How forest context influences the acceptability of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning

Abstract

We examined how forest factors influenced public perceptions of three fuels management alternatives: prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or no artificial fire management. The factors included the forest?s proximity to urban areas, primary use, wildfire history, and current fire conditions. Surveying three study strata with different wildfire histories and experiences?the Colorado Front Range, southern Illinois, and Metropolitan Chicago?we found that current forest conditions was the most important factor influencing how residents feel about the three treatments. Proximity of the forest to urban areas and wildfire history also significantly influenced perceptions of wildfire management techniques, although less strongly. Notably, few differences were found in the relative effects of contextual factors on perceptions across the three geographic regions.

Parent Publication

• The public and wildland fire management: social science findings for managers

Citation

Bright, Alan D.; Newman, Peter. 2006. How forest context influences the acceptability of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning. In: McCaffrey, S.M., tech. ed. The public and wildland fire management: social science findings for managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-1. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 47-52.