Local Residents’ Preferences and Attitudes toward Creating Defensible Space against Wildfire in the Northeast Pine Barrens

Abstract

Creating more defensible neighborhoods in the wildland-urban interface requires better understanding of local preferences for residential landscaping meant to reduce wildland fire risk and of the motivation of residents to undertake action at home. A survey of local residents within two areas of fire-prone pitch pine ecosystem in the northeastern United States used a photo questionnaire depicting scenes of different residential landscaping, as well as written items about residents’ plans for creating more defensible space. The results indicate a low to mid-level perception of wildfire risk to homes and property, despite the participants’ experience with wildfires in the area. Participants showed higher preference for scenes showing a balance of native plants and ornamental lawns than for those with lawn only or entirely native forest plantings. Despite their perceptions, residents engaged in defensible space strategies. In particular, those with a higher degree of natural areas knowledge were more likely to thin trees or vegetation than were other residents. The desire to retain mature trees around residential homes is a challenge to creating more defensible space. The connection between landscape preference and willingness to engage in residential landscaping may both benefit local ecosystems and contribute to their resistance to fire.