Community Wildfire Protection Planning: The Importance of Framing, Scale, and Building Sustainable Capacity

Daniel R. Williams; Pamela J. Jakes; Sam Burns; Antony S. Cheng; Kristen C. Nelson; Victoria Sturtevant; Rachel F. Brummel; Emily Staychock; Stephanie G. Souter

doi:10.5849/jof.12-001

Treesearch

Community Wildfire Protection Planning: The Importance of Framing, Scale, and Building Sustainable Capacity

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Daniel R. Williams, Pamela J. Jakes, Sam Burns, Antony S. Cheng, Kristen C. Nelson, Victoria Sturtevant, Rachel F. Brummel, Emily Staychock, Stephanie G. Souter

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5849/jof.12-001

Source:

Journal of Forestry. 110(8): 415-420.

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Download (PDF 78 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/42692.pdf

Abstract

Community wildfire protection planning has become an important tool for engaging wildland-urban interface residents and other stakeholders in efforts to address their mutual concerns about wildland fire management, prioritize hazardous fuel reduction projects, and improve forest health. Drawing from 13 case studies from across the United States, this article describes best management practices (BMP) that emerged from the data for facilitating the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and ensuring that planning leads to action on the ground. Three BMPs are emphasized: (1) paying attention to problem framing, (2) choosing a scale where participants can make things happen, and (3) taking steps to facilitate implementation and ensure long-term success. These BMPs were found to hold true despite considerable diversity across the cases.

Keywords

Healthy Forest Restoration Act, wildfire planning, wildland fire, wildland-urban interface

Citation

Williams, Daniel R.; Jakes, Pamela J.; Burns, Sam; Cheng, Antony S.; Nelson, Kristen C.; Sturtevant, Victoria; Brummel, Rachel F.; Staychock, Emily; Souter, Stephanie G. 2012.Community Wildfire Protection Planning: The Importance of Framing, Scale, and Building Sustainable Capacity. Journal of Forestry. 110(8): 415-420.