The Evolution of Wilderness Fire Policy
This article gives a brief overview of the policy history of wilderness fire. For most of the century, fire was considered a universal threat to people, resources, and wildlands. Eventually, through the observations of foresters and research of scientists force the realization of the role of fire in sustaining species and maintaining the character of the ecosystems. However, the implementation of wildland fire use (WFU) is still limited due to various attitudinal, institutional and political barriers.
In order to overcome these barriers, we suggest the following policy changes that could lead to more harmonious relations among people, fire, and wilderness.
- Establish a supportive network culture within agencies for WFU
- Provide incentives for WFU, such as the institution of formal performance measures that encourage WFU decisions.
- Fund research to solve the difficult challenges of fire management.
- Policies should support public education about the benefits of fire to wilderness ecosystems and to people.
- Address public fear through necessary fuel treatment work in and around communities to lower fire danger.
Author: Greg Aplet
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Sam Goldman
Sam has been with The Wilderness Society since Fall 2007. He came most recently from M+R Strategic Services in Washington, DC where he worked with national environmental groups to improve their online campaign work and field organizing capacity. Before that, Sam was the Assistant National Field Director for U.S. PIRG where he covered a variety of issues including the fight to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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