Homeowners' Perspectives on the Parcel Approach to Wildland Fire Mitigation: The Role of Community Context in Two Colorado Communities | CU Experts

Abstract; Current policy seeks to address the wildland fire problem by increasing awareness and capacity to address risk within wildland–urban interface communities. The primary recommendation for property owners facing risk is fuel reduction at the parcel level. Little is known, however, about how property owners understand and/or feel about available options. This study reveals widely held skepticism about the efficacy of the parcel approach to wildland fire mitigation in two fire-prone Colorado communities. Furthermore, it highlights the role community context plays in shaping how community members characterize the wildland fire risk they face as well as how to address the limits associated with the parcel approach to mitigation. Facilitating cooperative efforts within communities and between communities and fire and forest managers may not only increase community capacity, but also provide managers an opportunity to understand and integrate local concerns into the presentation of fire mitigation information and shift from “one size fits all” recommendations to programs that attend to community context.

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