Risk Assessment & Management Flashcards

A forester is designing a fuel break network to protect a community from wildfire. What is the RECOMMENDED minimum width of a fuel break on moderate terrain (20–40% slope) under most US guidelines?

Answer: 300 feet

Most US wildfire protection guidelines recommend fuel breaks of at least 300 feet on moderate slopes to provide adequate buffering against ember cast and radiant heat under typical fire weather conditions.

Which of the following soil conditions MOST increases the risk of landslide following clearcut harvest on steep slopes?

Answer: Decline of root biomass strength 3–5 years post-harvest before regeneration reestablishes

Root strength from harvested trees declines significantly in the first few years post-clearcut before regenerating vegetation reestablishes roots, creating a critical window of heightened slope instability.

Which regulatory framework primarily governs the risk assessment requirements for pesticide applications in US national forests?

Answer: FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act)

FIFRA governs pesticide registration and use requirements, including label compliance and risk assessment, for all pesticide applications including those in national forests.

A forester is assessing drought-induced tree mortality risk using the 'carbon starvation' hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that prolonged drought kills trees primarily by:

Answer: Depletion of non-structural carbohydrate reserves due to stomatal closure reducing photosynthesis

The carbon starvation hypothesis holds that trees close stomata during drought to prevent desiccation, but this halts photosynthesis, ultimately depleting carbohydrate reserves needed for growth and defense.

When assessing structural fire risk in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which home ignition zone is responsible for the MAJORITY of home losses in wildfires?

Answer: Roof and attic ignition from spotting firebrands landing on the structure

Research by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety shows that ember ignition of roofs, vents, and decks—not direct flame contact—is responsible for the majority of WUI home losses.

In forest operations risk management, a 'Job Hazard Analysis' (JHA) is best described as:

Answer: A systematic identification of hazards associated with each step of a work task before it is performed

A JHA proactively breaks a work task into sequential steps, identifies potential hazards at each step, and prescribes controls before work begins, reducing injury risk.

Which of the following BEST represents an example of 'risk transfer' as a management strategy for timber investment risk?

Answer: Purchasing timber investment insurance or revenue protection policies

Risk transfer involves shifting the financial burden of a potential loss to a third party, most commonly through insurance products such as timber investment protection policies.