United States. Department of. Agriculture. Forest. Service. Washington. Office. 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. Washington
United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Washington Office
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250
File Code: Date:
1500 September 9, 2011
National Science Foundation Review Panel National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Boulevard Dear National Science Foundation Review Panel: This letter supports Dr. Branda Nowell and Dr. Toddi Steelman and their proposed research project that explores how adaptive capacity relates to performance indicators during disasters such as wildfires. Many recognize that the Forest Service (FS) and other wildland fire agencies have been challenged over the past decade by increasingly large wildfires that affect more people in the wildland urban interface—all of which pose considerable challenges for managing these large, complex events effectively. Although the FS has made progress mitigating the many factors that contribute to the wildfire problem, uncertainty remains about how to address many of the social issues associated with wildfire management. Dr. Nowell and Dr. Steelman have helped in furthering our understanding along these lines to date. Consequently, I am enthusiastic about this most recent proposal. As Director for the FS Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) program, I continuously work towards more long term sustainable solutions to the wildfire problem. Capacity building, including preparedness activities prior to a wildfire, has been a key component to more effective wildfire management. Dr. Nowell’s and Dr. Steelman’s research will help us better understand whether and how adaptive capacity relates to better organizational performance during a wildfire. I support this project and feel the data and insight could influence fire policy and management to keep up with a changing fire environment. I am also willing to serve as an advisor on the project. Thank you for your consideration in funding this project through the National Science Foundation. Sincerely, /s/ T.C. Harbour TOM HARBOUR Director, Fire and Aviation Management
