![](media/image1.png){width="6.49375in" height="0.7340277777777777in"}

**Coronado National Memorial**

**Arizona**

######### Fire Management Plan

######### ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="6.490972222222222in" height="4.458333333333333in"}

Submitted by: [/s/ Barbara Alberti]{.underline} Date: [28 June
2005]{.underline}

Integrated Resources Program Manager

Approved by: [/s/ Kym Hall]{.underline} Date: [28 June 2005]{.underline}

> Superintendent

######### Table of Contents

[I. INTRODUCTION 5](#i.-introduction)

[Purpose 5](#purpose)

[Collaborative Processes and Opportunities
6](#collaborative-processes-and-opportunities)

[Policies 6](#policies)

[NEPA/NHPA Compliance 6](#nepanhpa-compliance)

[Authorities 7](#authorities)

[II. RELATIONSHIP TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND FIRE POLICY
8](#ii.-relationship-to-land-management-planning-and-fire-policy)

[NPS Management Policies 8](#nps-management-policies)

[Enabling Legislation 9](#enabling-legislation)

[General Management Plan Mission Goals
9](#general-management-plan-mission-goals)

[Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan Objectives
9](#natural-and-cultural-resources-management-plan-objectives)

[Fire Management Plan Objectives 9](#fire-management-plan-objectives)

[III. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
10](#iii.-wildland-fire-management-strategies)

[General Management Considerations
10](#general-management-considerations)

[Climate and Fire Season and History on the Memorial
10](#climate-and-fire-season-and-history-on-the-memorial)

[Weather Analysis 10](#weather-analysis)

[Fire Season 10](#fire-season)

[Historic Role of Fire 11](#historic-role-of-fire)

[Wildland Fire Management Goals and Objectives
12](#wildland-fire-management-goals-and-objectives)

[Wildland Fire Management Options 13](#wildland-fire-management-options)

[Wildland Fire Suppression 13](#wildland-fire-suppression)

[Prescribed Fire 13](#prescribed-fire)

[Non-Fire Applications 14](#non-fire-applications)

[Wildland Fire Management Strategies by Fire Management Unit
14](#wildland-fire-management-strategies-by-fire-management-unit)

[Aggressive fire suppression will be used in both FMUs, and will be
limited only by safety concerns, such as steep slopes and lack of escape
routes. Specific management considerations for both FMUs include the
following:
14](#aggressive-fire-suppression-will-be-used-in-both-fmus-and-will-be-limited-only-by-safety-concerns-such-as-steep-slopes-and-lack-of-escape-routes.-specific-management-considerations-for-both-fmus-include-the-following)

[Fire Management Unit 1 15](#fire-management-unit-1)

[Fire Management Unit 2 18](#fire-management-unit-2)

[IV. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMPONENTS
21](#iv.-wildland-fire-management-program-components)

[General Implementation Procedures
21](#general-implementation-procedures)

[Wildland Fire Suppression 21](#wildland-fire-suppression-1)

[Range of potential fire behavior 21](#range-of-potential-fire-behavior)

[Preparedness Actions 21](#preparedness-actions)

[Pre-attack Plan 25](#pre-attack-plan)

[Initial Attack Strategy 26](#initial-attack-strategy)

[Extended Attack Operations 28](#extended-attack-operations)

[Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics
28](#minimum-impact-suppression-tactics)

[Rehabilitation Guidelines 28](#rehabilitation-guidelines)

[Records and Reports 29](#records-and-reports)

[Wildland Fire Use 29](#wildland-fire-use)

[Prescribed Fire 29](#prescribed-fire-1)

[Planning and Documentation 29](#planning-and-documentation)

[Exceeding Prescribed Fire Burn Plan
31](#exceeding-prescribed-fire-burn-plan)

[Air Quality and Smoke Management 31](#air-quality-and-smoke-management)

[Non-Fire Fuel Treatment Applications
32](#non-fire-fuel-treatment-applications)

[Annual Activities 32](#annual-activities-1)

[Required Monitoring 32](#required-monitoring)

[Critique Format 32](#critique-format)

[Funding and Cost Accounting 32](#funding-and-cost-accounting)

[Reporting and Documentation 32](#reporting-and-documentation)

[Annual Planned Project List 33](#annual-planned-project-list)

[Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration
33](#emergency-rehabilitation-and-restoration)

[V. ORGANIZATIONAL AND BUDGETARY PARAMETERS
34](#v.-organizational-and-budgetary-parameters)

[Organizational Structure 34](#organizational-structure)

[FIREPRO Funding 36](#firepro-funding)

[Interagency Coordination 36](#interagency-coordination)

[Key Interagency Contacts 36](#key-interagency-contacts)

[Fire-related Agreements 36](#fire-related-agreements)

[VI. MONITORING and EVALUATION 38](#vi.-monitoring-and-evaluation)

[VII. FIRE RESEARCH 39](#vii.-fire-research)

[Past Fire Research 39](#past-fire-research)

[Fire Program Research Needs 40](#fire-program-research-needs)

[VIII. PUBLIC SAFETY 41](#viii.-public-safety)

[Safety Issues and Concerns 41](#safety-issues-and-concerns)

[Safety Procedures 41](#safety-procedures)

[IX. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
43](#ix.-public-information-and-education)

[X. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE RESOURCES
44](#x.-protection-of-sensitive-resources)

[Cultural Resources 44](#cultural-resources)

[Natural Resources 45](#natural-resources)

[Geological Features 45](#geological-features)

[Sensitive Animals 45](#sensitive-animals)

[Developments, Infrastructure, Improvements
49](#developments-infrastructure-improvements)

[XI. FIRE CRITIQUES AND ANNUAL PLAN REVIEW
50](#xi.-fire-critiques-and-annual-plan-review)

[XII. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
51](#xii.-consultation-and-coordination)

######### List of Tables

[Table III-1. Summary of Fire Behavior Potential by Fire Behavior Fuel
Model In Normal and Extreme Fire Years For FMU 1.
17](#__RefHeading___Toc107656224)

[Table III-2. Summary of Fire Behavior Potential by Fire Behavior Fuel
Model In Normal and Extreme Fire Years For FMU 2.
19](#__RefHeading___Toc107656225)

[Table V-1. Fire-related Agreements for Coronado National Memorial
37](#__RefHeading___Toc107656226)

[Table C-1. Historical Context: Pre-European (pre-1500)
59](#__RefHeading___Toc107656227)

[Table C-2. Historical Context: Apache (1500-1887)
60](#__RefHeading___Toc107656228)

[Table C-3. Historical Context: Spanish Colonial-Ranching-Mining
(ca.1600s--1770) 61](#__RefHeading___Toc107656229)

[Table C-4. Historical Context: American Mining (ca. 1870s-1985)
61](#__RefHeading___Toc107656230)

[Table C-5. Historical Context: Ratliff and Montezuma Ranch
(ca.1890--1993) 62](#__RefHeading___Toc107656231)

[Table C-6. Historical Context: Federal Period (1902--present)
63](#__RefHeading___Toc107656232)

[Table C-7. List of Classified Structures for Coronado National
Memorial. 64](#__RefHeading___Toc107656233)

[Table C-8. Cultural Resources and Fire Management Undertakings.
66](#__RefHeading___Toc107656234)

######### List of Figures

[Figure I-1. Coronado National Memorial Location
5](#__RefHeading___Toc107656208)

[Figure III-1. Fire Management Units in Coronado National Memorial
16](#__RefHeading___Toc107656209)

[Figure V-1. Organization Chart for Coronado National Memorial
35](#__RefHeading___Toc107656210)

######### List of Appendices

[Appendix A. References Cited 52](#__RefHeading___Toc107656108)

[Appendix B. Definitions 55](#__RefHeading___Toc107656109)

[Appendix C. Cultural Resource Component
57](#__RefHeading___Toc107656110)

[Appendix D. Categorical Exclusion Decision Memo
69](#__RefHeading___Toc107656111)

[Appendix E. Cooperative agreements 74](#__RefHeading___Toc107656112)

[Appendix F. Delegation of Authority 80](#__RefHeading___Toc107656113)

[Appendix G. Coronado National Memorial Recorded Fire History
81](#__RefHeading___Toc107656114)

[Appendix H. Long-Term Prescribed Fire and Hazard Fuel Reduction Plan
83](#__RefHeading___Toc107656115)

# I. INTRODUCTION

## Purpose 

National Park Service (NPS) policy requires that each park area with
vegetation capable of sustaining fire prepare a fire management plan to
guide its fire management program (Director's Order-18 1998). The
Coronado National Memorial Fire Management Plan (FMP) calls for wildland
fire suppression and the limited use of prescribed fire and hazardous
fuels reduction.

