Changing Roles: WUI Professional Development Program
Natural resource agencies are being called upon to provide
solutions to increasingly complex challenges at the
wildland-urban interface (WUI). Communities are growing rapidly, landowners’ management
goals often conflict,
residents may not understand the benefits of resource management, and the
resulting risks to environmental quality
and human quality of life are becoming more apparent. To help meet these
needs, the Southern Group of State
Foresters led a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Southern Center
for Wildland-Urban Interface Research
and Information (SCWUIRI), the University of Florida, School of Forest
Resources and Conservation, and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service to develop this WUI professional development
program. This program provides state and
federal natural resource agencies with a set of flexible resources to conduct
their own training programs, aimed
toward building skills and tools to successfully tackle WUI issues.
| Trainer's Corner - NEW! | |
Changing Roles Handout -  |
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| Table
of Contents/Acknowledgments -
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| Using
This Program - Provides a brief description of the materials included in the program and how they can be used. |
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| Trainer's
Introduction - Includes the history behind the development of this program and an introduction to all the training materials. Some examples of how the materials can be combined and organized to create programs are provided in sample agendas. Also included are suggestions for planning a professional development program. |
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Module 1: Wildland-Urban
Interface Issues and Connections |
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Module 2: Managing Interface Forests Provides tools and knowledge for effectively managing fragmented forests in the WUI. Includes practicing silviculture at the interface; small-scale harvesting systems; managing for wildlife, fire, and visual and recreational amenities; enterprise opportunities for landowners; and forest cooperatives. |
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Module 3: Land-Use Planning and Policy Explains land-use decision-making tools, the role of natural resource professionals in the decision-making and land-use planning process, and how natural resource professionals can get involved. |
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Module 4: Communicating with Interface Residents and Leaders Discusses key tips for effective communication with WUI residents and community leaders, beginning with the need to understand the audience, strategies for effectively sharing information and planning programs, and working to resolve conflict and support changes in behavior. |
| Case Studies Provide examples of challenges and success stories from across the South. Discussion questions are included to facilitate deeper understanding and encourage dialogue. |
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| Evaluation Resources The trainer feedback form can be completed and submitted from this page. Questions to evaluate your training program can be downloaded. |
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| Resources A bibliography of books, articles, websites, programs, and other tools pertaining to each module subject matter is provided. These resources can help trainers expand their libraries and knowledge if they want to emphasize a particular topic area. Ideas for field trips and guest speakers are also included. |
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