In recent years, both managers and researchers have devoted considerable effort to the social aspects of wildland fire management around the globe. The organizers of the Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire Conference are seeking abstracts for contributed papers (both oral presentations and posters) that focus on the human dimensions of wildland fire and the practice of wildland fire management.

Focus: We are interested in presentations that address the needs of wildland fire managers from diverse social and national perspectives.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

•  Working with homeowners to protect them and their homes from fire

•  Fostering increased public participation in fire management planning

•  Identifying costs and benefits of different management practices, including   ways of increasing productivity and reducing fire management costs

•  Improving communication with local communities and within the fire service

•  Evaluating management strategies during a wildfire incident

•  Improving firefighter safety

•  Addressing arson challenges

Alternative perspectives and solutions to fire and fuel management problems are welcome. In short, we are looking for new approaches to the problems faced by people that manage and are impacted by wildland fire.

Whose work : This conference is intended for researchers and professionals involved in any aspect of the science or practice of human dimensions of wildland fire. We want to hear the insights that managers and researchers from a variety of disciplines can bring in understanding key social concerns and dynamics.

Rules : Abstracts should be limited to 350 words or less (25 to 30 typed lines; font size 12pt). Contributed papers will be assigned to sessions by topic. Contributors are therefore asked to identify topic categories that are most closely associated with their proposed presentation. An online form for submission of abstracts can be accessed through the link below.

Poster presenters will be expected to attend their posters at designated times during the conference.

Review : All submissions should be original or be based on unpublished ideas pertaining to the art, science, management, and policy aspects of people and wildland fire. Papers will be reviewed with an eye for applicability to managers needs. We are particularly interested in presentations that have the potential to contribute to the development of productive collaborative relationships between line managers and researchers.

Deadlines : March 30, 2007 is the deadline for: (1) oral paper abstract submission, (2) poster abstract submission, and (3) for identifying and requesting a Special Session. The conference Program Committee will review all abstracts and determine which will be accepted and when the paper will be presented. Authors of accepted papers and or posters will be notified by e-mail no later than May 30, 2007 .

Papers: Authors of abstracts accepted for oral or poster presentation have the option of preparing a manuscript for inclusion in the conference proceedings which will be available on CD-ROM. Specific paper instructions will be provided with notification of presentation acceptance. The deadline for the submission of manuscripts is September 15, 2007 .

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