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The Mapping Technology Reshaping Public Policy

Katherine Barrett Richard Greene

January 15, 2019 |

Governing |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Cincinnati, Ohio

States and localities are moving beyond traditional uses of geographic information systems, also known as GIS, and into a wide array of smart, dynamic uses of the burgeoning technology. In Cincinatti, city analysts examined fire department and EMS call data to optimize emergency vehicle allocation. And in Oakland County, Michigan, officials are using GIS mapping to present complex data around treatment centers and drug disposal areas in an accessible way for all parties involved.

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My hometown is going to burn. Here's how my neighbors are preparing

Nathanael Johnson

January 14, 2019 |

Grist |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Nevada City, California

In wildfire-prone Nevada County, California, community squads that do controlled burns are on the rise. According to the Nevada County fire council, some 23 associations are active, while about 50 more are forming. By reducing wildfire "ladder fuel," these local groups can reduce the severity of future wildfires, all while protecting their homes.

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The Economics Of Managing Healthier Forests

Bryce Oates

December 12, 2018 |

The Daily Yonder |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Weaverville, Washington

In the western United States, a couple nonprofits are working to kill two birds with one stone: reducing catastrophic wildfires while creating a profitable (yet sustainable) market for harvested wood. Yet these management techniques have yet to prove economically viable.

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Exploring Solutions: ‘Wildfire as a Fact of Life'

Bryce Oates

December 11, 2018 |

The Daily Yonder |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Redding, California

Rural communities need a multi-pronged strategy to improve resilience to wildfires. A method that combines forest treatment projects, education of homeowners, and community-level strategizing at the neighborhood level is the best approach to reducing risk, according to Headwaters Economics, a nonprofit organization. Other organizations, like the Watershed Center and the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, are working to spread awareness and implementation of such resilience-oriented wildfire management strategies.

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Making a Difference in 2018

Tina Rosenberg

December 11, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In times of political gridlock, individuals have stepped up to make meaningful changes in their communities, with their solutions inspiring others around the world. From ground-up political action that decreased gerrymandering in Michigan to an accessible coding bootcamp to helping women’s health in many forms, it is clear that change can come from anywhere.

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As Wildfire Smoke Chokes San Francisco, Local Groups Protect The Most Vulnerable

Robert Raymond

November 21, 2018 |

The Huffington Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

When wildfires overtook California, communities sprang into action in order to help those that did not have a way to take shelter from the smoke. Forming groups to focus on disaster relief efforts, various community-driven programs have successfully been able to deliver thousands of masks to the homeless and vulnerable.

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California Offers Safe Space For Firefighters To Work Through Stress And Trauma

Alyssa Jeong Perry

November 17, 2018 |

NPR |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Firefighters working the frontlines of California fires now have emotional supports at their base camps to help them process the toll of their work. Supports include chaplains, peer-to-peer interaction, and therapy dogs.

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What the Dutch Can Teach Us About Wildfires

Crystal Kolden

November 16, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Netherlands

Wildfires are destroying lives and lands throughout the West Coast of the United States. While human negligence coupled with climate change have been blamed, communities in the Netherlands provide a sharp contrast to this mentality by adapting their planning and infrastructure to prioritize safety in natural disaster prone areas.

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Colorado is only state testing military tech to keep firefighters safe

Matt Mauro

November 15, 2018 |

KDVR-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Colorado

Colorado is adapting a military technology to help crews fight wildfires. The Android Team Awareness Kit, or ATAK, was designed to keep Special Forces safe in combat zones by showing pilots their locations, and now firefighters will be able to use the free app on their phones to find where they are and assess what kind of fire they are seeing on the ground. Colorado is the only state allowed to tweak the app for use in fires, but the plan is to roll it out nationwide after modification.

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Can we design neighborhoods to survive wildfires?

Adele Peters

November 14, 2018 |

FastCompany |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Wildfires are inevitable, especially as forests become drier due to climate change, but it is possible to design the built environment so that fires don’t destroy as much property or as many lives. Architects now can choose different materials that resist ignition from wind-borne embers and can put more distance between homes. Spacing homes farther apart and burying power lines can help, but the changing climate is also making some places unsuitable for rebuilding destroyed communities.

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