Shaded Fuelbreaks

In order to combat increasing fire intensity and severity in many western USA fire-prone forests, triage management efforts have been widely adopted. One major strategy is shaded fuelbreaks (SFBs) that reduce vertical and horizontal fuel continuity, reduce local fire severity, and allow for fire suppression efforts to occur. Many SFBs are installed to protect large federal ownerships, and the methods used meet the potential societal costs of inaction. Few projects, however, have addressed the needs and limitations of small private forestland owners who face the same fire hazards, but with limited funds and equipment options. Our project focuses on evaluating both the economics and fire hazard results specific to small equipment-derived SFBs.

This research has been funded by the L.W. Schatz Demonstration Tree Farm and is a collaborative effort between Han-Sup Han (HSU Forest Engineering & Operations, PI) and the Fire Lab.