Community Capacity and the Environment Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/1794/13133

The Community Capacity and Environment program is primarily focused on building capacity in rural and underserved communities to address wildfire protection. The program intends to increase awareness about the relationships between wildfire and rural poverty and provide resources for community-based efforts in fire and forest restoration. This program also examines broader relationships between natural resource management, natural disaster mitigation and social vulnerability.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 34

Open Access
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Evaluation Guide
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008-08)
The purpose of this guide is to assist communities in monitoring and evaluating their Community Wildfire Protection Plans to strengthen future implementation. The steps in this guide outline an effective process for evaluating how well communities have addressed the goals and objectives of their CWPPs and for updating their plans. The Guide recommends collaborative strategies to bring together project partners to conduct the evaluation, gather relevant data, and write the evaluation report. This evaluation will draw out the experiences and lessons learned in collaborative efforts among community members, local government, municipalities, land management, and state agencies, thereby pinpointing the key accomplishments and challenges facing the community in implementing its fire plan. The benefits of an evaluation may also include the identification of strategies to help communities plan for and reduce the risks of other natural disasters.
Open Access
Beyond Planning: Stewardship Contracting as a Management Tool for Implementing CWPPs
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008-06) Donovan, Shannon; Lynn, Kathy; Kauffman, Marcus
Open Access
Evaluation Guide for Community Wildfire Protection Plans : Draft
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008-03-01) University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
The purpose of this guide is to assist communities in monitoring and evaluating their CWPPs to strengthen future implementation. The steps in this guide outline an effective process for evaluating how well communities have addressed the goals and objectives of their CWPPs and updating their plans. The Guide recommends collaborative strategies to bring together project partners to conduct the evaluation, gather relevant data, and write the evaluation report. This evaluation will draw out the experiences and lessons learned in collaborative efforts among community members, local government, municipalities, land management, and state agencies, thereby pinpointing the key accomplishments and challenges facing the community in implementing their fire plan. Benefits of an evaluation may also include identifying strategies that help communities to plan for and reduce the risks of other natural disasters.
Open Access
Curry County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008-02) Ojerio, Ryan S., 1972-; University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations; Lynn, Kathy
The structural vulnerability study was the first collaborative effort of the newly formed Curry Wildfire Preparation Team (CWPT). The CWPT formed out of a recognition that wildfire is an integral and inevitable component of southwest Oregonâ s environment. Adequate preparation for wildfire events requires the coordinated efforts of local governments, public lands management agencies, community organizations, businesses and residents. In February 2007 the CWPT initiated a comprehensive planning process to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Over the course of the following year, the CWPT used the analysis from the countywide structural vulnerability assessment and a comprehensive wildfire risk assessment to understand the biophysical factors that contribute to wildfire risk. The CWPT engaged community stakeholders through targeted interviews and public forums to better understand community concerns, priorities and preferences in developing the plan. And the CWPT used information from an analysis of vulnerable populations in Curry County to develop strategies to overcome the barriers of poverty, disability and social isolation that exist in the county. This CWPP applies to all of Curry County, but with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of managing wildfire risk within and adjacent to the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), the areas where forests and human communities meet. Because wildfire knows no jurisdictional boundaries, this plan is intended for everyone with a role in preparing for wildfires, including residents, land managers, emergency responders and elected officials. It is our hope that this document is an accessible resource for all to use. This CWPP is intended to compliment and support other efforts and plans throughout the county. As a non-regulatory plan, the actions and strategies described herein are consistent with current regulations and existing planning guidelines described in the Curry County Comprehensive Plan, Curry Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and other relevant plans.
Open Access
Curry County Community Wildfire Protection Plan : Community Guide
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008-02) University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
The full Curry County CWPP is a comprehensive document that details information on a wide range of issues from county demographics and vulnerable populations, to structural vulnerability and wildfire risk. The CWPT felt that is was critical to provide an abridged version of the CWPP to citizens throughout the county to ensure that the resources provided would be as accessible as possible. This CWPP Community Guide summarizes the key findings, recommendations and actions, and priorities for fuels reduction identified in the plan. Hard copies of the full CWPP can be found in city and county government offices, fire districts, libraries, and watershed council offices throughout the county. An electronic version can be downloaded at: http://www.co.curry.or.us/ or http://ri.uoregon.edu/programs/CCE/curry.html.
