Examining equity in fuel treatments for wildfire risk mitigation in the United States Forest Service

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2026

Department

Department of Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper used a mixed methods approach to examine whether socially vulnerable populations near U.S. National Forest lands received fuel treatments to reduce wildfire risk. We tested whether the location of recent treatments was related to neighborhood demographics using logistic regression with a National Forest level random intercept and regional fixed effects. Findings showed differential outcomes by race/ethnicity and tribal governance. Tribal lands were about half as likely to be treated, after controlling for biophysical risk, urbanity, land area, National Forest, and region. Neighborhoods with relatively high shares of Hispanic and Black populations were also associated with lower likelihoods of fuel treatment, compared to blocks with lower concentrations of these populations. Qualitative findings from interviews with forest managers, field work, and coding relevant government documents suggested several potential explanations. Resources for doing fuel treatments were limited, and decisions about where to do them were complex, balancing multiple priorities. Forest land management plans, environmental conditions, and environmental regulations guided decision-making about where to do fuel treatments, yet managers had discretion in prioritizing treatment locations. We found no consistent process for integrating social vulnerability– whether and how managers considered vulnerability depended on their personalities, background, and relationships. Some managers dismissed or diminished the importance of considering vulnerability, while others felt there was too much uncertainty and not enough information available to be able to consider populations that might face special risks. Decisions were often made in cooperation with already-invested partners who were knowledgeable about fire risk and could share resources, which may have directed federal resources towards relatively privileged neighborhoods.

Publication Title

Landscape and Urban Planning

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