Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences
Sparking a Career
By Kassandra Tuten
COLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES GRAD READY TO ‘TACKLE ALMOST ANYTHING’
D
illon Alexander spent his childhood exploring the juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests near his home in northern New Mexico. After graduating with a degree in fire management from the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho, he is building on a fascination that began in 2000. That year, the Cerro Grande Fire burned 43,000 acres of the forest surrounding Los Alamos, New Mexico. In 2011, the Las Conchas Fire burned 156,000 acres of the forest near that area. It set the record for the largest wildfire in the state’s history at the time. It was the magnitude of these events, as well as the fire suppression response, that made a lasting impression on Alexander. Combined with his love for the outdoors, an interest in a career in natural resources was sparked. “I was searching for wildfire programs that offered a bachelor’s degree in fire management and quickly stumbled upon the Fire Ecology and Management program at the University of Idaho,” he said. “I immediately knew that I had found the right place to pursue my higher education.” Alexander relocated to northern Idaho and accepted an entry-level wildland firefighting position with the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) in the rugged backcountry of Clearwater County, near Headquarters. The mission of C-PTPA is wildfire attack on the more than 900,000 acres of industrial timberlands they protect. After working for a year, Alexander became an Idaho resident and began courses at U of I and his pursuit of a double major in the Fire Ecology and Management and Forestry programs. “I wanted to further understand the ecological role of fire and the management actions that can be effective in restoring the
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ecological health of the wildlands across North America, especially in Idaho,” said Alexander. “The University of Idaho offered me that opportunity.” Alexander became involved in forestry-related clubs and organizations at U of I, including the Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE) and the Society of American Foresters. He also worked at the U of I Experimental Forest as the fire program leader and, through SAFE, participated in prescribed burning trips to the long-leaf pine and palmetto forests near Orlando, Florida. “It was valuable for me to experience ignition patterns and witness fire behavior in a fuel type that is much different than I am used to working in,” he said, adding that becoming involved in clubs and organizations was one of the best decisions he ever made. When Alexander first arrived at U of I as a prospective student, Heather Heward, SAFE faculty advisor, said she knew he would make an impact on the program. “His willingness to participate in the experiences offered and to take on leadership positions to make those experiences happen has been a tremendous asset,” said Heward. “Dillon brings people together and makes it fun.” After graduation, Alexander accepted a job as the assistant fire warden with C-PTPA where he assists in fire and hazard management, administration and supervision of seasonal employees. Alexander said his Vandal experience prepared him well for his future career. “My University of Idaho education has prepared me to be successful and be able to tackle almost anything,” he said.
After graduating from U of I with a degree in fire management, Dillon Alexander accepted a job as the assistant fire warden with Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association.
