Wildland Fire Research Future Search Conference Notes Park City, UT - October 6-8, 1997

VII. Closing

"Let's integrate research into the established management processes. The timing is right, and the issues are dead-on. The opportunity exists to cast a wide net across the scientific community."
--Jerry Williams

"We have to accept the time limitations of this conference. Personally, I had no idea that things were so disorganized. "
-- Lori Osterstock

"We met in a microcosm that gave us a glimpse of the macrocosm. Although I saw movement in the conference, many stakeholders avoided or were hesitant to make a personal commitment. We're all wrestling with that. This group is a reflection of society at large."
--Jim Saveland

"The success of this conference will be determined by the ripple effect in the fire community over the coming months."
--Conference facilitators

A process was initiated, new allies formed, and directions taken.

This conference provided an opportunity to identify and refine wildland fire research and management issues and to determine how science can contribute to these issues. More common ground had been discovered than some thought was possible. But there was also a sense of frustration and confusion. Acknowledging that this meeting was only a beginning, participants asked: How can we best take advantage of this meeting of stakeholders?

The Future Search method forced participants to admit that they often did not understand the needs of many of the other disciplines. What is our understanding of the state-of-the-art in each discipline? How is collaboration possible without fully understanding what others are doing and what their needs are?

Participants admitted that organizational structures and processes have been barriers to achieving desired results, and some felt that duplication and "hobby" research should stop. Several specialists in attendance expressed disappointment that the workshop did not provide a platform to resolve many critical scientific issues such as evaluation of the use or nonuse of fire history information. Identification of the difference between application needs and the research of problems is fundamental. Too often the focus of research is long-term and is concentrated on future fundamentals. Some thought funding must be spent to develop and communicate research to the ground.

Researchers stated that they must convince managers to obtain research funding for what they need. Managers expressed concern that fire management staffs do not have an organized way to collect the data and the qualified crews to accomplish the work. They believe that it is the responsibility of research to ensure that local units are supplied with what they need. Managers expressed the importance of mobilizing to meet the changing needs of society. They are concerned that integration will diffuse their energy and focus.

Some participants felt that the decreasing budget is a myth. They believe sufficient funding exists but is being shifted around. There was concern that the survival of research is threatened. How will research obtain money to survive over the long term? Also, some participants felt that a deliberate, broad consideration of stakeholders was absent for this conference. Others believed that those in attendance were notable members of their disciplines and represented a sufficiently complete spectrum of stakeholders.

Opinions about the action plans were mixed. The degree of agreement, commitment, and closure within each group was variable. A positive result of the action plans is that no action items were assigned to people not in attendance.

Many participants were frustrated by the process because of thelimited time available, not knowing the desired outcome, or being unsure of the actual outcome.

Regardless of the issue addressed, the process must be interdisciplinary and coordinated. The question remains, "What is the role of fire research in the context of future natural resource management?"

"Things get fixed because leaders take personal responsibility. Integrating research is crucial for the success of our ability to manage the land."
--Jerry Williams

Marvin R. Weisbord and Sandra Janoff, Future Search: An Action Guide to Finding Comming Ground in Organizations and Communities

A Future Search Conference requires us to explore different aspects of our perceptions, intellect, and emotions. In "contentment" we accept things the way they are. Unfamiliar experiences disturb the status quo. When we'd rather not admit or deal with change, we go into the "denial" room where we act as if things are okay. At some point though we admit that we are frustrated and unsure; we have entered the "confusion" room. Roughly half of Future Search Conference is spent in "confusion", which creates high anxiety and a readiness for new opportunities. Renewal becomes a welcome possibility after identifying a common future and beginning action plans.

Title: RMRS-P-1: Wildland Fire Research - Future Search Conference Notes: VII. Closing
Electronic Publish Date: December 16, 1998
Expires: Indefinite
Last Update: August 19, 2008

RMRS Publications | Order a publication | Contact Us