By Scout Nelson
Natalie Jones from IANR Communications highlights a new online platform is helping landowners track wildfire recovery and view fire history across Nebraska. This tool supports farmers, ranchers, and land managers as they work to restore grasslands after recent wildfires.
The platform combines mapping, research, and field data into one system. It is designed to help users understand how land recovers over time and make better decisions during the recovery process. The tool focuses on working grasslands and provides support for long-term management.
“Wildfire recovery unfolds over years, not months,” said Dirac Twidwell, rangeland ecologist at Nebraska. “What we’ve built here is not just a map of fires — it’s a system that helps people understand recovery, anticipate change and respond with better information.”
The platform is built using decades of research. Twidwell’s team has studied more than 1,300 wildfires across the Great Plains since 1985. This data allows users to explore past fire events and understand how different conditions affect recovery.
Users can view where wildfires have occurred, check fire size and year, and study how vegetation changes before and after fires. The platform also allows comparisons between current conditions and past wildfire events. These tools help landowners make informed decisions.
The system uses satellite data to show how grasslands recover over time. Graphs display vegetation changes, helping users understand recovery patterns and timelines. This information is useful for planning grazing, planting, and land use.
The platform also connects users with Nebraska Extension experts and partner networks. This makes it easier to find support, attend workshops, and learn about best practices.
The initiative includes new monitoring methods that combine research and landowner participation. It also supports future research to improve recovery results across the state.
With more large wildfires occurring in recent years, this tool provides valuable support. It helps landowners manage recovery, protect resources, and plan for long-term sustainability.
Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: Nebraska, General