Madison Poe Email & Phone Number

Blackduck, Minnesota, United States

Performing initial attack on wildfires and executing prescribed burns are our two principal responsibilities. I am a Type II Wildland Firefighter, a certified Feller, and am currently working on becoming a Fire Effects Monitor. One thing I really appreciate about working in Chippewa National Forest is the helpful dynamic between the departments of fire, wildlife, timber, and recreation. When we can, we undertake projects together as a single unit, creating an efficient team and enabling healthy workplace dynamics. Other duties include tool and engine maintenance, using chainsaws for tree removal, and physical training to maintain a healthy fitness level required for the job. So far, I have been on fire details to the Ute Mountain Reservation in Colorado, Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan, Modoc National Forest in California, Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. During these assignments I have received a significant amount of experience as both an ICT5 Trainee and a Firefighter Type 1 Trainee.

Interpreting and implementing complex silvicultural prescriptions to meet the needs of the Forest is our main responsibility. We inspect stands prior to marking, and select recon plots in the field to determine if the stand is economically viable and sustainable. I record detailed field notes of estimated volume, species composition, basal area, stand conditions, logging plans, forest health, and any presence of protected wildlife habitat. Additional responsibilities include marking timber, calculating limiting distance of trees from plot center, and cruising timber units. Equipment used includes panamas, paint guns, Logger’s tape, DME, relescope, prism, Garmin GPS and Trimble GPS. ArcMap is often used to create maps and determine timber sale boundaries. After each field day, tracks, waypoints, shapefiles, and ArcMap files are uploaded to and from various handheld GPS devices. Remote locations and working through the winter in Northern Minnesota require snowmobiles and snowshoeing for access to and throughout the units.

Tofte, Mn

Carrying out prescribed burns and using chainsaws for fuels reduction, removal of hazard trees, and fireline construction were a large part of our responsibilities. We performed initial attack on local smoke and wildfire reports. A majority of these IA’s were in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so we adhered to protocols including MIST (Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques) and Leave No Trace Principles. Daily maintenance of vehicles, Engine, hand tools, and power tools. We collaborated with other Districts, Forests, and agencies such as the National Parks System, Department of Conservation, US Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I had an Engine assignment in Huron-Manistee National Forest to assist with prescribed burning, improving fireline, and patrolling for wildfires on high-risk days.

Wildwood, Mo

This position provided a wide range of duties and responsibilities such as removal of invasive plant species, pesticide application, trail clearing and maintenance, and prescribed burning in various Missouri State Parks. I also tested for CWD during managed deer hunts, and maintained good relationships with the public while representing the Park. Daily duties included taking care of the museum animals (fish, snakes, turtles, and skinks) and creating natural resource displays for the museum.I was also involved in youth outreach activities for inner-city St. Louis children to experience the natural world. Along with introducing them to nature, we encouraged group cohesion, and understanding and accepting differences in people’s personalities, and backgrounds.

Tofte, Mn

My duties were to perform Common Stand Exams in mature forest, and Vegetation Stocking Surveys in post-harvest areas. I prioritized short-term and long-term work activities to meet our deadlines and promote efficiency. We often traversed rough terrain where access was difficult or nearly impassable, but we always found a way to complete the work at hand and end the day in good spirits. I was involved in reforestation efforts by collecting seeds from live and recently harvested trees, and visiting active timber harvest areas. I monitored the work of contracted planters and performing quality checks. I also supported the local Fire Module by staffing the engine when needed and participating in prescribed burning.

Grand Marais, Mn

My primary duties were performing Common Stand Exams in remote, unharvested areas for Superior National Forest. I also identified Native Plant Communities to indicate what vegetation type/species would grow best in the area. Aerial photography, satellite imagery, and color infra-red maps were used to create our own detailed maps of the designated areas to figure out the best access routes.I took on other responsibilities such as capturing, banding, and collecting data on migratory birds, enforcing Leave No Trace principles in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and leading the CCMI (Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa) in the field to revegetate unused, open land (former timber landings).

Bartlett Experimental Forest

I worked in cooperation with the US Forest Service in the continuation of an 80+ year study of permanent forest plots to observe its regeneration after various silviculture treatments.We collected vegetation data such as species, DBH, and height. Equipment used included Garmin GPS technology, Trimble GPS, map and compass, prism, DME, and FARO LiDAR scanner.Existing plot boundaries were improved and new plot boundaries were established.

New Zealand

I studied the population structure of lizards on Motuihe Island, New Zealand after pest eradication, revegetation, and translocation of skinks. Pitfall traps and tracking tunnels were used to collect data on the target species, and habitat vegetation assessments were created as well. I composed a written report of the results, and presented the findings to the stakeholders of the project which included representatives from the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the local Maori Iwi.

Hancock, Nh

Here, I was responsible for contacting landowners, reviewing deeds, and surveying easements. After assessing the land and using GPS technology, I used ArcGIS mapping software to prepare written reports and follow up with landowners once more to share anything or address any concerns. I updated the Harris Center's land database and assisted with the boundary maintenance in existing easement properties.

Durham, Nh

I worked in a soil biogeochemistry and fertility laboratory, assisting graduate and post-doctorate students with their projects. Some examples include preparing soil samples for testing, creating assays, assessing water retention levels, and measuring amounts of carbon in soil samples.