Field trip ignites interest in forest management, firefighting

In the hopes of increasing awareness in the field of fire ecology and sparking interest in firefighting, both literally and figuratively, several LRHS students traveled to Central Washington last week.

The field trip included a tour of the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center in Entiat, a visitation to a prescribed burn in Wenatchee National Forest, and a tour of the Okanogan-Wenatchee Rappellers’ Headquarters in Wenatchee.

The trip offered behind-the-scenes insight into both the science and dedication required to keep local forests safe.

Kellen Drake, science and math teacher at LRHS, organized the trip using contacts from his position on the Wenatchee Valley Rappel Crew.

Of his motivation to organize the trip, Drake explained, “I wanted to give students a glimpse of something different than they are used to. There is something special about being in the mountains that give people a unique perspective.”

“We have great kids at LRHS, and I think at times they can get put on a single track to a certain career and I just wanted to open up students’ eyes to other career opportunities,” he continued, adding of the value of his own experiences as a Rappeller.

“Fire science has been something I will always be indebted to for the experiences and lessons it has provided me.”

Eleven students attended the trip, learning about the role of fires in forest ecology, and making connections with potential future employers.

Easton Nelson took away lessons in forest management, as he explained, “One thing I learned is that firefighters are actually starting to see forests with too much undergrowth, which leads to bigger fires that kill older trees.”

Nathan Naught spoke to his exposure to potential careers: “I learned that there are many opportunities in fire and forest management. I also learned that not all jobs are fire for firefighters and that there are opportunities to advance in the field.”

“I learned that fighting fire is a serious business and deserves respect. It requires physical and mental strength,” reflected Spencer Gering. “This is due to the fact that fighters train for many years to help in the field.”

“It’s no easy task,” he added.

Almost every student attending the field trip cited their favorite part as visiting the controlled burn, where they were able to watch forest management in action and see the extensive planning it requires.

The up-close experience would not have been possible without Drake’s connections in the industry.

“People took time out of their day to provide the kids on the trip with an inside look of an area of conservation that I think is only going to increase in importance, fire and forest ecology,” he explained.

The trip was more than likely the first of its kind, as Drake noted, “Seriously, I don’t know if any other high schools have been given a briefing by a fire management officer and got to witness a prescribed fire.”

Gaining insight into firefighting and forest ecology inspired several students.

“I do now have an interest in fire ecology and I would like to do some more research,” said Cole Cameron. “Thanks to this trip, I have a whole new opinion on fire ecology.”

Inspiration is Drake’s goal, as he explained, “My hope is students either learned something that hooked them in or heard/saw something that resonated with them.”

“If I was a high school kid,” he reflected, “the trip would have been an awesome experience for me and would have intrigued me to find out more about the world of fire ecology.”

Naught proves that the trip served its purpose: “I have become interested in applying to work in fire this summer because of the trip,” he says.

Visiting fire centers in Central Washington ultimately opened opportunities for students and allowed Drake to share his passion with the next generation of firefighters.

“Rappelling has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” he said, concluding, “Becoming a firefighter was one of best decisions I ever made and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.”