DUDEK - Dudek Presents at URISA National Conference

Encinitas, Calif. – July 31, 2007 – Advances in wildfire prevention planning will be discussed by representatives from Dudek’s urban forestry and geographic information system (GIS) consulting practices at the 45th annual national conference of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) to be held August 20 to 23 in Washington, D.C.

“The public debate often focuses on spending for the highly visible element of wildfire suppression – personnel and equipment,” said Scott Eckardt, Dudek’s licensed forester who will speak at the conference. “Wildfire prevention planning is a less visible component of fire protection, but it is now more effective than ever before.”

Sophisticated technology such as spatially-explicit fire behavior modeling lets foresters and fire officials analyze the physical nature of a potential fire using information about the fire environment. A precise plan can then be developed that includes improved brush thinning techniques to reduce fuel sources while preserving habitat and strategies for effectively responding to a wildfire emergency.

“Striking the right balance between suppression and prevention offers the best hope for minimizing the wildfire threat,” Eckardt said.

Eckardt’s co-presenter, Lisa Lubeley, is a certified GIS professional who will describe a variety of advanced spatial applications used specifically for wildfire prevention planning.

Dudek has one of California’s largest consulting practices in urban forestry and has helped numerous fire agencies develop wildfire prevention plans. The state has a particularly serious problem with fires in the so-called Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The state’s forestry division estimates approximately 12 million homes are located in 7.8 million acres with WUI designation. The WUI fire issue could become even more serious with the California’s population expected to grow from 28 million to 50 million people by 2050.

About Dudek
Dudek is a California-focused engineering and environmental consulting corporation that creatively solves regulatory challenges for municipal agencies and major land owners. The firm helps clients plan, design, construct and manage successful infrastructure and environmental projects that balance regulatory mandates and technical requirements within financial and scheduling goals. Founded in 1980, Dudek is headquartered in Encinitas in San Diego County with offices in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Placer counties. For more information, visit www.dudek.com or e-mail info@dudek.com.

Contact:
Christine Clinton
Dudek
760.479.4275
cclinton@dudek.com