Using Focus Groups for Knowledge Sharing

Tracking Emerging Pandemic Impacts on USFS Wildland Fire Operations

Bibliographic Data

ID12165198
AuthorsDavid Flores (0000-0002-5531-6681, Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Fort Collins, CO, USA, corresponding author), Rebekah L Fox (Texas State University), Jody L S Jahn (0000-0001-6158-0959, University of Colorado Boulder), Jody Jahn (Department of Communication, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA), Craig Conley (University of Sustainability, Las Vegas, NM, USA), Satoris S Howes (0000-0001-7474-6831, Oregon State University), Joel O Iverson (Communication Studies, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA), Steven Venette (0000-0002-9897-2259, University of Southern Mississippi), Steven J Venette (University of Southern Mississippi), Emily R Haire (0000-0002-8040-9695, Colorado State University), Cathelijne R Stoof (0000-0002-0198-9215, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands)
Year2024
Volume37
Issue6
Pages957-975
Publication date2024-04-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociety & Natural Resources (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0894-1920 • E-ISSN: 1521-0723
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/08941920.2024.2341271
OpenAlexW4394783502
LanguageEN
References cited7

In early 2020 the US Forest Service (USFS) recognized the need to gather real-time information from its wildland fire management personnel about their challenges and adaptations during the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. The USFS conducted 194 virtual focus groups to address these concerns, over 32 weeks from March 2020 to October 2020. This management effort provided an opportunity for an innovative practice-based research study. Here, we outline a novel methodological approach (weekly, iterative focus groups, with two-way communication between USFS staff and leadership), which culminated in a model for focus group coordination during extended crises. We also document the substantive challenges USFS wildfire employees discussed, including: conflicting policies and procedures; poor communication; ill-defined decision space; barriers to multi-jurisdictional resources; negative impacts on work-life balance; and disruption of pre-season training. USFS focus groups were effective for knowledge sharing among employees and elevating issues to top levels of the USFS management structure

Business · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Focus (optics · Geography · Sociology · Tracking (education · Environmental Science · Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods

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