Every year, in at least some parts of the US, we’re reminded how much damage wildfires can cause. Erosion control professionals spend a good part of their time dealing with the aftermath and preventing worse damage from landslides and flooding.
The US Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior are addressing the problem—trying to prevent fires before they start, and dealing with them more effectively once they do—with two new publications released last week. The documents, A National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Cohesive Strategy) and The Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act of 2009– Report to Congress, focus on creating resilient landscapes and fire-adapted communities as well as on the response to wildfires.
The documents emphasize a collaborative approach to fire management, including local fire departments, state agencies, tribal groups, private entities, and federal land management agencies.
Both documents are available at www.forestsandrangelands.gov.