Policy memo

Provide context on wildland fire management for Chief Tidwell. Why is this a critical issue?
Outline the scope of the problem, and make the case for the importance of introducing new fire
management strategies. When writing this section, assume there is currently not adequate
regulation on fire management. It’s your job to make the case that it should be addressed.
Recommendation Description
Describe the fire management strategies you suggest Chief Tidwell employ. Don’t worry that
you may not have all the information you would like to provide the best recommendation.
Instead, build a case using the references you received—and don’t be afraid to be creative!
Policy Trade-Offs
Next, describe the pros and cons of your policy recommendation. Who would benefit, and who
might experience a loss? What would these losses look like in the short versus long term? Be as
specific as possible in your analysis, using supporting evidence from your reference articles
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whenever possible. You may use whatever strategy you like to structure this section, just be sure
you cover both costs and benefits. Note that when you list your costs, be sure to explain why you
believe Chief Tidwell should still proceed with your recommendation.
Identify stakeholders who may be interested in the issue and discuss how they are likely to
respond to your recommendation. If you believe your recommendation is controversial and likely
to generate a negative response among some groups (e.g. certain segments of the public,
policymakers, or industries), be sure to make that clear to Chief Tidwell.
Limitations and/or Next Steps
Be transparent with the state of the research on fire management. How certain are you about the
trade-offs? Do you think your recommendation, if enacted, should be re-assessed in the future
after more rese