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Abstract
The Federal Clean Air Act of 1963 offers a challenge to the future of prescribed and natural fire programs in the United States. One aspect of maintaining healthy ecosystems for humans and natural resources is clean air. In addition, prescribed and natural fire programs are an important tool in maintaining healthy ecosystems, as well as satisfying the requirements of Federal and State legislation concerning home and structure protection, protecting endangered species, maintaining natural wilderness processes, providing for multiple use, and providing healthy forests and resources for future generations. As legislation to protect the environment grows deeper and more complex, land management agencies find themselves in the position of sorting out conflicts and attempting to manage within legal and publicly acceptable parameters. Presenting a solution to this issue of conflicting legislative mandates will require: the ability of land management and air regulatory agencies to move beyond their normal roles and reach the best position for responsible ecosystem management, including human health concerns; land management agency cooperation in developing a uniform position and resolution; the development of a technically strong and credible resolution that shows sensitivity to the public health issue; strong upper management communication to State and EPA management; and timely regulatory development.
Parent Publication
Citation
Procter, Trent. 1995. Working to make the Clean Air Act and prescribed burning compatible. In: Weise, David R.; Martin, Robert E., technical coordinators. The Biswell symposium: fire issues and solutions in urban interface and wildland ecosystems; February 15-17, 1994; Walnut Creek, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-158. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 125-128
