Perceptions, Impacts, Actions, Shared Values and Trust: The Experience of Community Residents in a Fire-Prone Ecosystem

Patricia L. Winter and George T. Cvetkovich

USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and Western Washington University

A series of studies conducted on natural resource management issues surrounding risk to habitat, species, and humans has informed our understanding of the role of perceived similar salient values and trust (Cvetkovich and Winter 2002, 2003, 2004; Cvetkovich Winter and Earle 1995; Winter 2003; Winter and Cvetkovich 2000; Winter and Cvetkovich in press). Trust has continued to be highlighted as an essential element of fire management and communication (Shindler, Brunson and Cheek 2004; Winter, Vogt and Fried 2002; Winter, Vogt and McCaffery 2004) and risk management and communication in general (Covello and others 1986; Frudenberg and Rursh 1994; Johnson 2004; Slovic 1999 and 2000). However, the functions of salient values similarity and trust have not been explored in the context of the experience of residing within a fire prone community.

The risk and impact of fires have been significant on the San Bernardino National Forest. The perceptions of the impact held by community residents living in areas surrounded by the forest are important to understand. Issues of interest include residents’ responses to fire risk, beliefs about personal and agency responsibility to address risk, personal experiences with fire, and stressors associated with living in a fire prone area. These issues are examined in light of perceived shared values with the Forest Service and other community residents, as well as trust.

To examine these issues, 200 residents from fire prone communities surrounding an urban National Forest participated in focus group discussions and completed self-administered surveys. Results demonstrate the key influences that salient values similarity and trust have in perceptions of, and reactions to fire risk, personal actions taken, and responses to management actions. Implications for communication and collaboration, education, and management actions are discussed in light of the role of salient values similarity and trust in a risk environment.

Fire Session - Thursday Afternoon

corresponding author:

Patricia L. Winter
USDA Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Research Station
4955 Canyon Crest Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
951-680-1557
pwinter@fs.fed.us