Open Access
Redefining Stewardship : Public Lands and Rural Communities in the Pacific Northwest
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008-02) Ecotrust; University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
Can the vision of healthy forests and healthy communities bring together traditional adversaries? This publication tells a story of collaboration that moves beyond the tales of the '90s-era timber wars. We share how four groups across the Pacific Northwest are acting on recent federal stewardship contracting authorities to help manage National Forest lands for watershed and community health. In the process, these innovators are redefining an essential 21st-century value: stewardship
Open Access
Wood Heat Solutions : A Community Guide to Biomass Thermal Projects
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008) Resource Innovations
This guide provides an introduction to woody biomass as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for generating heat and offers case study examples and sources for further information on developing a biomass heat project. It is specifically geared towards communities in the Pacific Northwest where biomass projects support social and ecological as well as economic goals. The case studies demonstrate how the ingredients of a successful biomass heat project can come together with a little initiative and some hard work. While describing some of the challenges, these examples also highlight the opportunities and benefits of increased savings, support for local wood products industries, reduced dependence on fossil fuels and more sustainable energy systems.
Open Access
Engaging Socially Vulnerable Populations in Community Wildfire Protection Plans
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2008) Resource Innovations; Forest Guild; Watershed Research and Training Center; Ojerio, Ryan S., 1972-; Lynn, Kathy; Evans, Alexander M.; DeBonis, Mike; Gerlitz, Wendy
Recent catastrophic wildfires in the United States provided images of the destruction of multimillion-dollar homes, dense urban neighborhoods, and vast estates that overlook beautiful forests or the southern California ocean. These images depict real pain and suffering for those who have lost their homes and possessions. What the images fail to show, however, are the small homes, rural communities, and working settlements that experience the same kind of pain and suffering. All communities risk tremendous losses in the face of wildfires, but some communities risk losing more of their assets when their homes or their properties burn. Many rural and under-served communities have no insurance to rebuild their homes; renters are displaced and have no means to recover their valuables; and elderly and disabled residents confront additional threats when responding to events and caring for themselves and their families. Catastrophic wildfire can result in the loss of livelihood for residents and communities as a whole, including loss of jobs, natural resource and tourism industries, and other economic opportunities in the community. The purpose of this document is to provide tools to low-income and under-served communities for protection from wildfire. • Ensure that low capacity communities are incorporated within Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) goals. • Conduct risk assessments that include social as well as biophysical dimensions of risk. • Identify vulnerable populations and develop strategies to meet their needs within a CWPP. • Monitor and evaluate the impact of CWPPs.
Open Access
Case Study: Reducing Hazardous Fuels for Josephine County’s Special Needs Population--Draft
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2006-10)
Open Access
Establishing a Low-Income Assistance Program for the Rural/Metro Fire Department
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2006-09-28) Bollig, Shaun R.; Lynn, Kathy; University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
Low-income citizens face greater obstacles in attaining and paying for public services, including energy, telephone, and water. The lack of resources to pay for services may also make it difficult for low-income residents to obtain adequate fire protection, particularly those in areas without a tax-based fire district. Rural/Metro Fire Department, a private organization in Josephine County, Oregon is interested in establishing a hardship program in recognition of the needs of low-income residents in its service area. This report is intended to outline the opportunities and challenges to implementing a hardship program that provides fire protection to residents who would otherwise be unable to afford and attain Rural/Metro’s services.
Open Access
Tribal Wildfire Resource Guide, June 2006
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Resource Innovations, 2006-06) University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations; Rasmussen, Kathleen Frances, 1978-
During the past year, the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC) has been working with Resource Innovations, a program within the University of Oregon’s Institute for a Sustainable Environment, to develop a Tribal Wildfire Resource Guide. An advisory committee, consisting of tribal and federal agency representatives has provided direction and oversight for preparation of the Guide. The Guide is intended to provide an overview of federal forest/fire policies and authorities, federal fire-planning programs and grant resources that may help tribes develop or strengthen fire-management programs. The Guide also highlights case studies from tribes around the United States that are actively engaged in planning or implementing fire-management programs.
