Rangeland Ecology & Management

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THE COALITION OF PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCILS: MAINTAINING THE ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF FIRE IN NORTH AMERICAN WILDLANDS
Author
Varner, Julian M.
Melvin, Mark
Stanley, Chuck
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2014
Body

Twenty-first century prescribed fire managers face increasingly complex challenges that limit or potentially threaten the use of fire. Never before in history have land managers found these challenges broader in scope. Modern day prescribed fire managers must consider a complex web of policy, legal statutes, and liability, as well as public safety, health, and acceptance. Collectively these challenges are greater than any one landowner, group, agency, or state can address alone, and require a multi-stakeholder approach for solutions. To more effectively address prescribed fire-related issues, a diverse group of public and private leaders created a national platform to better meet these challenges. In 2008 the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils (“Coalition”) was developed to create one voice to assist fire practitioners, policymakers, regulators, and citizens with issues surrounding prescribed fire use. Its core mission is to promote the appropriate use of prescribed fire for enhancing public safety, managing resources, and sustaining fire-prone ecosystems. In addition the Coalition encourages and facilitates the organization of prescribed fire councils across the US. Partnering with the existing 28 councils' efforts, which represent twelve million acres of annual prescribed fire use, has created a forum to voice and address issues of national concern. The Coalition's work facilitates communication among interested parties in the field of prescribed fire, provides a focal point for sharing ideas and information, and creates opportunities for prescribed fire collaboration.  Geographic gaps in councils are present across several states dominated by rangelands. This presentation will address those gaps and suggest approaches for these fire-prone regions.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM Orlando, FL