The strategic placement of treatments concept was developed through a scientific study of treatment size, shape, and placement targeted at reducing the spread rate and fireline intensity and thereby ultimately reducing total size of large fires (Finney 2001). The strategic placement of fuel treatments has shown promise in reducing the undesired effects of large fires as well as total acres burned in the modeling environment. (Finney 2005; Bahro 2006 in press; Stratton 2004). The Stewardship and Fireshed Assessment team in California has successfully implemented this concept since 2003. The California Fireshed team conducts interdisciplinary workshops to develop s trategically placed area treatments (“SPLATS”) as the basis for a “Program of Work” required for United States Forest Service (USFS) compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA).

Flowchart identifying the interrelationships of the various fire- and fuel-related programs.