November 14, 2005 Strategic Vision for Wildland Fire Prevention in the Northern Rockies This document is the Strategic Vision of the Fire Prevention Committee for the Northern Rockies Coordination Group (NRCG). The Strategic Vision sets forth the objectives and actions necessary to implement the wildland fire prevention program. This document will be reviewed annually and updated as the Committee deems necessary. This Vision incorporates activities that focus on changing behaviors and perceptions of fire through education, engineering and enforcement. Through a combination of wildland fire prevention activities and a strong emphasis on interagency and public communication, we will reduce the numbers, effects, and losses from unwanted wildland fires. Wildland fires that are fewer in number and intensity will increase public and firefighter safety. Mission Statement: The Northern Rockies Fire Prevention Committee is established under the Northern Rockies Coordinating Group to foster interagency leadership and coordination of fire prevention activities, including public education, engineering and enforcement. Vision Statement: Integrate fire prevention activities and public outreach programs in the Northern Rockies region. The following are objectives for the Committee and a list of suggested actions to achieve them. 1. Market the Northern Rockies Wildland Fire Prevention Committee ¾ Look into having a webpage on the NRCG site ¾ Put links to aforementioned site from other agency sites ¾ Complete Northern Rockies directory ¾ Create and distribute newsletter ¾ Use every available opportunity to market committee ¾ Develop white paper/talking points on topics that are important to the committee and distribute 2. Expand representation in the committee ¾ Include National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, etc. ¾ Promote prevention through grant programs Page 1 November 14, 2005 3. Improve Fire Investigation ¾ Publicize training courses ¾ Develop fire investigation network ¾ Include an informational tab on committee webpage ¾ Explore existing avenues ¾ Select member of committee to be point of contact ¾ Track fire cause trends 4. Education/Workshops ¾ Continue committee workshops ¾ Promote Firewise workshops ¾ Utilize FireWorks ¾ Support the Keep Green and Smokey programs ¾ Maintain a balanced message on fire ¾ Create request order form and documents on how to manage Prevention Teams 5. Restrictions & Closures ¾ Emphasize and facilitate zone training ¾ Create FAQ document and disseminate to agencies & public ¾ Communication network ¾ Zone coordinator meetings and involve agency administrators 6. Promote Fire Prevention to Agency Managers ¾ Show prevention as cost effective ¾ Submit reports to NRCG Board ¾ Members give reports to their agency leadership ¾ Find ways to quantify successes and communicate them 7. Integrate Prevention into Training ¾ Committee member needs to be point of contact ¾ Advocate adding prevention into appropriate training courses/programs ¾ Promote and advertise prevention courses 8. WUI Building Codes ¾ Collect existing documentation, including risk assessment & rating forms ¾ Put information on website ¾ Collect and promote success stories Page 2