From threat to opportunity: Exploring risk-based fuel treatment to safeguard communities and promote ecosystem health

Abstract

Wildfires can serve as both threats and opportunities, depending on one’s perspective. For people who live in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where human development and natural vegetation intersect, wildfires pose an evident danger to lives and property. Conversely, for natural resource managers on Federal lands, wildfires present an opportunity to maintain or restore ecosystem health. The key to striking a balance between fire as a threat and as an opportunity lies in effective fuel management strategies.

Citation

Thompson, Matt. 2023. From threat to opportunity: Exploring risk-based fuel treatment to safeguard communities and promote ecosystem health. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), December 2023. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.