The FMP defines the levels of protection needed to ensure safety for
park visitors and employees, protect facilities, and restore and
perpetuate natural processes and cultural landscapes. Suppression
operations using the Appropriate Management Response will quickly
respond to wildland fires and achieve effective control to protect human
life and property while limiting unacceptable effects to the park's
natural and cultural resources. Recommendations listed in the park's
General Management Plan (2004) and Natural and Cultural Resources
Management Plan (1998) were used to prepare this FMP.

Coronado National Memorial (the memorial) is located in southeastern
Arizona, approximately 75 miles southeast of Tucson and 20 miles south
of Sierra Vista in Cochise County (Figure I-1.)

![](media/image3.png){width="6.282638888888889in"
height="3.7527777777777778in"}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656208 .anchor}Figure I-1. Coronado National
Memorial Location

The southern boundary of the 4,750-acre memorial lies on the
international border with Mexico. The area to the west and north of the
memorial is administered by the United States Forest Service (USFS),
while most of the east boundary abuts Arizona State Trust land. Small
amounts of private land are also adjacent to the northeastern and
southeastern boundary. East Montezuma Canyon Road leads into the
memorial about 3 miles southeast of where Coronado Memorial Road joins
Arizona Highway 92. The road is paved for 1 mile west of the visitor
center and then continues as a mountainous gravel road to Montezuma Pass
(elevation 6,575 ft.). From the memorial boundary just over the Pass,
the road continues west across the San Rafael Valley and over the
Patagonia Mountains to Nogales.

## Collaborative Processes and Opportunities

The memorial is a long-time partner of the Sierra Vista Ranger District
of the Coronado National Forest on fire suppression and other fire
program activities. In 1996, the NPS and USFS joined other federal,
state, and local agencies, organizations, and fire departments to form a
fire management group that has recently taken the name Huachuca Area
Fire Partners (HAFP). Initially the group met regularly to share
experiences and coordinate fire management activities. After a brief
period of inactivity, the group restarted work in 2002 to develop a
regional fire management plan based on ecological rather than
jurisdictional boundaries. The HAFP now brings together public and
private partners from the San Pedro River on the east through the
Patagonia Mountains on the west to manage fire activities over a
500,000-acre area. The group's projects will cross political boundaries
to manage fire using natural features, vegetation changes, and roadways.
Mexican cooperators are also being invited to participate. The
memorial's FMP contains direction that falls within the framework of the
regional fire plan being developed by the HAFP.

The benefits of managing for fire on a broad landscape scale, such as in
the greater Huachuca Mountain/San Rafael Valley area are numerous.
Foremost are increased public and fire crew safety, widespread
improvement in ecosystem function, and economical execution of fire
activities. The collaboration also focuses on efficient communication
about fire, responsible protection of sensitive resources, and
management of international border issues. The regional plan provides
background and operational details that are common to the public and
private land managers who developed it. The National Fire Plan requires
collaboration with partners and neighbors on all fuel reduction
projects, even if they are wholly inside memorial boundaries.

## Policies 

The FMP is a detailed program of action to carry out wildland fire
management policies as defined in Director's Order 18 and: (1) Federal
Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review; (2) Managing Impacts
of Wildfires on Communities and the Environment, and Protecting People
and Sustaining Resources in Fire Adapted Ecosystems -- A Cohesive
Strategy (USDOI/USDA); and (3) A Collaborative Approach for Reducing
Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment: 10-Year
Comprehensive Strategy Implementation Plan.

## NEPA/NHPA Compliance

This FMP meets National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements. NPS policy now allows the
use of the Fuels Categorical Exclusion (CE) for FMPs in parks that are
doing suppression, and fuels reductions activities that fit within the
limits of the CE. The CE policy does not allow for wildland fire use for
resource benefit. This policy is documented in the *Federal Register*
(Vol. 68, No. 108, pages 33814-33824) and NPS correspondence (NPS Y14
(IMR-FMO) February 23, 2004). This FMP calls for suppression of wildland
fires, and the limited use of prescribed fire and hazardous fuels
reduction as allowed under cited direction. The Memorial will develop
5-year prescribed fire and fuels reduction plans (Appendix H) and do
separate NEPA and NHPA consultation when those treatments are planned
and developed. The Decision Memorandum (Appendix D) on the Categorical
Exclusion for Implementation of a Fire Management Program at Coronado
National Memorial was signed by the superintendent on June 28, 2005.

## 

## Authorities

The authorities for implementing this fire management plan are contained
in 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1-4, the *National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978*;
DO/RM-18 *Wildland Fire Management* (management policy and cooperative
support agreements); the *Department of the Interior and* *Related
Agencies Appropriation Act of 1990*, 31 U.S.C. 665 (E)(1)(B) and Section
102 of the *General Provisions of the Department of Interior Annual
Appropriations Bill* (fire program funding); the *Interagency Incident
Business Management Handbook* (fire program administration); and
DO/RM-20 *Federal Assistance and Interagency Agreements* (agreements
with other bureaus, agencies, governments, and private companies).

# II. RELATIONSHIP TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND FIRE POLICY

## NPS Management Policies

NPS Management Policies (NPS, 2001) concerning fire management states:

> "Naturally ignited fire is a process that is part of many of the
> natural systems that are being sustained in parks. Human-ignited fires
> often cause the unnatural destruction of park natural resources.
> Wildland fire may contribute to or hinder the achievement of park
> management objectives. Therefore, park fire management programs will
> be designed to meet park resource management objectives while ensuring
> that firefighter and public safety are not compromised."
>
> "Each park with vegetation capable of burning will prepare a fire
> management plan and will address the need for adequate funding and
> staffing to support its fire management program. The plan will be
> designed to guide a program that responds to the park's natural and
> cultural resource objectives; provides for safety considerations for
> park visitors, employees, neighbors, and developed facilities; and
> addresses potential impacts to public and private property adjacent to
> the park."
>
> "All fires burning in natural or landscaped vegetation in parks will
> be classified as either wildland fires or prescribed fires. All
> wildland fires will be effectively managed through application of the
> appropriate strategic and tactical management options. These options
> will be selected after comprehensive consideration of the resource
> values to be protected, firefighter and public safety, and costs."

To implement NPS policies governing fire management, the NPS will
administer its wildland fire program in a manner that will:

-   Achieve maximum overall benefits and minimize damages of wildland
    fire within the framework of land use objectives and resource
    management plans, while giving primary consideration to firefighter
    and public safety.

-   Educate employees and the public about the scope and effect of
    wildland fire management, including fuels management, resource
    protection, prevention, hazard/risk assessment, mitigation and
    rehabilitation, and fire\'s role in ecosystem management.

-   Stabilize and prevent further degradation of natural and cultural
    resources lost in and/or damaged by impacts of wildland fires and/or
    fire management activities.

