Dr. Scott Stephens, fire ecologist, UC Berkeley Professor, Henry Vaux Distinguished Professor in Forest Policy, and Faculty Affiliate of the Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity, collaborated with colleagues on the U.S. Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission to publish a report on national wildfire policy, September 27, 2023.
Recognizing how human-caused climate change and other threats are increasing wildfire above natural levels, President Joe Biden signed into law the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which included substantial funding for wildland fire management. The Act established the Commission to provide recommendations for more effective fire management in the U.S. Scott Stephens served as an alternate on the Commission.
From 20 years of published field research, conducted with colleagues, on fire ecology in Yosemite National Park and across California, Scott was able to provide science-based recommendations for the Commission. In particular, the recommendations highlighted the need for proactive fire management, particularly the restoration of natural fire through prescribed burning, cultural burning by Indian tribes, and the managed use of naturally-ignited wildfires.
Scott has previously contributed science to California and U.S. fire policy through legislative testimony, briefings for legislators, and service on the Little Hoover Commission, which developed a state-wide plan for California forest management.
Scott Stephens with tree sections showing past environmental change. Photo by KQED Public Broadcasting.