Wayne Harrison Memorial Scholarship
Wayne was a leader and innovator, working for decades in fire ecology and prescribed fire. His great love for developing and refining the prescribed fire program for Calaveras Big Trees State Park spans several decades, and he eventually led the prescribed fire program for the California State Parks. He was instrumental in the development of the California Association for Fire Ecology (CAFE) and the subsequent transformation to the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE), designed the original fire around the tree logo, and wrote the original bylaws when AFE became an official non-profit.
As a lasting contribution to the fire ecology and management community, Wayne's family partnered with AFE after his passing in June 2019 to create a student scholarship to support the academic and professional growth of students through funding research, management, or education projects related to wildland fire science.
How to Apply
Scholarships up to $2,500 will be awarded annually, with applications due March 31 and awarded by May 31. Click here for eligibility, application criteria, and the online submission form.
remembering Wayne
Wayne Harrison
Richard Wayne Harrison, June 14, 1947 – June 30, 2019
Many people know of Wayne through his work as an Environmental Scientist at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where he worked for over 35 years. He was one of the founders of the CA State Park’s prescribed burn program, and was instrumental in creating a robust fire program at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. He was passionate about using fire in the landscape to bring health to the forest and protect the Big Trees. His leadership and mentoring have guided many to careers in this profession.
Friends and family have been touched by Wayne’s inquiring mind, unpretentious nature and generosity of spirit. He was a thoughtful and kind mentor, teacher, and friend. His endless curiosity and interests led him to explore history, food, music and geology through time spent with friends and traveling. He was a caring father, son and husband who was especially delighted to be a father to a daughter who shares so many of his interests.
Wayne is survived by his wife Wendy, daughter Kate, and many extended family members.