-   Maintain the highest standards of professional and technical
    expertise in planning and safely implementing an effective wildland
    fire management program.

-   Integrate fire management with all other aspects of memorial
    management.

-   Manage wildland fire incidents in accordance with accepted
    interagency standards, using appropriate management strategies and
    tactics, and maximize efficiencies realized through interagency
    coordination and cooperation.

-   Scientifically manage wildland fire using best available technology
    as an essential ecological process to restore, preserve, or maintain
    ecosystems and use resource information gained through inventory and
    monitoring to evaluate and improve the program.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Protect life and property and accomplish resource management
    objectives, including restoration of the natural role of fire in
    fire-dependent ecosystems.

## Enabling Legislation 

Coronado National Memorial was established on November 8, 1952 to
permanently commemorate and interpret the significance of the Francisco
Vasquez de Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542 and the resulting cultural
influences of 16^th^ Century Spanish colonial exploration in the
Americas. The memorial does not protect any tangible artifacts related
to the expedition. It was created to give visitors an opportunity to
reflect upon the impact the Coronado Entrada had in shaping the history,
culture, and environment of the southwestern United States and its
lasting ties to Mexico and Spain.

## General Management Plan Mission Goals

The Coronado National Memorial General Management Plan (GMP) (2004)
states that the "fire management programs in the memorial will be
designed to meet resource management objectives prescribed for various
areas of the memorial and to ensure that firefighter and public safety
are not compromised." All fire management activities will take place in
accordance with the GMP.

## Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan Objectives

This FMP is an action plan under the approved Natural and Cultural
Resources Management Plan (RMP) (NPS 1998) for carrying out the
memorial's fire management program. The objectives pertinent to fire
listed in the RMP include:

-   Conduct an active fire management program in the memorial.

-   Implement a system of efficient record-keeping.

-   Maintain and develop the staff\'s fire suppression and prescribed
    fire skills through training opportunities.

-   Keep a current interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in
    order to fulfill NPS obligations.

-   Evaluate fire effects for Madrean oak and grassland species and
    communities.

## Fire Management Plan Objectives

The FMP will help meet the objectives of the general and resources
management plans by providing overall fire management program direction.
It will follow NPS 1995 and 2001 Fire Policy Updates required of the
federal land management agencies to:

-   Provide public, employee, and firefighter safety.

-   Control all wildland fires using the appropriate management response
    (AMR) considering the protection of natural and cultural resources
    and reasonable costs.

-   Maintain fire management agreements with adjacent land management
    agencies, the Huachuca Area Fire Partners, and local fire
    departments.

#  III. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

## General Management Considerations

The basic goal of the fire management policies at Coronado National
Memorial is to meet resource management objectives while safeguarding
public safety, cultural resources, and private property. Suppression
will be used in all areas of the memorial, but may be limited in some
cases by safety concerns such as steep slopes, lack of safety routes,
resource concerns, or unreasonable costs. In these cases the Appropriate
Management Response may be to confine the fire to specific areas where
it is safe to suppress or where natural or manmade boundaries may be
utilized. Prescribed fire may be used to restore natural fuel loadings
through the reduction of hazardous fuel accumulation, but a
site-specific, 5-year fuels treatment plan will be developed and the
NEPA process applied before moving forward with treatment work. All
projects that include prescribed burning will include specific burning
prescrip­tions that will ensure the fire can be controlled within
established boundaries. The memorial will be working closely with the
HAFP on all fire related activities.

## Climate and Fire Season and History on the Memorial

### Weather Analysis

Weather records show that two climatic features, mild annual
temperatures and abundant summer precipitation, predominate the area
(Sellers and Hill 1974). The mean monthly temperature is 61°F. January
is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 58°F and average
minimum of 32°F. June is the warmest month with 91°F as the average
daily maximum and 59°F as the average minimum. The record high was 105°F
in 1990 and the record low was 1°F in 1978.

Precipitation is bimodal occurring in summer and late winter/early
spring. Summer brings monsoon thunderstorms from the Gulf of Mexico
often with local violent convectional cells and intense rainfall. Summer
storms account for half of the precipitation and occur from late June to
early September. Winter/spring storms are frontal Pacific systems
typified by gentle, wide-spread rains of long duration. Snow
accumulation averages about 4 inches per year. The annual precipitation
in the memorial is greater than in the surrounding valleys and ranges by
10 to 30 inches. The record high was 32.88 inches in 1978 and the record
low was 9.97 inches in 1989. The average rainfall during the period 1961
through 1996 was 20.47 inches. Humidity is low, except during periods of
precipitation.

### Fire Season

The Southern Arizona fire season runs from April into October. Two
overlapping periods can be identified during the summer season; the
"false monsoon" and the "true monsoon." The false monsoon season is the
period of highest fire danger. Hot, dry surface winds create thermals
and carry moisture that is beginning to flow aloft from the Gulf of
Mexico to form weak storm cells over the mountains (Bock et al., 1976;
Pyne 1984). Virga, high surface winds, and lightning are common
occurrences, along with occasional ignitions from ground strikes.
Prolonged, strong winds occur in the memorial during spring and summer.
These weather patterns tend to push wildfires from Mexico into the
memorial, and correspondingly out of the memorial toward Coronado
National Forest.

False monsoon fires are the most intense and typically have the highest
spread rates. Fire occurrence peaks during a several-week period before
the height of the monsoon in late July

(Swetnam et al. 1989). In addition to high temperatures, low humidities,
high winds, and dry lightning storms, vegetation factors contribute to
the intensity of the initial fire season. The spring season in the
memorial is not usually green, but rather more typical of fall in areas
outside the Southwest. The perennial, mainly warm-season grasses remain
dry until July. Spring green-up of cool-season grasses is generally
restricted to the valleys and riparian areas, and depends upon winter
and early spring precipitation. Abundant dry grass is readily available
and significant fuel. In addition, the oak species generally drop (and
replace) their leaves during the spring dry period that occurs from late
April through early July.

The second fire season begins with the "true monsoon" onset. Storms are
usually well developed by the third week in July and occur almost daily
throughout the Huachuca Mountains. Green-up begins during the first ten
days of the season. Although fuel moisture and burning indices are
usually lower than in the first fire season, more fires occur in the
area during the second season because there are many more storms and,
consequently, more lightning. By August, when thunderstorm activity is
often very high, soils and woody fuels in upper elevations are typically
saturated with moisture and fire activity declines. When drier
conditions return toward the end of September, few thunderstorms are
occurring and fire activity remains low (Swetnam et al. 1989).

During the second season, fires typically occur in vegetation types that
have minimal grass or herbaceous cover and where litter is the primary
carrier of fire---pine, oak, and manzanita monitoring types. The
grass-scrub communities are usually very green in late July and August
which sharply reduces the probability of a spreading fire.

### Historic Role of Fire

The presence and importance of fire within woodland communities have
been noted for decades (Leopold 1924; LeSueur 1945; Wallmo 1955;
Marshall 1957, 1963; Niering and Lowe 1984). While surveying birds in
the Mexican pine-oak woodlands, Marshall (1963) noticed that in Mexico,
where fire suppression was minimal, the woodlands were open with a dense
grass understory. Across the border in the United States where land
managers suppressed fire, Marshall saw stunted woodlands with much
accumulated fuel and little grass understory. Fires in this situation
were often severe and killed most of the overstory trees and understory
plants. Escobedo et al. (2001) documented heavier loadings of downed
woody fuels on pine-oak forests sites in southeastern Arizona compared
with northeastern Sonora.

Observations such as those made by Marshall led to the reversal of
long-standing fire suppression policies within the NPS. Researchers have
brought to light adaptations to fire in individual plant species, the
role of fire in vegetation communities, and the fire history of
particular places. The monument has been the site of several studies
that provide information on the role of fire. The work of fire
ecologists is the basis for many fire program goals.

