In response to the increased threat of catastrophic wildfire, states have adopted various policies and programs to reduce hazardous fuels and protect communities. Many of these programs offer public education and assistance to private property owners concerning vegetation management. Some states have adopted regulations to compel residents to adopt fuel management practices. In 2003, researchers surveyed state and local administrators of wildfire risk reduction programs in 25 states. The current study analyzes the responses of 20 state-level administrators in 16 states along with information the authors collected about these programs in creating the website www.wildfireprogram.usda.gov. The authors present an overview of the structure and objectives of state-level programs for reducing hazardous fuels on private lands; and potential obstacles to program effectiveness, such as budget shortages, inadequate cooperation among agencies, and public resistance. Also, states with more complex programs are identified and the authors examine contextual factors that may influence formulation of more ambitious risk reduction efforts.