From Conversation to Action: Leaders Convene in Boise to Buildi National Wildfire Smoke and Health Framework

Kelly Ann Collins
Jun 24
1 min read

America The Beautiful Foundation, Westfire at Colorado State University, and WICE Foundation Inc. recently convened the inaugural Wildfire Smoke, Health & Environment Summit in Boise, Idaho.

The Summit brought together leaders from public health, wildfire management, emergency response, academia, government, utilities, and nonprofit organizations to address the growing effects of wildfire smoke on people, communities, and the environment.

Through featured presentations, collaborative discussions, and cross-sector conversations, participants shared expertise, explored solutions, and identified opportunities for greater coordination. Together, attendees took an important first step toward developing:

A National Wildfire, Health & Environment Action Framework
Cross-sector policy and coordination recommendations
Practical strategies for smoke mitigation and community resilience
Long-term partnerships across health, environment, and emergency response

The conversations in Boise underscored what is possible when leaders across disciplines come together around a shared purpose. The ideas, relationships, and areas of alignment developed during the Summit will help guide the next phase of this important work.

Featured presentations included insights from Ahmed Kablan, PharmD, Ph.D.; Johann Lockard; and Mark Niemeyer. Recordings of their presentations and photos from the Summit are available below.

America The Beautiful Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to our co-hosts, Westfire at Colorado State University and WICE Foundation Inc., along with every speaker, participant, partner, volunteer, and supporter who helped make the inaugural Summit possible.

The Summit marked an important step toward building healthier, safer, and more resilient communities, but the work is only beginning. To learn more, contribute your expertise, or become involved in the next phase of this initiative, please contact us.