Detailed fire history data for the memorial is lacking and only sporadic
and incomplete records dating from 1957 are available. While specific
fire history research for Coronado National Memorial remains incomplete,
records kept by the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado
National Forest, which adjoins the northern and western boundaries of
the memorial, may provide a useful reference of normal fire season and
occurrence relationships that may apply to the memorial.

Park and USFS records indicate a total of 31 fires (14 human-caused and
17 lightning-caused) within the current boundaries of the memorial for
the period 1957 to 2004 (see Appendix G). These fires include some that
were on USFS lands, which, after a land transfer between the USFS and
the memorial in 1975, were included within the current memorial
boundaries. Two of these fires originated in Mexico and burned into the
United States while one started in the memorial and spread into Mexico.

Park records, including daily logs, superintendent\'s Annual Reports,
Case Incident Reports, Forms 10-400, 520 and 398, and DI-1202s, dating
back to September 1, 1957, were searched. A May 19, 1964 journal entry
stated that no human-caused fires occurred since the memorial was
staffed December 12, 1954, but no reference was made about
lightning-caused fires. USFS records in the Sierra Vista Ranger District
dating back to 1977 were also checked. It is unknown how accurately
fires were documented in past times.

An additional eight fires were recorded within one mile of the current
memorial boundaries (four human-caused and four lightning-caused). One
of the most significant recent fire events in the Huachuca Mountains was
the Peak Fire of 1988. The human-caused fire started in Mexico on June
10 and burned a total of 12,025 acres, including 3,750 acres within the
memorial, before it was contained on June 16. More than 1,400 personnel
from various federal and state agencies and municipal and volunteer fire
departments assisted in fire suppression efforts at a cost of 2.5
million dollars. Aggressive suppression efforts resulted in the loss of
only one structure, a shade ramada on Coronado Peak.

The Montezuma Fire was started on June 2, 2004 by a cooking fire ignited
by undocumented immigrants in the memorial near the U.S.-Mexico border
one quarter mile east of Boundary Marker 102. The USFS responded with an
initial attack consisting primarily of an aerial retardant drop. The
fire was contained on June 3 after burning approximately 250 acres. Also
on June 2, 2004, a small fire burned less than 100 acres in Mexico just
south of the Montezuma Fire. It is believed to have been started by a
vehicle at the edge of a dirt road, possibly transporting the same group
that caused the Montezuma Fire.

## Wildland Fire Management Goals and Objectives

The goal of the fire management program is to effectively manage
wildland fire and provide for the protection of life, property, and
cultural resources, while meeting resource management objectives
prescribed for various areas of the memorial. The interdisciplinary team
overseeing the writing of this plan developed the following goals and
objectives for the Coronado National Memorial fire program that are
compatible with and assist fulfillment of RMP objectives.

-   Give primary consideration to firefighter, employee, public safety,
    and national cost containment objectives.

-   Manage fire to minimize threats of unacceptable effects of fire to
    sensitive cultural and natural resources and properties within and
    outside the memorial.

-   Implement a program in the future to use prescribed burning and
    hazard fuels reduction to restore natural fuel loadings

-   Utilize research and monitoring to improve our understanding of the
    role of fire in the memorial's vegetative communities.

## Wildland Fire Management Options

### Wildland Fire Suppression

A wildland fire suppression strategy will be utilized in all areas of
the memorial. However, some wildland fires (human and lightning caused)
will be suppressed using less aggressive suppression strategies
(appropriate management response) when suitable. Natural or manmade
barriers may be used in suppression and will help reduce costs and
exposure of firefighters to risk. Therefore, minimizing acreage burned
might not be a primary consideration depending on the location.

Unplanned wildland fire suppression response will include immediate
analysis and determination by staff that the fire is not a threat to
human safety or structures and could be contained by natural and
artificial barriers. If there are risks to people, structures, or
significant resources, then the appropriate management response will be
to use aggressive fire suppression tactics. Incident response actions
will be determined by the incident commander and fire safety
considerations as guided by this plan and the superintendent, or his/her
representative. For fire incidents lasting longer than a single burning
period, a Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) will be completed to
help select and document the chosen strategy. Minimizing firefighter
exposure to risk, public and facility safety, sensitivity of specific or
area resources, and cost of more aggressive action will be the guiding
priorities in the WFSA, not acreage considerations. Communication with
and consideration of memorial neighbors will be a priority during the
decision making process.

### Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire projects for reduction of hazardous fuel conditions will
be used in areas that threaten values-to-be-protected, sensitive
species, and specific ecosystems after development of an appropriate
fuels reduction plan, which will then be added to this plan as Appendix
H. Specific NEPA consultation will be conducted at that time. The long
range objective of prescribed fire is to minimize aggressive suppression
actions within the memorial. The long term goal would be to manage fire
with an appropriate management response to protect safety and values at
risk from negative impacts of suppression tactics. The short and long
term goals include managing fire with minimum impact suppression
strategies while recognizing that safety is the primary objective. Each
prescribed fire will have an appropriate monitoring plan. Wildland Fire
Use for Resource Benefit cannot be authorized under this plan. Each
prescribed fire will have an appropriate monitoring plan.

### Non-Fire Applications

In the past few years, the Memorial has undertaken a few small-scale
efforts to reduce hazardous fuels around the headquarters area. This
included removal of dead trees and shrubs, primarily oaks and manzanita,
from the area immediately surrounding the Visitor Center, Maintenance
Shop, Administrative Building, and the residences. Approximately 12
acres was cleared in 2004 with assistance from staff of the Ajos-Bavispe
Reserve in Mexico and a similar treatment was done by the Saguaro Fire
Module in the late 1990s. The cleared debris was either cut for firewood
or chipped and distributed onto disturbed areas at the Montezuma Ranch.

Each year in the early spring, maintenance workers clear grass and brush
around propane fuel tanks, along roadways, and around picnic sites. The
main park road is also mowed along the edges from the east entrance to
the Visitor Center to prevent brush fires from vehicles and debris
carelessly thrown from vehicles. In the future, pile burning may be used
to dispose of fuels removed during mechanical treatments. A long-term
mechanical fuel reduction program will be implemented on a broader scale
throughout the memorial to modify vegetation for fuel and resource
management objectives. These activities will be addressed by the
development of project specific plans and separate NEPA/NHPA processes.
They will be added to Appendix H as they are developed.

## Wildland Fire Management Strategies by Fire Management Unit

Identification of fire management units (FMUs) is the cornerstone for
planning the management of the wildland fire program. This section ties
directly to the decisions made in the land and resource management
planning process. Coronado National Memorial includes two FMUs for the
purposes of managing fire. FMU 1 is an area dominated by Lehmann
lovegrass and includes two one-acre inholdings with private residences
and an abandoned ranch. The remainder of the memorial makes up FMU 2,
which contains a subunit designed to ensure the protection of developed
areas from harm by fire program activities. Information on the physical
and biotic environments of the FMUs is available in various sources at
the memorial. Specifically, a detailed description of the memorial's
environment, including significant natural and cultural resources, may
be found in the Affected Environment section of the memorial's GMP as
well as in Chapter X of this FMP. A Biological Inventory Report for the
Sonoran Desert Network (Powell and Docherty) was completed for the 2000
and 2001 field seasons and contains species lists for the memorial. All
species lists are on file at Coronado National Memorial.

### Aggressive fire suppression will be used in both FMUs, and will be limited only by safety concerns, such as steep slopes and lack of escape routes. Specific management considerations for both FMUs include the following:

-   Impacts to cultural resources will be minimized. The location of
    these sites will be included in documents such as line officers
    briefing statements and pre-attack plans. A cultural resource
    advisor from the memorial will be assigned to the incident
    management organization.

