Managing Wildland-Urban Interface

 

I think the main challenges in managing the wildland-urban interface are safety reasons for both humans and native species in the area. For humans, a major concern for WUI living is wildfires. In the United States, around 60,000 communities are at risk of wildfires from brush, grass, or forests (3). One way to manage this issue is by creating fire-adapted communities. If I were the manager, I would create a wildfire protection plan. This plan would assess the community risks, create preventative measures, and have an actionable plan in an emergency. For example, to assess the community risks, we would have a map of places in areas with past wildfires. It would also have requirements for living in the area, such as frequently cleaning leaves and twigs from out of your gutter.

 

Changes in WUI places between 1990 and 2010 and two areas that have experienced wildfires.

Defining and Contextualizing WUI Fires - The Chemistry of Fires at the Wildland-Urban Interface - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

Wildland-urban interface is affecting native species’ safety and health through fragmentation and the introduction of invasive species. Habitat fragmentation is the disruption of habitat continuity caused by humans. It can affect the health of ecosystems by reducing biodiversity. For example, it reduces biodiversity by reducing habitat size, increasing edges, and isolating patches (1). Small patches from fragmentation are correlated with smaller populations making species more susceptible to local extinction. To manage this issue, I would create connections between patches. Connections would not only allow species to immigrate and expand habitats, but they would also benefit soil, water, and air quality.

Another safety hazard connected to the wildland-urban interface is the introduction of invasive species. Research shows that the main cause of invasive species introduction is human actions. Invasive species change ecosystem structure, disrupt trophic relations, and cause human and native species health risks. If I were managing land, to prevent the introduction of invasive species, I would make sure the risks of invasive species and how to prevent them are known to people moving into and living in the area. For example, I would stress the importance of cleaning boats before use or shopping locally for new plants. I would also try to provide locally sourced goods such as firewood and native bait for fishing.

I believe there is a way we can spend time in nature without causing major disruptions. I think if we are mindful of the harm we can cause and respectful of the land, I see no issue with it. It is important, however, that people know about ecological issues caused by humans and how to prevent them. There definitely needs to be harsh restrictions and rules in places with fishing, hunting, and recreational nature use.

¹Communications, IFAS. “Florida Land Steward.” Wildland Urban Interface - Florida Land Steward - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS, programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/forest-management/wildland-urban-interface/. Accessed 3 June 2023.

²Spratley, Marissa. “10 Ways You Can Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species.” Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, 6 Apr. 2021, www.allianceforthebay.org/2018/02/10-ways-you-can-prevent-the-spread-of-invasive-species/#:~:text=10%20Ways%20You%20Can%20Prevent%20the%20Spread%20of,an%20invasive%20species%2C%20report%20it%20...%20More%20items.