Understanding Key-Informant Experiences and Perceptions of the 2016 Drought and Wildfires in Western North Carolina

AbstractIn 2016, an exceptional drought and subsequent wildfires devastated the southeastern United States. Western North Carolina (WNC), a socioeconomically growing region that is dependent on revenue from tourism and agriculture, was particularly impacted by the events. The Southeast is not typically considered to be water vulnerable, and few studies have explored drought and wildfire in WNC. However, the region is projected to experience elevated water vulnerability as a result of rapid population growth and increased climatic variability. The recent events highlight the need for better understanding of water-related experiences and perceptions to inform proactive policies for risk mitigation in WNC. To evaluate stakeholder experiences and perceptions relating to the events in 2016, the authors conducted telephone interviews with key informants from a variety of sectors in two counties (Buncombe and Watauga) and then subjected their responses to content analysis. Informants frequently discussed themes ...