-   Sensitive natural areas or species will be protected from
    suppression activities. These areas will be included in documents
    such as line officers briefing statements and pre-attack plans. A
    natural resource advisor from the memorial will be assigned to the
    incident management organization. The resource advisor must be
    qualified to go on the fireline during incidents.

-   Only a small percentage of the memorial is accessible to vehicles.
    Off-road vehicle use may be permitted on a case-by-case basis and
    will be pre-approved by a memorial resource advisor.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   International border with Mexico creates management considerations
    such as fires crossing the border to/from Mexico and undocumented
    immigrants and drug smuggler traffic.

-   Protection of structures is a primary management consideration.

-   Use of heavy equipment during suppression activities if the fire
    threatens lives or property. This will be approved by the
    superintendent on a case-by-case basis, and a designated red carded
    resource advisor will accompany the equipment.

### Fire Management Unit 1

#### Description: Lehmann Lovegrass Unit (550 acres)

FMU 1 is located in the southeastern corner of the memorial (Figure
III-1) and is predominantly vegetated with the invasive species Lehmann
lovegrass (*Eragrostis lehmanniana*). No prescribed fire will occur in
this unit because little is known about Lehmann lovegrass' response to
fire. Preliminary results from ongoing studies indicate that Lehmann
lovegrass is fire tolerant, and disturbances such as fire may increase
the population by opening areas up to be reseeded by the nonnative
grass. It has shown a strong recovery after fire due to its large seed
bank (Erika Geiger pers. comm. 2004). Therefore, aggressive suppression
will occur in this unit. Manual and/or mechanical strategies will be
used around structures to be protected.

#### Management Considerations within FMU 1: 

-   Minimize the unwanted spread of non-native species, primarily
    Lehmann lovegrass

-   The use of heavy equipment during projects to reduce fuels may be
    authorized, primarily in the wildland urban interface and around
    structures.

#### Fuel Characteristics 

There are two distinct units of fuel within FMU 1, both of which are
Fire Behavior Fuel Model 2. One area consists of mixed native grasses,
while the second consists of the exotic Lehmann lovegrass (*Eragrostis*
*lehmanniana*). The native grasses have a more patchy horizontal
continuity than does the exotic lovegrass, which consists of a "carpet"
in a near monoculture dispersion. Both areas have scattered shrubs and
agave, however these plants only minimally affect the fuel character of
the area.

#### Fire Regime Alteration 

The plant communities in FMU 1 are considered to be in fire regime
condition class III. This class shows a high departure from the natural
(historical) regime of vegetation characteristics and a high risk of
loss of key ecosystem components.

#### Potential Fire Behavior

Expected fire behavior in FMU 1 will vary between the native and exotic
fuel units (see Table III-1). Fire behavior will consist of a ground
fire that will consume most grasses and some agave and may occasionally
scorch and torch shrubs, especially in areas with higher fuel loading or
increased slope. Moderate rates of spread will be observed as well as
moderate flame lengths that may challenge firefighters and prevent them
from using direct attack with hand tools. Of the two fuel units, the
Lehmann lovegrass area will burn more intensely and completely, due to
its horizontal continuity and fuel loading, than the area with native
grasses. Some short range spotting may occur as wind speeds increase.

![](media/image4.png){width="6.418055555555555in"
height="5.113888888888889in"}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656209 .anchor}Figure III-1. Fire Management
Units in Coronado National Memorial

#### Fire Effects by Fuel Type 

Fire behavior in fuel model 2 is generally of low to moderate intensity
and of short duration. Fire intensity is generally sufficient to consume
all herbaceous surface fuels, kill shrubs, and scorch trees where
present. Once ignited, grasses can readily involve larger fuels such as
branches and fallen and standing trees. Backing fires generally kill
more brush and trees than head fires due to resident heat exposure. In
some areas where the horizontal continuity is broken, surface fires will
have lower rates of spread and intensity than in areas with more
continuous fuel. Broken fuel beds will have more of a mosaic pattern
than continuous fuel beds (such as lovegrass) where consumption will be
near 100% of the fine and dead fuels. Low intensity fires will clean up
the dead and down and act to prune lower branches as well as seedlings
and regeneration. Higher intensity fires may scorch and top kill brush
and trees where present. Succulents may experience some short-term
effects, but generally will recover well afterwards. Soil sterilization
should not be a problem unless there is significant fuel loading such as
large piles.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656224 .anchor}Table III-1. Summary of Fire
Behavior Potential by Fire Behavior Fuel Model In Normal and Extreme
Fire Years For FMU 1.

+-----------+-----------------+------------------------+--------------+
| **Fire    | **Fire Behavior | **Fire Behavior**      | **Re         |
| B         | Normal Year**   |                        | presentative |
| ehavior** |                 | **Extreme Year**       | Rates of     |
|           |                 |                        | Spread and   |
| **Fuel    |                 |                        | Flame        |
| Model**   |                 |                        | Length**     |
+-----------+-----------------+------------------------+--------------+
| 2         | Surface fire    | Fuel loading is higher | Rate of      |
|           | spreads rapidly | due to more abundant   | spread       |
| Grass     | through fine    | rainfall. Fire         |              |
| Group     | fuels. High     | behavior may increase  | = 32         |
|           | rates of spread | as the moisture        | chains/hr    |
|           | possibly        | content decreases with |              |
|           | associated with | decreasing moisture    | Flame length |
|           | high winds.     | later in the season;   |              |
|           | Some torching   | fire behavior may be   | = 6 feet     |
|           | of over-story   | more active and burn   |              |
|           | brush possible. | more cleanly. Control  |              |
|           |                 | problems may exist.    |              |
+-----------+-----------------+------------------------+--------------+

Note: Behave Plus calculations with 1, 10, 100 hour fuel of 8, 9, 10
respectively, live/herbaceous fuel moisture of 100%, and mid flame wind
speed of 5 mph with zero slope.

#### Control Problems and Dominant Topographic Features

East Montezuma Canyon Road, East Forest Lane and the border road, which
respectively form the northern, western, and southern boundaries of this
FMU, will aid in the control of fires in this area. These administrative
roads can be accessed by small vehicles, such as Type 6 engines, and may
provide escape routes to the east for fire crews working in the area.
However, the vehicle barrier built along the border road is a
significant obstruction. The paved East Montezuma Canyon Road along the
northern edge of this FMU provides easy access for large and small
vehicles, but is also the primary escape route during fire incidents.
There are no existing safety zones in this FMU.

Montezuma Wash is a relatively broad, dry, sandy drainage cutting
through this FMU that is heavily vegetated, but may serve to slow a fire
through the surrounding fine fuels. The continuing development of
private property near the memorial's eastern boundary will create a
small wildland-urban interface area that will be a control problem due
to the surrounding heavy fine fuels. The memorial will consider the
feasibility of developing a grass fire fuelbreak along the boundary in
the future.

#### Values to be protected

-   Two private residences with associated outbuildings lie on one-acre
    parcels near the northern boundary of the FMU. Protection of
    residences adjacent to and near the east boundary of the memorial
    will also be considered in all fire management activities. The
    network of dirt roads being constructed outside the boundary may be
    developed as fuelbreaks in the future.

-   A Remote Video Surveillance (RVS) system, maintained by the U.S.
    Customs Border Patrol, is located within the former Montezuma Ranch.

-   In accordance with the General Management Plan, the memorial intends
    to remove the ranch structures and has already obtained concurrence
    from the State Historic Preservation Office for that action.
    Therefore, those structures would not be protected. An electric well
    pump in that same area may be developed as a water source for
    suppression activities and would be protected.

-   A historic cemetery with stone grave markers and surrounded by a
    rock wall is located in this FMU and will be protected from damage
    by heavy equipment used in fire activities.

