Future Search Conference Notes
Park City, UT - October 6-8, 1997
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Wildland
Fire Research Future Search Conference Notes Park City, UT - October 6-8, 1997 |
VIII. Conclusions
The rapidly changing fire research environment, competition for existing resources, and new client expectations set the stage for an energetic exchange of ideas in a compressed, two-day forum. Fire scientists, colleagues from other disci- plines, and fire managers, met to envision and chart the course of wildland fire research and to commit to its successful future.
Each participant carried personal frustrations and ideals and found others who shared or challenged their beliefs and feelings. They gained a better understanding of why some things are not working and brain-stormed possible solutions. Success stories were shared and ways to capitalize on them were discovered. New approaches to research administration, funding, and accountability were discussed. Attendees gained a better understanding of the major strategic decisions that are being weighed by managers and formed new research alliances to support the decision process. The group was invigorated by an intense and rapid exchange of ideas. Many participants became more aware of the positive trends that will affect the future.
The success of the conference, and the success of the research community, can only be measured by what occurs in the future. Quality science must be used to solve real problems.
Looking toward the future:
- Will better competitive interagency mechanisms to solicit new ideas and fund integrated research be implemented?
- Will a sharper definition of the future of wildland fire actually emerge to guide the direction of creative thought, scientific investigation, and the development of knowledge systems?
- Will the integration of social sciences into the fire research community provide better alignment to rapidly changing social values with regard to ecosystems, fire safety, air quality, the global environment, and economic efficiency?
- Will the integration of fire research with other science disciplines and emerging technologies add quality and efficiency to our delivery of knowledge systems?
- Will the science community be able to mobilize in support of the new dimensions of fire management?
- Will we be able to better anticipate the future and plot a course for fire research, or will we continue to be reactive?
- Will participants as individuals and in new alliances, do what is necessary to achieve what was jointly envisioned?
A need exists to find a way to coherently respond and adapt to changing conditions such as climate change and the role of fire in response to ecosystem change. In addition, there is a need for a coordinated expression of how land managers view research problems and where the lack of information limits decision making.
The process of dialogue and competition for ideas will take months and years to be fully translated into action. There are many tactical results that will come out of this conference; specifically, communicating and organizing.
A modest set of actions were identified and individual commitments were made. The new relationships formed and the visions shared will lead to significant future action. Several events over the next few months will bring the wildland fire research community a few steps closer to a shared vision of the future. This conference was not conceived as a single event but instead as a small, critical part of a lifetime process.
Title: RMRS-P-1:
Wildland Fire Research - Future Search Conference Notes: VIII.
Conclusions
Electronic Publish Date: December 16, 1998
Expires: Indefinite
Last Update: August
19, 2008