Task 2.1

Subtask 2.1.1.

A dynamic high-resolution map of the state of the forest and fuel (NIBIO). It will build from Copernicus satellite data and available upcoming missions e.g. the ESAs “Living Planet Programme”. This will be combined with data from existing remote sensing based forest resource maps. Moving from mapping to monitoring the action will aim at a 3–5 day update schedule throughout the fire season. The map will provide fire fighters, decision makers and other stakeholders updated information on the state of the landscape namely with respect to fuel amount, recent clear cuts, indications of drought stress, bark beetle attack (areas with weakened/dead trees). Prototype map layers will be produced and tested in the Nordic living lab, with the test area covering approximately 100 000 km2 in the southern part of Norway. The map layers will have a spatial resolution of 10 - 20 m. (IA 2.1).

Subtask 2.1.2.

Innovative methodologies for fuel structure assessment (ICGC, INRAE). LiDAR digital models (of elevation and surface), as well as point clouds and eventually waveforms (if available) will be processed to compute relevant metrics such as vertical and horizontal distributions of fuel bulk density, fuel availability/continuity, understorey amount, crown base height and canopy height models, or fuel mapping in WUI. The combination of different temporal layers will allow to detect changes and forest recovery after fire events. The trafficability of forest tracks will also be assessed by using innovative Artificial Intelligence methodologies to enhance dispatch decisions and faster and safer access to the forest in case of fire events (IA 2.1). In Task 5.2.1 a new set of tools and methods will be developed and adjusted to better gather information through the integration of data from different sensors. These new methods and tools will be applied in Subtask 2.1.2 to obtain spatial layouts at landscape level to boost fire related decision making.

Subtask 2.1.3.

Fire management models, adaptive landscape management strategies and operational management options) including machinery specifications (IRTA, CTFC, CNR). These will be derived from WP1 recommendations and corresponding upgrade of existing fire and landscape management tools. For that purpose, it will select parameters and indicators (e.g., forest cover, understory cover, fuel availability) from subtasks 2.1.1. and 2.1.2. and over which managers have control of to be incorporated in fire simulators and DSS for cost-efficient evaluation of novel management alternatives under climate and fire scenarios provided by WP1. It will target further the combination of the goals of preventive activities (fuel reduction) with the maximum value recovery of biomass to address circular economy concerns while allowing fuel treatments of larger forested areas thanks to its lower net cost per hectare (IA 2.2).