Fuel reduction strategies in forest communities: a longitudinal analysis of public support

This study uses panel data from a mail survey administered to the same individuals in 1996 and 2000 to measure change in public attitudes toward fire management programs on federal lands in eastern Oregon and Washington. Findings were generally similar between 1996 and 2000, but three noteworthy changes occurred over the four-year interval. First, the number of citizens who view smoke as a problem has risen. Second, citizens gave Forest Service information programs lower ratings and considered other sources of information more reliable. And finally, the relationship between the Forest Service and residents in the region appears to have eroded. Nevertheless, respondents continued to support prescribed fire and mechanized thinning for fuel reduction purposes in local forests.