2024 Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium

The 2024 Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium will be held on September 4-5th, 2024 at Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center in scenic Pere Marquette State Park in southern Illinois.

The Symposium will feature a full day of speakers, with a second day of field trips to several local fire management sites, led by biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Heritage, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, and the Great Rivers Prescribed Burn Association. The Illinois Prescribed Fire Council Symposium brings together professional biologists, land managers, and fire operations specialists to collaborate and exchange ideas that advance the strategic use of prescribed fire in Illinois. The Symposium will feature seminars and discussions on the latest fire science research, technologies, and more.

The event is open to the public, and offers an opportunity to network and strengthen connections across states, agencies, and disciplines.

• Wednesday, September 4, 2024 | 12:45 pm – 5 pm --> Field Trip to fire management sites
• Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 8 am – 4 pm --> Speaker sessions (with a catered lunch)

Early Registration Deadline: September 4, 2024

Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center

13653 Lodge Blvd, Grafton, IL 62037

Located approximately 2 hours outside of St. Louis, Pere Marquette Lodge offers several on-site restaurants and lounges, a wine tasting room, and stunning views of the Illinois River valley. Nestled in Pere Marquette State Park, visitors have access to over 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and outdoor recreation, plus a range of dining and nightlife in nearby towns. For more information, see: https://pmlodge.net/things-to-do/

Early Registration - $80

Walk-up Registration (at the event)* - $100

*Walk-up registrations can be purchased at the door for an additional $20 fee above the early registration rate, per ticket. Tickets purchased online prior to the early registration deadline will be charged at the discounted rate.

Fees collected cover event costs, as well as support future symposia and other initiatives championed by the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council to promote the use of prescribed fire across the state.

Please download the Eventbrite app or print your ticket to expedite the check-in process.

Overnight accommodations are available onsite through the Pere Marquette Lodge. We have reserved a room block at a rate of $129 + tax per night, as space permits.

To make a reservation, call 618-786-2331 extension “0”, and inform the agent you are with the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council block. To get the best rate, please reserve your room before 8/4/24.

Have some extra time? Join us the day before the 2024 IPFC Symposium on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 for a field trip at scenic Starved Rock State Park, led by biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Heritage, the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, and the Great Rivers Prescribed Burn Association. On the tour, we’ll visit several natural areas which have recently benefitted from the application of prescribed fire. Be prepared to hike off-trail, on uneven terrain.

For those who are interested, the Pere Marquette Lodge will be hosting a garden harvest wine dinner event the evening of the 4th; tickets can be pre-purchased at the Lodge's website.

Host or Publisher Illinois Prescribed Fire Council