This research project examines local fire managers’ knowledge of a range of fuel management activities required to build efficient fuel reduction programs to reduce bushfire risk.
This research also examines the knowledge gaps and resources limitations that management authorities face in successfully planning and implementing fuel reduction programs in different regions of Australia.
We will use different approaches to look at factors that may influence the development of a fuel management program and also specific factors to consider to evaluate the suitability of different fuel management approaches.
Figure 1 (above): Example of final output maps which can be created from the survey results
We would like to know more about your expert knowledge on different fuel mitigation activities conducted in your region.
This survey aims to answer the following questions:
- What are the most critical elements to consider when deciding if a fuel management activity can be conducted? Are there specific limitations or ideal application sites?
- When can each activity be conducted (i.e. window of opportunity)? When are these activities likely to be most effective?
- Where can each activity be applied (e.g. proximity to different classes of land use and vegetation type)?
- What resources does each technique require in terms of training, equipment, and materials?
- What are the costs, benefits, and impacts (social and environmental) associated with each fuel management activity?
This survey’s results will be used to develop a generic tool to assess the suitability of a range of vegetation management options for a particular location based on a variety of features at that location. Fire and land managers will then be able to use the tool to develop local Bushfire Risk Management Plans under current or plausible future conditions.
We are particularly interested in learning more about the following fuel management activities to progress scientific knowledge:
- Mechanical fuel load reduction
- Chemical works
- Fire breaks or strategic access
- Grazing
You will be asked to answer questions about one specific fuel management activity (based on your expertise), but you will have the option to comment on other activities if you want to.
It should take
- 15-20min to answer questions for 1 type of activity,
- 20-30min for 2 types*,
- 30-45min for 3 types of fuel reduction activities*.
*You will be able to access the survey at any time if you would like to comment on other mitigation activities later.
All responses will be held confidentially and securely following the University of Adelaide data protocols, and information will be anonymised for inclusion within this initiative.
Participation in this project is completely voluntary. If you agree to participate (start filling the survey), you can stop at any time and decide not to submit your results.
Please answer all questions that are relevant to you. If you feel that you are not able to answer a question, you can choose the option “I don’t know” or put NA in the response field.
We would appreciate if you could forward the link of the survey to other people who may be able to respond.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Amelie Jeanneau amelie.jeanneau@adelaide.edu.au