Wildfires ravage America’s West, claiming lives and destroying homes. But while discussions focus on drought, temperatures, and winds, economics plays a critical role. The federal government, the largest landowner in the US, owns 46% of the Western states’ land, with 55% of last year’s wildfire area burned on federal property.
However, poor land management has led to decades of inadequate thinning and controlled burns, creating tinderboxes for massive conflagrations. In contrast, private individuals and companies tend to manage their land more effectively, with strong incentives to ensure protection and sustainability.
Studies have shown that private land stewardship reduces wildfire frequency and severity. A 2021 study found that land with “highly valued resources” burned less than expected, while wilderness land owned by the US Forest Service burned more. An economist’s analysis concluded that private property rights provide a more effective framework for safeguarding natural resources.
Remedial activities such as mechanical thinning and prescribed burns can reduce surface fuels and decrease subsequent wildfire severity by 62-72%. Controlled burns were found to be most effective, even stopping infestations of the mountain pine beetle in western Montana.
The economic potential of public lands is seldom maximized due to governments viewing land as a liability rather than an investment. Environmental groups pressure politicians to preserve public land in its natural state, often limiting fire-prevention measures. As a result, private owners better align incentives with effective fire prevention through active land management.
By recognizing the importance of private stewardship, we can minimize wildfires and protect lives, property, and forest health.
Source: https://qctimes.com/opinion/column/article_2cfca0d3-7f35-5be8-8fb7-5a92d0fb6c77.html