wrapping up our four part mini-series on Wildland fire and forestry with Dr. David Godwin, PhD. 

I want to thank our sponsor of the mini-series, Limmer Boot Company.  Limmer believes in the power of growing communities and relationships in the outdoors, and they know that the moments of introspection and self-reliance learned there, can transform any individual. So if you’re looking for your last pair of hiking boots, check out Limmerboots.com to learn more.

Like many, David was so impacted by his time on staff as a Ranger, that upon returning home to college, he changed his major to focus on natural resources.  Today David is the Director of the Southern Fire Exchange program with the University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics. The Southern Fire Exchange is part of the larger Fire Science Exchange Network which exists to accelerate awareness, understanding, adoption, and implementation of readily available wildland fire science information.

In 2014, David was thrilled to return as a Visiting Forester, where he shared his passion for and told the story of fire. He also utilized the site specific location, overlooking Cito Reservoir, to discuss the impacts of fire on natural resources such as water - as they say in the West: "Whiskeys for drinking, but waters for fighting over." 

David also shares his experience at Black Lake, NM - where in 2013 he assisted in a prescribed fire training exchange, also known as TREX.   Lastly, David shares some great stories from his time on staff.  David remains active in Scouting, and ironically, he learned of the Zastrow Cabin being lost to the Cooks Peak fire while enrolled in a Woodbadge course in his home state of Florida.

I want to thank everyone who contributed to this feature series, and especially to those working around the clock to protect lives and structures during the Hermit's Peak / Calf Canyon and Cooks Peak fires.

Links for the Ben Horne Memorial and Ben Horne Memorial Prize at the University of California San Diego.

Closing song by Will Kemple-Taylor titled "Unfolded.” Will grew up in Cimarron and worked on Philmont staff in a variety of roles in the early 2000s including CHQ Maintenance, PC Beaubien, PC Pueblano, and Bear Researcher. Will reminds us to consider donating to the Philmont Fire Recovery and Mitigation fund, as well as the All Together New Mexico fund, and American Red Cross local disaster relief.

For more music by Will Taylor, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Philmont Experience:
2001 Participant - OA Trail Crew Trek
2002 Ranger / Rayado Ranger
2014 Philmont Visiting Forester
2015 PTC Student (WFA Trainer Course)

Notable Mentions:
John Sawyko
Lance
Mary Stuever
Chris Sawyer
Trevor Lombardi
Ben Horne

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