USDA, DOI Release Phase I Wildland Fire–Management Reports

USDA, DOI Release Phase I Wildland Fire–Management Reports

14 April 2011

published by firechief.com

---

USA — The Agriculture and Interior departments released two Phase I documents that address the wildland fire–management challenges across the U.S. The documents provide the framework for a three-phase, strategic effort to restore and maintain resilient landscapes, create fire-adapted communities and respond to wildfires, according to the Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC), an intergovernmental body of federal, state, tribal and municipal stakeholders.

The two documents, dubbed “A National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Cohesive Strategy)” and “The Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act of 2009– Report to Congress,” address the wildfire challenges faced by fire and natural-resource managers and the fire community at all levels, ranging from cost-effectiveness and risk to climate change.

“Wildland fire management is complex and involves a wide range of federal, state, local, tribal and non-governmental stakeholders,” said Rhea Suh, DOI assistant secretary for policy, management and budget, in a statement. “This cohesive strategy effort has applicability and relevance across all wildland fire management agencies and jurisdictions — from rural fire departments to state forestry agencies and federal land management agencies.”

Phase I will serve as the foundation for the entire effort, followed by regional strategies then a national trade-off analysis will be conducted in the final phase. This phased approach will enhance the ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from wildland fire incidents, according to the DOI.

Additional reports are available at Forests and Rangelands, a cooperative effort between the DOI and the USDA.

---