Open Access
Feasibility and Benefits of Deploying Solar Electric Generation Across Public and Commercial Roof Space in Eugene, Oregon
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2006-06) Neff, Raymond
Many commercial and public buildings have large expanses of roof area that are ideally suited for generating electricity with solar photovoltaics (PV). They are often free of obstructions from the sun, like large trees or other natural barriers and are generally taller than most residential structures that may be nearby. By developing a network of interconnected, small to medium-scale solar PV arrays, we may be able to realize economic, environmental and social benefits that steer Eugene toward a more sustainable energy future by reducing our dependence on costly, non-renewable energy sources. While we certainly will not be able to meet all of our electricity needs through distributed solar PV, we could substantially reduce our dependence on the most detrimental non-renewable resources that we currently rely on and increase our overall renewable energy portfolio. This research investigates the feasibility and potential economic and environmental benefits derived from deploying distributed generation, solar PV systems on public and commercial rooftops in Eugene, Oregon. GIS software and aerial photographs are used to determine the available under-utilized roof area and locally available solar data are used to estimate the amount of energy it is possible to generate.
Open Access
Community Resilience and the 2005 Deer Creek Fire – Summary Report
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2006-04) Lynn, Kathy; Hill, Arleen
This report provides an overview of the purpose, findings, and recommendations from interviews conducted with residents affected by the 2005 Deer Creek Fire.
Open Access
Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan: 2006 Annual Report and Updated Action Plan
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Resource Innovations, 2006) University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
In 2002, the Biscuit Fire burned over 500,000 acres and resulted in costs exceeding 150 million dollars. A majority of the acres burned in Josephine County, Oregon. Lessons learned from the fire resulted in the development of an Integrated Fire Plan for the county that addressed wildfire risk, hazardous fuels reduction, emergency management, and education. On November 8th, 2004 the Josephine County (OR) Board of County Commissioners adopted the Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan (JCIFP). Since that time, partners involved with the JCIFP have remained active in implementing the fire plan, as well as expanding efforts beyond initial objectives to pursue stewardship contracting, biomass utilization, and other efforts. This report illustrates the accomplishments and lessons learned from the second year of implementing the JCIFP. The report also includes an updated action plan and list of priority fuels reduction projects.
Open Access
Mapping the relationship between wildfire and poverty
(University of Oregon, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, 2005-11) Lynn, Kathy; Gerlitz, Wendy
This research project uses the concept of community capacity -- a community's ability to protect itself, respond to, and recover from wildfire -- and examines socioeconomic indicators (one component of community capacity) as elements of wildfire risk. Utilizing socioeconomic information, as well as ecological factors, this study set out to investigate, through a geographical-information-systems approach, whether communities most at risk from wildfire are able to access and benefit from federal programs established to serve these communities. In other words, are the dollars, assistance, and fuels-reduction projects hitting the ground in the areas throughout the country that are most at risk? This research project found that federal agencies do not have the information and data necessary to answer this question. Spatial data to inform every aspect of this research -- including data regarding the ecological conditions of federal lands, wildfire protection capability in and around communities, and the federal expenditures under the national fire plan -- are unavailable and/or inadequate. Using the limited data that are currently available, this research focused primarily on the relationship between poverty and populated areas at risk to wildfire. Our research indicates that there is a relationship between poverty and federal land ownership, and that more poor households are located in close proximity to federal lands. Perhaps more significant, the research shows a higher percentage of poor households in inhabited wildland areas that are not considered part of the Wildland Urban Interface the areas that federal agencies and Congress have prioritized to receive the majority of funds for activities under the national fire plan. The research also indicates that, in the one state analyzed, poor households are more likely in areas with low or no fire response capabilities than are non poor households.
Open Access
Wolf Creek Rural Fire Protection District strategic plan
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2005-10-14) University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
The Wolf Creek Rural Fire Protection District (WCRFPD) strategic plan is intended to help direct the District’s efforts for fire protection. The WCRFPD strategic plan will serve as a living document that is referenced and updated as needed so that it maintains its relevance and functions as a useful management tool for the District. Resource Innovations at the University of Oregon helped to develop the structure for the WCRFPD strategic plan after a careful examination of other strategic plans from rural fire departments both nationally and internationally, as well as the WCRFPD 2004 action plan. Resource Innovations also identified strategic issues from individual interviews with WCRPFD Board members, the fire chief, and a representative of Rural/Metro Fire Department, and discussions with some of the volunteer firefighters. This input brought to light important information about the internal strengths and weaknesses of the District, as well as external opportunities and threats that it faces. Additionally, strategic planning activities focused on clearly defining participants’ future goals for the District and developing specific strategies to achieve these goals.
