A better understanding of the role of fire in ecosystem dynamics has tempered the demand for all out suppression of fires and has also led to the use of prescribed natural fire management and wildland fire use for resource benefit (Rollins et al. 2001).  This transition in fire management depends largely on how well technology is integrated and applied to allow managers to restore fire while minimizing negative social consequences (Gollberg et al. 2001).  To be achieved, reform requires better development, dissemination, and utilization of scientifically based information to assist in efficient formulation and implementation of policy (Franklin and Agee 2003, Stephens and Ruth 2005).  Recognizing this opportunity, we have used GIS technology as a tool to try and disseminate information of Wildland Fire Use for the Intermountain Region (IMR) of National Park Service (NPS) lands.

Our research goals were: 1. To develop a map for NPS and general public use that identifies Wildland Fire Use areas.  2. Determine mean acreage is similar between Wildland Fire Use Areas compared to non-Wildland Fire Use Areas within the NPS IMR.

Various GISs have already demonstrated their usefulness in wildland planning, but their capabilities have not been fully explored for providing information for fire management decision makers.  By integrating maps and tabular information in a common spatial data base, coordination with other resources will also be more easily accomplished (Hamilton et al. 1989).