[Goose]

and (this part is, I think theoretical) more pressure not to pursue some of the forrest management techniques like controlled burns; the last thing any forestry service needs would be property loss due to a deliberately set fire.

BC

Not at all theoretical. It has happened and lawsuits were the result. There have even been lawsuits when a "controlled" burn got away and damaged more forest than planned. Although this was not related to suburban sprawl, it shows that forest management is under much more scrutiny today than it was 50 years (or more) ago. The natural tendency is to therefore do less of it.

[Goose]

and (this part is, I think theoretical) more pressure not to pursue some of the forrest management techniques like controlled burns; the last thing any forestry service needs would be property loss due to a deliberately set fire.

BC

Not at all theoretical. It has happened and lawsuits were the result. There have even been lawsuits when a "controlled" burn got away and damaged more forest than planned. Although this was not related to suburban sprawl, it shows that forest management is under much more scrutiny today than it was 50 years (or more) ago. The natural tendency is to therefore do less of it.