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Tracking Western states’ diverse approaches to wildfire building codes
More states in the West are considering new building codes to protect structures and neighborhoods from wildfire. We’re tracking the progress.
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Community Wildfire Defense Grants fill a critical gap for rural communities
High demand for the CWDG program demonstrates the need for wildfire risk reduction support in high-risk, low-income communities.
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The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State
The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.
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Economic performance of communities near national monuments
National monument designation does not disrupt local economies, according to the latest data on jobs, income, and GDP. Most trends continue on the same trajectory after designation, and income growth tends to improve modestly over time.
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Wildfire and insurance options for homeowner coverage
In the face of increasing wildfire disasters several strategies could play a role in reducing damages and stabilizing homeowners insurance markets.
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States must modernize stream crossing standards to protect communities from flooding
More than half of the culverts protecting roads from flooding in the United States do not meet modern design standards, endangering communities and local economies. New standards and replacement programs must be adopted.
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Construction costs for wildfire-resistant homes
A new analysis shows that building wildfire-resistant homes adds less than 3% to construction costs.
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Building disaster preparedness in the outdoor recreation economy
As floods and wildfires grow more damaging, recreation leaders and emergency managers must team up to protect visitors, economies, and the landscapes we love.
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Protecting our Past: Wildfire Strategies for Historic Buildings
The loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge to wildfire underscores the urgent need to align historic preservation standards with evidence-based wildfire risk reduction practices.
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Reclaiming abandoned mines can protect against harmful and costly flood disasters
More than 68,000 abandoned or inactive mines in areas with high flood risk endanger people and places across the U.S.
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The next generation of wildfire risk models must account for the built environment
New research highlights opportunities to improve wildfire risk models that inform planning, building codes, and risk management.
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How rural communities can ensure development projects deliver local benefits
Seventy percent of rural communities with high economic output are losing population, but rural leaders can use Community Benefit Agreements to ensure development leads to lasting local value.
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The path to wildfire-resistant building codes in Colorado offers lessons for other states
Colorado’s code design considered stakeholder input, including interviews and a survey conducted by Headwaters Economics and the University of Colorado Denver.
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National public lands are vital to local economies
The growing connection between livelihoods and public lands calls for more investments in public access, preserving ecosystems, and minimizing privatization.
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Building wildfire-resistant homes after disasters will save billions
Upfront investments in rebuilding to wildfire-resistant standards can save billions in future avoided economic losses.
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Extreme heat is not just an urban threat: The risk to rural communities
Extreme heat poses health risks to millions of rural Americans. Solutions need to be tailored to meet the unique characteristics of rural places.
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Housing on public lands will be limited by wildfire risk and development challenges
Federal public lands may offer opportunities to improve housing affordability in a limited number of states, but will face significant barriers from wildfire risk, water availability, and conflicts with existing resource or recreation uses.
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Crossover landscaping can enhance wildfire resistance and save water
Crossover landscaping that does double-duty for drought and wildfire resistance is becoming more appealing for communities looking to reduce risk in residential areas.
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Montana Community Foundation leverages data to reach more rural and Tribal communities
Using resources such as the Rural Capacity Index, the Montana Community Foundation was able to direct more grant dollars to rural, disadvantaged communities.
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America’s urban wildfire crisis: More than 1,100 communities at risk
More than 1,100 communities in 32 states face similar risks to Los Angeles and other places with recent urban wildfires, highlighting the urgent need for wildfire-resistant homes and neighborhoods.