### Fire Management Unit 2 

#### Description: Oak Woodlands (5,250 acres)

FMU 2 comprises the majority of the memorial, except the southeastern
corner, which is in FMU 1 (Figure III-1). FMU 2 is primarily oak
woodlands with small open oak savannahs and native grasslands in the
northeastern portion. In addition to fire suppression, prescribed fire
and mechanical fuel treatments may be used in this unit in the future
after additional planning. Prescribed fire may be used to reduce
hazardous fuel accumulations and prevent high-intensity, widespread
wildland fire. This FMU contains the developed areas of the memorial
headquarters, picnic area, and Montezuma Pass. After additional
planning, mechanical thinning and prescribed fire may be used around
those areas to reduce the potential for loss of structures. Suppression
responses in FMU 2 may be limited by safety concerns such as steep
slopes and lack of safety zones and escape routes.

#### Management Considerations within FMU 2:

-   Visitor use

-   Adjacent federal land management agencies concerns

-   Access difficulties

-   Limit chemical retardant and/or foam agent use near abandoned mines
    and caves

-   Firefighter safety around abandoned mines

#### Fuel Characteristics 

Fuel characteristics within FMU 2 consist of mixed oak and juniper with
some interspersed manzanita overstory and understory grasses and agave.
Portions of FMU 2 have had some fire in the past, notably the Peak Fire
in 1988. The unit consists of Fuel Model 5, regeneration where fire has
occurred, and Fuel Model 6 elsewhere. In some areas, growth is heavy,
with ladder fuels that may allow for increased torching. Fuel loading is
heavier on north-facing slopes and lighter on south-facing slopes.

#### Fire Regime Alteration 

The plant communities in FMU 2 are considered to be in fire regime
condition class II, a moderate departure from the natural (historical)
regime.

#### Potential Fire Behavior

Expected fire behavior in FMU 2 will vary depending on Fuel Model and
aspect (see Table III-2). Fire behavior in Fuel Model 5 will consist of
surface fire that may consume the entire grass component as well as
regeneration from the Peak Fire of 1988. In areas where the fire did not
burn, torching and crowning may be observed. Torching and crowning will
be more likely on hot and dry days, in periods of drought, on
south-facing slopes, and when fire is pushed uphill by wind. Moderate
rates of spread and flame lengths may decrease or prevent initial attack
ability with hand tools.

Fire behavior in Fuel Model 6 will consist of surface fire that may
consume the entire grass component. Fuel Model 6 will be significantly
more aggressive than other fuel models on the memorial, especially in
areas where manzanita is found. Surface fire with increased chance of
torching and crowning will be present.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656225 .anchor}Table III-2. Summary of Fire
Behavior Potential by Fire Behavior Fuel Model In Normal and Extreme
Fire Years For FMU 2.

+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **NFDRS and    | **Fire          | **Fire Behavior | *               |
| Fire Behavior  | Behavior -      | --**            | *Representative |
| Fuel Model**   | Normal Year**   |                 | Rates of Spread |
|                |                 | **Extreme       | and Flame       |
|                |                 | Year**          | Length**        |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| 5              | Surface fire    | Increased rates | Rate of spread  |
|                | spreads at      | of spread and   | = 14 chains/hr  |
| Brush Group    | moderate rates  | flame lengths.  |                 |
|                | through the     |                 | Flame length =  |
|                | shrubs and      |                 | 4 feet          |
|                | grasses.        |                 |                 |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| 6              | Active burning  | Aggressive      | Rate of spread  |
|                | with torching   | burning in all  | = 30 chains/hr  |
| Brush Group    | and isolated    | fuel levels,    |                 |
|                | crown fire      | including wind  | Flame length =  |
|                | activity.       | driven          | 6 feet          |
|                | Control is      | independent     |                 |
|                | difficult due   | crown fire;     |                 |
|                | to flame        | possible long   |                 |
|                | lengths.        | range spotting; |                 |
|                | Foliage may be  | stand replacing |                 |
|                | volatile adding | fire probable.  |                 |
|                | to the fire     | Control         |                 |
|                | behavior.       | problems very   |                 |
|                |                 | probable.       |                 |
+----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

Note: Behave Plus calculations with 1, 10, 100 hour fuel of 8, 9, 10
respectively, live/herbaceous fuel moisture of 100%, and mid flame wind
speed of 5 mph with zero slope.

#### Fire Effects by Fuel Types 

Fire behavior in Fuel Models 5 and 6 is generally of moderate intensity
and of moderate duration. In drought or wind or steep slope conditions,
fire behavior can be intense and hard to control. Fire intensity is
generally sufficient to consume all herbaceous and most woody fuels in
Fuel Model 5 and, when conditions are extreme (such as drought or high
winds), in Fuel Model 6 as well. Once ignited, fire can spread at rapid
rates and scorch and torch trees. In extreme conditions, some
wind-driven crown fires may be possible, especially in Fuel Model 6.
Terrain will influence fire behavior and increase the likelihood of
torching and crowning on up-hill runs.

Low live fuel moistures and frost kill will increase fire behavior as
well, thus increasing consumption. Low intensity fires will serve to
clean up dead and down, and prune lower branches. They will also consume
most grasses, sprouts, and regenerated vegetation. Regeneration should
be good regardless of fire intensity given the short resident time of
the fire. Succulents may experience some short-term effect but should
recover well. Soil erosion may be a problem when the fire consumes all
of the ground vegetation and is followed by moderate or heavy rainfall
before grasses re-establish themselves on slopes. Soil sterilization
should not be a concern unless there are large piles involved.

#### Control Problems and Dominant Topographic Features

FMU 2 is characterized by rugged and steep terrain with numerous small
side canyons branching off the main Montezuma Canyon. Except for the
main road leading to Montezuma Pass, which has a 24-foot vehicle length
limit, this FMU has no vehicular access points. The parking lot at
Montezuma Pass, however, provides ample room for use as a safety zone,
helispot, and small staging area for vehicles and firefighters.
Montezuma Peak (elev. 7,676 ft) is a steep rock outcropping on the
northern boundary of this FMU. Several developed hiking trails in the
FMU provide access by foot and can be used as containment features under
mild conditions. Water sources for firefighting are limited to those in
the headquarters and picnic areas. Most rock outcrops in this FMU are
not large enough or are too steep to be used as safety zones.

#### Values to Be Protected

-   The developments in the headquarters area, including the Visitor
    Center, administrative offices, and staff residences will receive
    priority consideration in fire control and planning efforts.
    Similarly, the contact station at Montezuma Pass will also be
    protected.

-   Sensitive species that may be found in this FMU include Mexican
    spotted owls, lesser long-nosed bats, and barking frogs. Some caves
    and mines provide habitat the bats and frogs.

# IV. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMPONENTS

## General Implementation Procedures

The first stage of fire management determines if a wildland fire will be
suppressed or allowed to burn. This FMP has determined that all wildland
fires will be suppressed using the appropriate management response. If
initial attack is not successful in 24 hours following ignition, the
memorial will initiate a WFSA.

## Wildland Fire Suppression

### Range of potential fire behavior

Wildland fires in grasslands can be expected to exhibit rapid rates of
spread under the influence of wind and topography. Containment may be a
significant problem during wind driven conditions. When fire behavior is
low to moderate, existing barriers will be utilized to control the head
of the fire. Under those conditions, grass fires can be expected to slow
or stop at roadsides and trails. Grassland fires reaching the base of
the hills should exhibit greatly increased rates of spread and flame
lengths as they progress upslope, unless slowed or stopped by rock
outcroppings and/or the lack of fine fuels.

