Attitudes of Residents in the Greater Chicago Region Toward Prescribed Burns and Ecological Restoration: A Report to the Chicago Wilderness Burn Communications Team

摘要

The purpose of this study was to investigate public attitudes toward use of prescribed burns in restoration and management of natural areas in northeast Illinois, southeast Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. By segmenting according to attitudes toward prescribed, specific publics were identified in order to target communication messages tailored to that groups orientation. Prescribed burns are a necessary management practice in reducing fuel loads and removing unwanted vegetation, and are especially important in restoring tall grass prairies and oak savanna woodlands. Public attitudes toward prescribed burns have been mixed. A nationwide survey found the general public expressed divided support for prescribed burns (Manfredo et al. 1990). Other studies (see for example Smith and Clark 1994, Bright et al. 1993, Shelby and Speaker 1990) report similar results. Employing prescribed burns in urban areas offers added problems. Public beliefs about fire are deeply ingrained to perceive fire as a negative agent in an ecosystem (Taylor et al. 1986). Although public support for ecosystem restoration in the greater Chicago region is relatively strong (Barro and Bright 1998), some opposition has been noted to burning and other restoration activities (Gobster 1997). By understanding public concerns for fire application in urban regions, communication strategies can be developed to inform and educate various members of the public about the beneficial aspects of prescribed burns and manner in which burns are conducted.