Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


MS Final Thesis - Kathleen Rose.pdf (1.81 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Influence of Communication for Perceptions of Smoke Emissions and Prescribed Fires in Fire Dependent Areas

Rose, Kathleen
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408145775

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Environment and Natural Resources.
In recent years, wildland fires have increased in extent and magnitude. At the same time, the number of people living in fire prone ecosystems has increased dramatically, placing more people and private property at risk from future fire events. Prescribed fires are important ecosystem management tools as they efficiently reduce fuel loadings and the risk and damage from wildfire outbreaks. Substantial research has demonstrated consistent public support for the use of prescribed fires in fuels reduction efforts. However, continuing and significant public concern regarding smoke emissions and negative air quality impacts remains and has the potential to negatively influence public acceptance of prescribed fires. These concerns also provide an opportunity to examine the impact of communication approaches on variables influencing perceived risks and benefits that may contribute to support for smoke management and prescribed fires. This presentation reports results from two studies designed to assess the influence of information on beliefs and attitudes towards smoke emissions and acceptability of prescribed fire. In the first study, a mail-back/internet survey was sent to residents living nearby four National Parks in high fire risk areas. Path analysis was used to apply the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model to the hazard of smoke emissions in order to examine the motivating factors behind information seeking behaviors. The second study employed an experimental design to test the influence of message frames based on Construal Level Theory and Hazard Acceptance models. An online pre-test/post-test survey with an experimental message frame was sent to residents living near three of the National Parks included in the previous study. Message frame influence was tested for a few variables, including prescribed fire and smoke emissions acceptance and participant knowledge. A number of important findings resulted from the studies. First, participants in both studies indicated they were concerned about smoke emissions from prescribed fires. Second, general support for the RISP model was found and residents indicated they intended to seek more information about smoke emissions, with a number of factors contributing to this intention. Finally, information exposure and message frames were found to impact the tested variables, including worry about and acceptance of smoke emissions. The factors that encourage residents to seek information and the message frames examined here offer important insights for fire managers intending to communicate about prescribed fire and smoke emissions management.
Eric Toman (Advisor)
Robyn Wilson (Committee Member)
P. Charles Goebel (Committee Member)
119 p.
Communication; Environmental Science; Natural Resource Management

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rose, K. (2014). The Influence of Communication for Perceptions of Smoke Emissions and Prescribed Fires in Fire Dependent Areas [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408145775

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rose, Kathleen. The Influence of Communication for Perceptions of Smoke Emissions and Prescribed Fires in Fire Dependent Areas. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408145775.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rose, Kathleen. "The Influence of Communication for Perceptions of Smoke Emissions and Prescribed Fires in Fire Dependent Areas." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1408145775

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1408145775
576
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.