Fires burning in the more heavily vegetated areas will, for the most
part, stay on the ground and spread at a low to moderate rate, with
occasional torching and intense fire behavior in isolated fuel
concentrations. Uncontrollable wildland fire behavior in shrub fuels on
level ground can be expected only under severe conditions. Rates of
spread and burning intensities may be higher on steeper slopes or during
windy conditions.

Precipitation, humidity, and temperature can significantly change fuel
characteristics and alter fire behavior throughout the year. Generally,
fuels will dry as spring (April--June) temperatures increase and
precipitation decreases prior to the beginning of the summer monsoon
season. Winter annual plants dry in dense stands to form fine fuels
capable of carrying wildfire, and perennial vegetation dries to tinder
as well. Lightning from monsoon thunderstorms can ignite these fuels,
initiating the summer fire season. Throughout August, storms persist.
Eventually, higher elevations usually become saturated with moisture,
and fire activity is minimized. Once the monsoon season concludes in
mid-September, the vegetation dries out again, and remaining storms may
spark a few fall fires. The drying of fuels will again occur in the fall
(September-November) before the beginning of the winter rainy season.

Fuel characteristics will vary from one year to the next and may not
follow the general pattern listed above. In years of abnormally high
winter precipitation, winter annuals, both native and exotic, experience
a boost in productivity. This increased biomass may join fragmented
fuels, such as trees and shrubs, and increase the chance of a spreading
wildfire. Two consecutive wet winters, such as during El Nino years
support an even more dramatic rise in fire activity. The first wet
winter leads to high production of seed reserves that take advantage of
the following season of abundant moisture and produce a denser stand of
annuals than a single moist winter.

### Preparedness Actions

Preparedness is accomplished prior to the fire season to ensure that the
appropriate response and readiness, as directed by the FMP, can be
carried out. When periods of high fire danger occur outside the normal
fire season dates, the appropriate action will be taken at that time.
Preparedness activities include planning, inspections, fuel reduction,
personnel qualifications, training, and equipment inventory,
acquisition, and maintenance. The objective of the preparedness effort
is to have a well-trained and equipped fire management organization
capable of supporting cooperators with fire suppression activities
within the memorial. Preparedness activities are outlined in Reference
Manual 18 and are covered by normal memorial operating funds and FIREPRO
support through Saguaro National Park, the memorial's lead FIREPRO park.

To ensure adequate fire preparedness, the memorial will work in
cooperation with Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest.
The Fire Management Officer (FMO), located at Saguaro National Park,
will advise the memorial on its fire operations per the Interpark
Agreement and assist in obtaining FIREPRO funds for the memorial's fire
program. The memorial has a long history of working with the Sierra
Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest on fire
suppression and other fire program activities. In 2004, the memorial
entered into an interagency agreement with the USFS to coordinate
actions ensuring the memorial's fire program is adequately prepared.

#### Fire Prevention Activities 

An active fire prevention program will be conducted in conjunction with
other agencies to protect human life and property and prevent damage to
cultural and natural resources and physical facilities. The fire
prevention program will consist of public education, regulatory
enforcement, equipment and safety inspections, and fuel reduction
activities. Since the possibility of a fire spreading onto the memorial
from surrounding lands exists, close cooperation with Coronado National
Forest will be an integral part of the prevention effort. The memorial
will work with state and other federal agencies in efforts to reduce
human caused fires by the large number of illegal immigrants passing
through the memorial.

The need to involve the public in fire prevention activities extends
farther than the park level; it promotes an environmental ethic and an
awareness of the potential impacts of wildfire by users of all public
lands in the area. Support for the memorial\'s fire program will be
accomplished by public awareness programs and field programs. Prevention
activities may include: press releases, attending Coronado National
Forest and HAFP meetings, preparing fire awareness displays, and
increasing patrols during the fire season. Fire safety and awareness
messages will be incorporated into visitor contacts and interpretive
programs and posted on bulletin boards.

It is essential that employees be well informed about fire prevention
and the objectives of the memorial's fire management program. The
resource manager updates call up lists and distributes to all memorial
staff annually before fire season begins. Further, employees must be
kept informed about changes in existing conditions throughout the fire
season. Trained employees need to inform the public of the potential
severity of human-caused wildland fires and how to prevent them. Park
owned and operated equipment needs to be inspected on an annual basis to
insure that they do not the cause fires; spark arrestors and other
prevention equipment need to be in proper working order. Operational
fire extinguishers need to be present on certain equipment during
operation, etc.

Fire inspections of all building exteriors and the landscaping
immediately surrounding the headquarters area will be made annually
prior to the beginning of the fire season. Burnable fuel will be reduced
around each building. The defensible space and fence lines around each
residence will be kept clear of vegetation, according to the national
FIREWISE standards that the NPS has approved.

During periods of high or extreme fire danger, fire prevention messages
will be included in all interpretive programs. Emergency restrictions
regarding camp stoves, fires in grills, smoking, or area closures may
become necessary. Such restrictions, when imposed, will be coordinated
with and coincide with restrictions implemented by other state and
federal agencies.

#### Training 

Departmental policy requires that all personnel engaged in suppression
and planned-ignition fire duties meet the standards set by the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The memorial will work with Saguaro
National Park and the Sierra Vista Ranger District on training classes
and maintaining qualifications that meet or exceed all NWCG standards,
and all personnel involved in wildland fire suppression will meet NWCG
standards. The memorial will conform strictly to the requirements of the
NPS wildland fire management qualification and certification system,
which outlines minimum training, experience, and physical fitness
requirements. NPS wildland fire training is based upon criteria
specified within the training curriculum approved by NWCG. This
curriculum is supportive of positions described within NWCG 310-1,
*Wildland Fire Qualification Guide* and NWCG *Prescribed Fire Job
Qualification* *Guide*.

Incident Qualification and Certification System qualifications ("red
cards") will be mandatory for all personnel engaged in fire suppression
or prescribed fire duties. All personnel involved in fire management
operations will have their qualifications, training, and experience
entered into the Incident Qualification and Certification System,
(ICQS). The superintendent will attend the Fire Management Leadership
course for agency administrators as soon as possible. In addition, the
Superintendent will review the Management Performance Requirements for
Fire Operations at least once annually to insure compliance with agency
administrator responsibilities. The Superintendent should shadow any
local agency administrator in a large fire situation, if possible, to
develop the knowledge needed to deal with large fire situations. The
regional fire and aviation office can provide the Superintendent field
mentoring opportunities as requested.

Records will be updated annually. Interested employees may be afforded
training as time and funds allow, which includes meeting the NPS
physical fitness standards for fire line duty. Efforts will also be made
to qualify people for assignment to local fire overhead teams or single
resource assignments on interagency fires in order to contribute to the
overall mission of the NPS, to demonstrate our commitment to the
interagency fire community, and to develop employee experience and
skills.

#### Equipment and Supplies

The memorial will not maintain its own fire cache, instead it will use
the fire cache maintained by the Sierra Vista Ranger District and
located at their office. The nearest wildland fire engine is normally
located in Palominas and has a typical response time of less than 15-30
minutes.

#### Fire weather and fire danger

There is one National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
station located near the Visitor Center that records daily maximum and
minimum temperatures and precipitation. A fire weather station was
operated near the headquarters area from April 1993 through February
1998, but this period was not long enough to determine trends. The USFS
Sierra Vista Ranger District tracks the National Fire Danger Rating
System (NFDRS) fire danger indices and develops the thresholds used in
prevention, initial response, large fire actions, and prescribed fire
activities. Based on this NFDRS analysis, the memorial will coordinate
its fire activities with the Sierra Vista Ranger District. The nearest
permanent Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) station is located in
Carr Canyon, approximately 8 miles north of the memorial, on the Sierra
Vista Ranger District. There is also a temporary RAWS station on the
private Lone Mountain Ranch approximately 7 miles west of the memorial.

