Findings from private lands prescribed fire workshops in the Sierra Nevada, California

Abstract Background Globally, prescribed fire political interest and practice was rekindled following recent devastating wildfire seasons. This phenomena was especially acute in areas with dual wildfire and forest health crises, like California. Previous research seeks to understand prescribed fire on public lands or on private lands in other regions, but little is known about prescribed fire practice or interest on private lands in California. Therefore, we sought to understand private land managers’ perceptions of prescribed fire and other land management techniques, treatment pathways, motivations, and barriers to complete these treatments in California. Results Before the workshop, we surveyed participants in 6 prescribed fires on private lands workshops in the Central Sierra Nevada from 2018 to 2019 (N = 172). We found that participants “want to use” piles and broadcast prescribed fires more than other land management treatments. There was also a strong interest in mechanical treatments in contrast to low interest in grazing. Some participants had “heard about” and “want to use” some pathways to apply prescribed fire on their lands, including government programs, contractors, friends and family, and Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs). People had multiple objectives for their prescribed fire goals, and the majority wanted to promote ecosystem health e.g. reduce fire hazards, foster natural land health, and reduce invasive plants. Perceived barriers were greatest for safety, cost, and resources while fewer participants perceived permits as a barrier. Conclusion Participants are in the early stages of considering using prescribed fire and would like to burn small areas, potentially to build confidence and skills. At this stage, there is strong interest in using prescribed fire on private lands, and some perceived best pathways and barriers are unique from prescribed fire practice on public lands. At the same time, private and public land managers share a common motivation to promote ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk and impacts.