JFSP Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Joint Fire Science Program?

It is a six agency partnership to address wildland fuels issues. The six agencies, designated by the Congress, are the USDA Forest Service and five bureaus of the Department of the Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Q. What is the purpose of the Program?

To provide wildland fire and fuels information and tools to specialists and managers who make wildland fuels management decisions. The information and tools will also help agencies develop sound, scientifically based land use and activity plans.

Q. How does the Program address wildland fuels issues?

Primarily by soliciting proposals for science projects that are designed to answer specific questions or solve specific problems related to wildland fuels issues. Announcement for Proposals (AFPs) are issued periodically as funding is available.

Q. What are the guiding principals for the Program?

A Joint Fire Science Plan was prepared at the request of the Congress. The plan describes four principal purposes. In 2001 Congress added four additional purposes. Task statements in Announcements for Proposals are developed to further one or more of the principal purposes. The eight purposes are:

Fuel inventory and mapping
Effects of fuel treatments
Scheduling of fuel treatments
Monitoring and evaluation
Post-fire stabilization and rehabilitation
Remote sensing methods
Rapid response projects
Local needs of managers

Q. How is the Program managed?

The Program is managed by an appointed 10-person Governing Board, with five representatives from the Department of the Interior and five from the USDA Forest Service. Day-to-day activities are managed by a program office located at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. The Governing Board roster is available from the Program office.

Q. You've had a fuels management program for years. How is this different?

Traditional agency fuels programs are operational. In contrast, the purpose of the Joint Fire Science Program is to obtain information and tools to assist the operational programs.

Q. How do agencies, groups, or individuals provide comments or input to the Program?

Comments can be provided to representatives on the Governing Board, or to the Program office in Boise. Phone numbers at the Boise office are (208) 387-5349 for Erik Berg, Program Manager, and (208) 387-5865 for Tim Swedberg, Communications. We welcome your ideas and comments. The staff also seeks input from fire and fuels managers throughout the nation to determine field and agency priorities.

Q. I've heard that this Program applies only to the Western States. Is that true?

No. Most people view wildland fires as a western issue, but fires have historically burned in every corner of the nation. The Program attempts to obtain information and tools that are applicable across a variety of jurisdictions, fuel types, and geographic areas.