Stakeholder Perspectives

The sustainability of a web service like that proposed for WALTER depends on the commitment, both now and into the future, of stakeholders and researchers. The communication lines are an institutional part of the WALTER project. On the one hand, WALTER investigators assess the needs of stakeholders like fire managers, public land managers, and climate researchers at regular intervals. On the other hand, intermediate research results and conceptual web applications are shared with these stakeholders so that their comments can be used to inform, and where possible, appropriately modify the research and development process. This includes verification of web content, web applications and visualization tools. This two-way knowledge exchange facilitates the transition from validated research to the creation of relevant, operational applications requested by the stakeholders. It equally serves to keep those stakeholders apprised of current research on climate and human influences on wildfire.

Perspectives

Educational Themes

Science

Dr. I. Wanda Walter is a scientist who studies the factors that contribute to wildfire planning and prevention: climate, fuel load, etc.

History

Grandpa Lou Walter is a great source of information on historical fires. His stories about past wildfires -- and the conditions that contributed to them -- are a great source for people hoping to prevent or control similar fires in the future.

Fire
Management

Dana "Driptorch" Walter has a hands-on role in wildfire prevention and management. As an employee of the Forest Service, she fights wildfires that start on public lands. She also uses a driptorch and other equipment to start controlled burns that eliminate excess fuel and prevent wildfires from spreading.

Fire Prevention
Private Lands

Homer Walter -- private landowner, wants to know how to protect his property from wildfire

Policy and
Planning

Joe Walter is a community official. He keeps fire risk in mind when he helps make policies about land use in his community. He is also involved in the planning process, deciding how the city will grow and change the urban-wildland interface.

Informing the
Media

Patty "PR" Walter is the main source of public information about wildfires and fire risk in a community. She uses television, newspapers, and radio to inform the the community about current firefighting efforts and to educate citizens on wildfire prevention.

Education

Eddie Walter learns about wildfire in his class at school. His teacher needs current and relevant educational resources to teach her students the facts -- and myths -- about wildfire. If the kids learn the right stuff, they can grow up to be responsible, fire wise land owners and community members.

Recreational
Use

Walker Walter wants to know how wildfire affects her recreational pursuits, including bird watching, hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and the like. She seeks information on fire danger, status and access to wildlands, and tips to reduce her impact on the land.

Web Design &
Development

Theresa "Techie" Walter represents the WALTER Webmasters. She provides information about the process of presenting the research of the WALTER team on the World Wide Web, including what software is used, explanation of the architecture of the web site, and metadata.

Data

Data Hound searches the Internet to sniff out data sources that can be used to make tools that will help predict and prevent devastating wildfires. He knows where to find downloadable data on the Web.