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Journal article
Rural Leaders' Perspectives on Prescribed Burns: A Qualitative Study
Environmental health insights, Vol.20, p.11786302251401301
2026
PMID: 41550684
Web of Science ID: WOS:001662339000001
Abstract
Prescribed burning, the intentional application of fire to landscapes, is a crucial tool for land management. It aids in forest rejuvenation and controls nuisance species. This study explores the perceptions of 19 rural leaders in the Ozark Mountains regarding private landowners' access to information and their involvement in decision-making about prescribed fires in the region. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Interviews with rural leaders highlighted 3 main themes: structured efforts for community-based land management, capacity building partnerships, and smoke management safety. Our study's findings underscore the transformative potential of prescribed burn associations' structured efforts for community-based land management in bridging gaps between policy, and practice. Our study also reveals how collaborative networks enhance resource-sharing, and decision-making autonomy, thereby expanding prescribed burn access for Missouri's private landowners. Finally, persistent challenges, such as smoke management resource gaps, highlight the need for targeted investments in education and technology. While this research focuses on Mark Twain National Forest in south-central Missouri, its implications extend to other regions of the United States struggling with fragmented landownership and climate-driven wildfire risks, offering insights for scalable prescribed burn strategies.
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- Title
- Rural Leaders' Perspectives on Prescribed Burns
- Publication Details
- Environmental health insights, Vol.20, p.11786302251401301
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Ltd.
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: 1P2CES033430-01. PI The Barnes-Jewish Foundation
The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 1P2CES033430-01. PI: Linda McCauley, Support by The Barnes-Jewish Foundation.
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026.
- Identifiers
- WOS:001662339000001; 99381601904306600
- Academic Unit
- School of Nursing; Usha Kundu, MD College of Health
- Language
- English