Restoration and risk: Federal-tribal collaborations and the reintroduction of anthropogenic fire in Coast Salish territories of Washington State.

Mid-elevation meadows are prized by Coast Salish people for the suite of plant and animal resources that are associated with them. Historically, these people used fire to create or maintain these habitats. Most accessible mid-elevation meadows occur on public lands managed by the USFS, where it is commonly acknowledged that fire suppression policies have resulted in conifer encroachment, and consequently, declining productivity of culturally important plant and animal resources. Coast Salish Tribes and the USFS have recently initiated a handful of collaborative projects designed to “enhance” these habitats. However, none have involved the use of prescribed burning. Instead they rely primarily on mechanical removal of encroaching trees. Is this a sustainable solution in terms of human and mechanical energy expended? From the perspective of those involved, are there particular reasons for the use of fire that aren't met through mechanical means? What are the perceived environmental and human health risks that have thus far prevented the reintroduction of fire on the land?