The three Regional Strategy Committees (RSC) of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Cohesive Strategy) have recently completed Risk Analysis Reports identifying strategies for addressing wildland fire management risk in their respective regions. The Risk Analysis Reports contain key elements that can be integrated into strategies for addressing the shared goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy [1]: resilient landscapes, fire-adapted communities and response to wildland fire. Each RSC is comprised of representatives from federal, state, local and tribal governments and non-governmental organizations with interests in wildland fire management.
Across the nation, Regional Risk Analysis Reports have been designed as practical decision support tools for wildland fire management agencies, non-governmental organizations and local communities. The Risk Analysis Reports suggest how key options can be integrated into a strategy, and includes examples of how to “braid” federal, state, local and private interests; ideas on how projects and funds can be better aligned and leveraged; and profiles of success that have blended experience to build stronger collaborations.
The three RSCs will continue to build on this foundational work and momentum with fellow stakeholders and partners to construct Regional Action Plans. Action Plans will define and document the actions intended for implementation over the course of the next five years.
Learn more about the Regional Risk Analysis reports and the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy at www.forestsandrangelands.gov, or contact Patti Blankenship, DHS/FEMA/USFA representative to the Cohesive Strategy, at patricia.blankenship@fema.dhs.gov or any of the RSCs:
Northeast Regional Strategy Committee: Brad Simpkins, Chair; or northeastrsc@gmail.com
Southeast Regional Strategy Committee: Mike Zupko, Chair, at mike@zup-co-inc.com
Western Regional Strategy Committee: Doug MacDonald, Chair; or westerncohesivestrategy@gmail.com
As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security‘s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.
[1] The Cohesive Strategy is a collaborative process with active involvement of all levels of government and non-governmental organizations, as well as the public, to seek national, all-lands solutions to wildland fire management issues. Information available online at http://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/index.shtml