Open Access
An inventory and analysis of biomass utilization efforts in southwestern Oregon
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2005-09) Almquist, Bill
This report aims to help communities and JCIFP partners by cataloguing and describing local efforts, presenting case studies of activities underway in other parts of Oregon and around the country, and providing recommendations on how to further proceed with woody biomass utilization efforts. The goal of this report is to assist partners and community members to make informed decisions about the types of uses to promote, potential groups to partner with, and other strategies for biomass utilization. This report is organized in four sections. Section One introduces the issues involved with biomass utilization, the different types and scales of utilization, and the most pertinent policies and reports. Section Two provides a summary of groups involved with biomass utilization in southwestern Oregon and presents findings from the analysis of those groups. Section Three discusses some of the implications of those findings and provides recommendations to JCIFP partners on possible next steps. Section Four presents case studies of efforts underway in other parts of the west that may be of significant interest to JCIFP partners and others interested utilizing biomass in the region.
Open Access
Disasters and the cycle of poverty: understanding urban, rural, and gender aspects of social vulnerability
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2005-09) Lynn, Kathy
This paper examines the impacts natural disasters have on poor communities all over the world, and the ways in which poverty and social vulnerability exacerbate disaster risk. We cannot reduce the risks poor communities face from natural disasters without addressing poverty. To address poverty reduction and disaster mitigation objectives, this paper seeks to highlight the connection between the cycle of poverty and risk from natural disasters. The paper begins by illustrating the nature of disaster risk faced by poor communities in developing countries and in the United States. The paper then examines how various aspects of social vulnerability (urban poverty, rural poverty and gender) comprise disaster risk. A series of examples highlight impacts to vulnerable populations and the strategies undertaken by individuals, communities, non-governmental organizations, and governments to build capacity to reduce disaster risk through community organizing and economic development at a local level. Finally, the paper provides a series of recommendations to consider in implementing poverty reduction measures, including the role of capacity building in helping to alleviate poverty and reduce risk from natural disasters.
Open Access
Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan lessons learned: wildfire risk assessment
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2005-07) Almquist, Bill
This paper evaluates the JCIFP risk assessment process using information gathered from interviews conducted in February and March 2005 with members of the Risk Assessment Committee. This report is intended to assist other communities in developing wildfire risk assessments by shedding light on the Josephine County experience, as well as provide Josephine County with lessons learned that can be applied to the implementation of the fire plan and monitoring of the risk assessment over time. The paper provides an overview of the relevant policies, factors and events that have led to the development of the JCIFP. Section Two provides important definitions, a detailed methodology, and the results obtained. Section Three reports on the successes and challenges of the risk assessment and collaborative process perceived by members of the Risk Assessment Committee. The final section discusses conclusions and future implications for the risk assessment as it has been carried out in Josephine County, as well as opportunities this experience may have for other communities developing fire plans.
Open Access
Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan lessons learned: an evaluation of the planning process
(Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2005-06) University of Oregon. Institute for a Sustainable Environment. Resource Innovations
Josephine County officials initiated development of the Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan (JCIFP) in July 2003, along with several federal, state, and local partners. The Plan mission is to protect against potential losses to life, property, and natural resources from wildfire. After more than a year of coordination, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners officially adopted the JCIFP in November 2004. Upon completion of the document, Resource Innovations set out to identify some of the successes and challenges of the JCIFP process. This report seeks to assist those implementing the Plan by: 1) strengthening internal communication; 2) describing outcomes that partners most want accomplished in 2005 and beyond; and 3) offering recommendations on how partners can maintain an effective and collaborative process long into the future. Moreover, this evaluation will provide a baseline analysis that can be used in future evaluations to identify how partners perceive the effectiveness of the JCIFP over time. This evaluation profiles survey participants, provides a summary of survey results and evaluates the planning process used in developing the JCIFP. This section also highlights recommendations for sustaining an effective and comprehensive wildfire protection plan in Josephine County.