DUDEK - Content Detail

Encinitas, Calif. – March 4, 2008 – Understanding how urban foresters, biologists and landscape architects approach vegetation management to reduce wildland urban interface (WUI) fire threats will be addressed by a panel of experts including Dudek consultants at the 18th annual California Fire Prevention Institute Conference March 11 in Buellton, Calif.

Fire prevention officers from across California will garner a greater understanding of how an integrated approach to fuel management can reduce wildfire hazards in a regulatory compliant, aesthetically pleasing manner.

“Fire prevention officers and resource agencies agree that there should be, at a minimum, 100 feet of defensible space between structures and the natural, unmodified wildland areas. They don’t always agree, however, on the approach,” said Michael Huff, Dudek’s urban forestry and wildfire protection planning services manager. “By coordinating specialized natural resources expertise, fuels can be effectively reduced in ways that minimize impacts to sensitive biological resources, while providing an aesthetically-pleasing fuel modification zone.”

Dudek has one of California’s largest natural resources management consulting practices with its urban forestry group helping numerous clients develop wildfire protection plans. The state has a particularly serious problem with wildland fires and WUI development. The state’s forestry division estimates approximately 12 million homes are located in 7.8 million acres with WUI designation. This fire issue could become even more serious with 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, Coachella Valley, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Central Coast and Northern California. For more information, visit www.dudek.com or e-mail info@dudek.com.

Contact:
Christine Clinton
Dudek
760.479.4275
cclinton@dudek.com