ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of research in the wildland-urban interface by examining the setting, current and future directions for research, and potential problems that may influence the research process. While much research has been done in the vegetational responses to natural change agents such as wind and landslides, more work has looked at the impact of recreation use on vegetation and other biological and physical systems such as soils and wildlife. Rapid population growth into the wildland-urban interface is creating difficulties in fire protection and suppression. These difficulties include: inadequate road systems, access to water, and a shift in priorities from protection to human structure protection, Prud'homme suggests that this trend will continue with urban growth being achieved more through urban extension rather than concentration. A number of variables suggest that recreation involving travel away from place of residence will be shorter, closer, and cheaper.
