EPA Research Partner Support Story: Listening sessions with state, local, and tribal representatives to discuss research needs concerning wildland fires

Partners: State & local environmental and health agencies (AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY), regional clean air agencies, Western States Air Resources Council and interested tribes
Challenge: Addressing state, regional & local and tribal research needs related to wildland fires
Resource: EPA-hosted listening sessions with state & local agencies from western and neighboring states and Tribal representatives to discuss their research priorities and needs concerning wildland fires
Project Period: January – February 2022

Increasing fire activity has had significant impacts on the western states as well as Tribes. As EPA continues efforts to address the challenging questions associated with wildland fires and their impacts, it is imperative to ensure that we understand the greatest concerns of our partners in the states, Tribes and regions.

“This convening was so important for highlighting our science needs to EPA on life and death wildfire issues, and to share knowledge among state colleagues facing the same challenges.” – Oregon Health Authority, Environmental Public Health Section Manager Gabriela Goldfarb

“What I took away from listening to other Tribes was the frustration at not being allowed to burn in their traditional manner, and that there appears to be a disconnect between EPA's interest in smoke/air quality and Tribal interests in effects of fire on water and ecology and groundwater (used for drinking). I hope that listening to Tribal interests  guides upcoming research. It was useful to know that mobile monitoring systems are being developed, and I hope Tribes are involved to ensure new systems fit their needs.” – Chickaloon Native Village (Alaska) Environmental Program Manager Kendra Zamzow, PhD

EPA ORD invited representatives from 14 western and neighboring state, regional & local environmental and health agencies, as well as Tribal nations to participate in a series of listening sessions held in January and February 2021. State, regional & local agencies and Tribes shared their top challenges and science needs related to wildland fires (including wildfires and prescribed burning) and smoke. Their input is of critical importance as we work together to better understand the impacts of wildland fires more fully on air quality, water quality and health, as well as how best to communicate to the public.

These localized perspectives, comments and feedback from the listening sessions were captured by EPA staff and used to inform implementation of ORD’s wildland fire research program and development of ORD’s Strategic Research Action Plans (FY23-26).

The listening sessions were also an opportunity to provide attendees with overviews of current EPA research on wildland fires and key resources available to support states, Tribes and communities. For more information, visit AirNow Fire and Smoke Map Pilot Project, Smoke Sense, Smoke Ready Toolbox for Wildfires, and Wildfire Smoke Guide. EPA ORD held follow-up webinars in early 2022 to summarize what we heard from these listening sessions, what we are currently doing to address the needs and challenges expressed by states, Tribes and local agencies, and how we plan to incorporate additional considerations in our Fiscal Year 2023-2026 research planning.