The research plan or proposal is required for burns whose primary purpose is research. The distinctions between research fires and other types of fires can be found under What Plans are Required? The Research Fire Proposal provides the background information and rationale for burning on an experimental basis. The Research Proposal may replace many of the components of a Site Fire Management Plan, especially when research burns target only a small number of burn units within a large site and the preparation of a comprehensive site plan is awaiting the results of the research.

Research burns are conducted when we hypothesize that fire plays a positive role in maintaining conservation targets or systems, but there is insufficient background information to support this proposition. In practice, the distinction between an ecological management burn and a research burn may be subjective. Research burns are usually smaller and more thoroughly studied than management burns. Research burns may include an unburned control. For guidance on whether a specific fire is categorized as a research or management burn, consult your Fire Manager.

A Research Fire Proposal is required where the Conservancy plans to initiate research burning on land it owns, leases, or holds an easement on. The Fire Planner or any researcher may prepare a Research Fire Proposal, but review by someone trained in experimental design and statistics is critically important. The Research Fire Proposal must be approved by the Fire Manager. Depending on funding sources, other reviews and approvals may be required. The Fire Planner may want to have the Research Proposal approved before starting work on other required documents.

The format for Research Fire Proposals will vary depending on the requirements of the funding source. It should include detailed information on the type of burn required to meet research objectives.

Copies of research reports and other results should be archived at the local level.

Last updated November 10, 2005