Equity in Wildfire Risk Management: Does Socioeconomic Status Predict Involvement in Federal Programs to Mitigate Wildfire Risk?

xiv, 72 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.Currently, biophysical risk factors figure prominently in federal resource allocation to communities threatened by wildfire. Yet, disaster research demonstrates that socioeconomic characteristics including age, gender, poverty, race, culture, education and political influence impact disaster risk and resilience. Consequently, this thesis evaluates whether federal wildfire program resources are reaching socially vulnerable populations. My hypothesis is that socially vulnerable populations are less likely to be involved in such mitigation efforts because of the emphasis on biophysical risk factors. To evaluate this, biophysical and social vulnerability indicators were linked at the Census Block Group level within the state of Arizona. Regression analysis was applied to evaluate predictors of participation and inclusion in federally funded wildfire mitigation efforts. Findings indicate that resources are focused on areas of high biophysical risk, without regard to social vulnerability. In fact, disadvantaged populations are less likely to be involved in wildfire mitigation efforts than their more affluent counterparts.Advisers: Neil Bania, Cassandra Moseley, Kathy Lyn

Equity in Wildfire Risk Management: Does Socioeconomic Status Predict Involvement in Federal Programs to Mitigate Wildfire Risk?

Examining committee: Dr. Neil Bania, Chair Dr. Cassandra Moseley Kathy Lynn, M.C.R.P.Currently, biophysical risk factors figure prominently in federal resource allocation to communities threatened by wildfire. Yet, disaster research demonstrates that socioeconomic characteristics including age, gender, poverty, race, culture, education and political influence impact disaster risk and resilience. Consequently, this thesis evaluates whether federal wildfire program resources are reaching socially vulnerable populations. My hypothesis is that socially vulnerable populations are less likely to be involved in such mitigation efforts because of the emphasis on biophysical risk factors. v To evaluate this, biophysical and social vulnerability indicators were linked at the Census Block Group level within the state of Arizona. Regression analysis was applied to evaluate predictors of participation and inclusion in federally funded wildfire mitigation efforts. Findings indicate that resources are focused on areas of high biophysical risk, without regard to social vulnerability. In fact, disadvantaged populations are less likely to be involved in wildfire mitigation efforts than their more affluent counterparts

MICROSATELLITE DNA LOCI FOR GENETIC STUDIES OF CRANES

MicrosateIIites are short tandem arrays of simple DNA sequences (e.g., [AC]n, where n ~ 10), which are often highly polymorphic among individuals. These repetitive elements are rapidly becoming the molecular genetic marker of choice for genetic mapping, parentage analyses, and fundamental popUlation genetics. We have isolated more than 50 microsatellite loci from the whooping crane (Grus americana). The microsatellites cloned from whooping cranes are unusually short and infrequent in comparison to other birds and especially so in comparison to mammals or reptiles. However, at least 13 of the 20 primer pairs developed amplify polymorphic loci. Paternity for 2 individuals sharing the same mother and 5 potential fathers was established by investigating 6 polymorphic loci. Additionally, the primers developed yield amplicons of the expected size from other crane species with greater than 90% success. Therefore, the markers we have developed will be useful for addressing questions about the captive management, population structure, and phylogeography of all cranes

Curry County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

165 p. Includes colored maps and figures.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

Engaging Socially Vulnerable Populations in Community Wildfire Protection Plans

23 p. : col. ill.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

Eugene pedestrian and bicycle strategic plan

32 pp. Tables, illus

Eugene pedestrian and bicycle facility design toolkit

42 pp. References, illus.Lane Council of Governments, Oregon Transportation Resources and Education Consortiu