Wildfire risk and response in Jasper National Park, Alberta: Application of an adaptation readiness framework.

JASPER National Park (Alta.); ALBERTA

Environmental change associated with warmer temperatures is creating unprecedented conditions in natural regions and ecosystems. In Jasper National Park, Alberta, climate change, historical fire management practices, and the mountain pine beetle infestation are combining to increase the risk of a major wildfire. The intent of this short viewpoint is to provide a primer for decision makers. The application of an adaptation readiness framework highlights areas where the Park's level of preparedness for wildfire adaptation is well developed and areas in need of further attention. Areas where adaptation is well developed include political leadership, decision making, and stakeholder engagement. Further attention is necessary around institutional organizations, funding, and public support. Key Messages: Risk of wildfire in Jasper National Park is increasing due to combined impacts of climate change, historical fire management practices, and mountain pine beetle infestation.There is need for a long‐term adaptation strategy, including engagement and collaboration between planners, industry professionals, and the community to reduce the risk of wildfire.Areas where adaptation is well developed include political leadership, decision making, and stakeholder engagement, while further attention is necessary around institutional organizations, funding, and public support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les risques et la gestion des incendies de forêt dans le parc national de Jasper, en Alberta: l'application d'un cadre d'intervention adapté La dégradation de l'environnement combinée à des températures plus élevées créent des conditions sans précédent dans les écosystèmes naturels, notamment dans les territoires forestiers. À l'intérieur du parc national de Jasper, en Alberta, les changements climatiques, les pratiques traditionnelles de gestion des incendies et l'infestation du dendroctone du pin s'additionnent pour accroître les risques d'incendies majeures. Le but de ce bref texte est d'offrir des pistes de réflexion aux décideurs. En effet, l'application d'un cadre d'intervention adapté met en évidence les forces et les faiblesses de la stratégie des autorités du parc face à la lutte aux incendies en contexte de changement. Les domaines où la stratégie est bien développée incluent le leadership politique, le processus décisionnel et la mobilisation des intervenants. Cependant, une attention accrue est nécessaire autour des arrangements institutionnelles, du financement et du soutien du public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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