Sarah M. McCaffrey

Title: Research Forester
Unit: People and Their Environments: Social Science Supporting Natural Resource Management and Policy
Previous Unit: Natural Environments for Urban Populations
Address: Northern Research Station
1033 University Place, Suite 360
Evanston, IL 60201-3172
Phone: 847-866-9311; ext. 20
E-mail: Contact Sarah M. McCaffrey

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Education

• University Of California--Berkeley, Ph.d., Wildland Resource Science, 2002
• University Of California--Berkeley, M.S. Wildland Resource Science, 1995
• Stanford University. B.A. International Relations, 1986

Civic & Professional Affiliations

Society of American Foresters, International Association of Wildland Fire, Society and Natural Resources

Current Research

I conduct and coordinate research to better understand the social dynamics of fire management. I am currently responsible for a National Fire Plan grant examining social acceptability of fuels treatment methods. We have initiated almost two dozen studies in a variety of ecological and geographical settings across the country, examining a range of topics including what shapes acceptability of prescribed fire and thinning, why people do or do not implement defensible space practices, and social issues around post-fire restoration. I also am part of the Fuels Planning synthesis project, a national effort to synthesize current scientific knowledge on fuels treatments from both the ecological and social perspectives and provide it to managers in accessible format.

Why is This Important

Social dynamics are a key part of fire management. No matter how ecologically and technically sound and well planned a treatment, its ultimate implementation will be highly dependant on public acceptance of the efforts. As more people move into high fire hazard areas, their active involvement in fire management will be central to successful efforts to reduce the hazard. As such, understanding their relevant beliefs and expectations, of the landscape and of land management agencies, will be crucial information for managers in developing effective plans to mitigate the fire hazard. My research helps clarify the reality behind much of the conventional wisdom about public beliefs actions in relation to fire and fuels management and what shapes those beliefs and actions. Having a clear and accurate conception of public's views can help ensure that managers' limited resources are directed in the most effective manner.

Future Research

I plan on continuing to explore issues around the social dynamics of fire management. Areas where I am exploring possible research projects include biomass utilization, effectiveness of initiatives to foster management across boundaries such as The Nature Conservancy's Fire Learning Network, and issues related to institutional knowledge and organizational effectiveness. I also hope to develop collaborative research with scientists in other countries with wildfire issues.

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