Policy and Program Alternatives 
Panel on Protection--Fire, Insects, and Disease 
Southern Pine Bark Beetle 
Le 
Reduce losses from the southern pine bark beetle by incorporating into management and funding 
strategies the principles described in two recent Forest Service publications--"Managing Southern 
Forests To Reduce Southern Pine Beetle Impacts" (USDA Forest Service, Southern Region 1986) and 
"Optimal Level of Expenditure To Control the Southern Pine Beetle" (J.E. de Steiguer, Roy L. Hedden, 
and John M. Pye 1987). 
Increase public awareness and support for efforts to control the southern pine beetle. Consider the 
use of programs similar to those used for fire prevention and presuppression. Stress the importance 
of control efforts when pine beetle populations are at endemic levels and for appropriate control efforts 
on all forest land, including wilderness and other reserved areas. 
Other Pests and Diseases 
3. 
Fire 
Reduce losses from other pests, especially gypsy moth, fusiform rust, and cone and seed insects, 
through continuing research and control actions. 
Expand technical assistance on pest and disease control to meet the needs of new and expanding 
southern tree nurseries. 
Increase understanding and public support of prescribed fire as a management tool. 
Improve smoke-management technology and the effectiveness of smoke-management programs. 
Maintain adequate rural cooperative and community fire-protection programs, including the support- 
ing technology. 
Wildland/Urban Interface 
8. 
Develop and initiate programs for the protection of forest resources, homes, and people in areas where 
the intermix of woodlands, homes, and people is expanding. The wildland/urban interface initiative for 
fire management could serve as a model. 
Panel on Research, Education, Technology Transfer, and Technical Assistance 
Research 
iP 
Develop closer cooperative relationships and partnerships among the three principal contributors to 
research (USDA Forest Service, industry, and universities) and research users to focus research 
efforts, to capture highest priority opportunities, and to maintain a balance of research activity among 
forest resources and uses. 