#### Step-up Staffing Plan

The step-up plan is a documented procedure designed to direct
incremental preparedness actions taken by memorial personnel in
cooperation with the USFS in response to increasing fire danger. These
actions are delineated by staffing classes. The five staffing classes,
or stages, are ranked utilizing the burning index (BI) of the NFDRS and
are described below. Because a rapid rate of spread can occur even at a
low burning index in grasses, the grass Fuel Model C (Pine Grass
Savanna) is used as the basis for staffing classes. Staffing classes are
based on historical weather data at the Carr fire weather station
(station ID 021411). An analysis was completed using Fire Family Plus to
determine BI values that correspond to the various percentile weather
classes. This analysis uses the period of March 1^st^ through October
31^st^ and all available years of data (1999 through 2004). The staffing
class BI is related to percentile BI as shown below:

  --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------
  Staffing Class        Burning Index         Percentile BI

  1                     0 - 35                0 to 49^th^

  2                     36 - 42               50^th^ to 74^th^

  3                     43 - 48               75^th^ to 89^th^

  4                     49 -- 53              90^th^ to 96^th^

  5                     54 +                  97^th^ and above
  --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------

Actions in each staffing class level include the activities authorized
in the preceding lower level. During holidays and special events, the
current staffing class will increase by one.

[Staffing Class I, Burning Index 0-4]{.underline} - No activity
necessary. Normal eight-hour tours of duty with no change in routine
operations. Red-carded employees are available to respond and take
necessary action on any fire reported.

[Staffing Class II, Burning Index 5-10]{.underline} - No activity
necessary. Normal eight-hour tours of duty with no change in routine
operations. Red-carded employees are available to respond and take
necessary action on any fire reported.

[Staffing Class III, Burning Index 11-22]{.underline} - Normal
eight-hour tours of duty. Preparedness overtime for red-carded and/or
law enforcement personnel may be authorized during special events and
holidays for extended patrols. Overtime will be authorized by the
Superintendent in consultation with the Fire Management Officer (FMO) at
Saguaro National Park to activate an emergency preparedness account.
Red-carded personnel have personal protective equipment immediately
available in their work vehicles or at their work site. Interpretive
programs may carry fire awareness message. A lightning activity level
(LAL) of 4-6 will move this class up to Staffing Class IV.
Communications will be established with local interagency dispatch
center.

[Staffing Class IV, Burning Index 23-27]{.underline} - Ensure red-carded
personnel are available.

Increase patrols of visitor use areas. Firefighters will have fire packs
on hand while on duty. Hand tools and bladder bags will be placed in
vehicles. Lieu days and leave may be canceled for key management
personnel and red-carded firefighters. Preparedness overtime is
authorized per above procedures. Saguaro National Park FMO is notified.
Activities are coordinated with interagency partners in an effort to
provide consistent information to the public and memorial neighbors.
When county/state/federal officials prohibit fires and/or smoking, signs
will be posted in the visitor center, picnic area, and on bulletin
boards. Interpretive programs will carry fire awareness message. An LAL
of 4-6 will move this class up to Staffing Class V. Aerial detection
flights with interagency partners will be coordinated to ensure memorial
overflights.

[Staffing Class V, Burning Index 28+]{.underline} - All activities in
staffing class IV are continued. Restrictions and closures of memorial
areas may be deemed necessary. Staff is reminded about memorial
evacuation procedures.

**Note: During holidays and special events, add one staffing class.
Also, extended periods of emergency preparedness account activity and
long, above seasonal periods of higher staffing class may require the
development of a severity request and funding to supplement memorial
fire readiness. Severity requests will be coordinated with the Saguaro
FMO.**

### Pre-attack Plan

No written or formal pre-attack plan exists for the memorial. Volunteer
fire departments and the USFS Sierra Vista Ranger District have
developed their own protocols and procedures for initial attack of fires
within the memorial. Developed areas receive the highest priority in
regard to any suppression action. The measures currently being taken to
prevent the damage or destruction to these areas by fire include keeping
the grass mowed around the propane tanks and near the residences. In
addition, the residences have smoke detectors. The Visitor Center,
maintenance shop, and administration offices have internal structural
alarm systems that include smoke detection, and the alarms alert a
private security company which then contacts the memorial and/or the
Cochise County Sheriff's Office in case of emergency. There are hydrants
(no hoses) located throughout the headquarters and picnic area that
operate on gravity and without electricity. Both the Palominas Volunteer
Fire Department and the Sierra Vista Ranger District are familiar with
the hydrant locations.

A pre-attack plan is a comprehensive compilation of essential fire
management information. A pre-attack plan is a quick reference guide to
be used as incidents occur and contains sensitive resource information
on locations of cultural sites and endangered species. The plan also
includes evaluations of structures to ensure that their values (and
hazards) are taken into consideration during fire suppression
activities. Criteria and procedures for evacuations and closures will
also be addressed. The memorial will develop a pre-attack plan by 2007
that will then be reviewed annually prior to the fire season and revised
as necessary. It will be added to this plan as an appendix.

### Initial Attack Strategy

All fires will be reported to the superintendent, chief ranger, and
resource manager and these personnel will maintain a communications log
of the fire and begin a fire report. Initial reports to the Saguaro FMO
will be made verbally so that staff can facilitate entry into the zone
and national daily situation report, and to the NPS fire news daily
reporting. All fires will be reported in detail to the Saguaro FMO for
later input into the Wildland Fire Management Information computer
program (WFMI). Fires will also be reported to the Southern Arizona
Office superintendent if assistance from the cultural and/or natural
resource specialist is needed for suppression activities.

Initial attack response will be requested from the Southeast Zone
Coordination Center located in Tucson (520-670-4832). The superintendent
or his/her designee (or Incident Commander) will request outside
resources, if needed, through the 24-hour Southeast Zone Coordination
Center dispatch. The superintendent will prepare a Delegation of
Authority (Appendix F) for all extended attack Incident Commanders. All
wildland fires will be managed with an Appropriate Management Response
using the Incident Command System (ICS). For any suppression activity,
the memorial will provide direction to the suppression organization for
resources protection, public safety, and suppression impacts via
resource advisors. The NPS agency representative will work closely with
the command staff, and NPS resource advisors will be provided by the NPS
as necessary. If a fire threatens to exceed the initial attack
capabilities of the memorial and local cooperating agencies, the
Incident Commander will request additional resources from the Southeast
Zone Coordination Center.

The primary strategy on small fires will be a direct attack with hand
tools and/or hose lays and water or an aerial attack in areas that
cannot be quickly accessed on foot. Fires beyond the capacity of hand
tools will be managed utilizing engines where road access is available.
Fire lines will be constructed utilizing existing trails and roads
wherever possible to minimize resource impacts. Also, fires will be
contained using preexisting natural and artificial barriers where
possible. Off-road vehicles may be utilized to save lives, buildings,
and significant resources as directed by resource advisors. Fresh water
sources are not locally abundant. However, portable pumps and complex
hose lays ("wetlines") can be used in lieu of, or to supplement,
constructed firelines. The use of structural fire fighting trucks and
crews may assist in the rapid application of water to small roadside
fires; however, the use of crews not trained in wildland firefighting
will be avoided. Aerial retardant drops will be used when necessary to
save lives, buildings, and significant resources, or to provide
containment lines in areas inaccessible to ground crews. They will be
avoided in areas where retardant is likely to adversely affect sensitive
natural and cultural resources, such as near caves or flowing water
courses. These will be identified in advance for all incoming resources
by the park resource advisor.

As in any NPS area, the proper selection of suppression techniques is a
critical issue. The superintendent reserves the right to deploy
mechanized equipment or use site disturbing suppression techniques
anywhere in the memorial, since the memorial does not contain designated
wilderness. The authority to use such techniques will be granted to the
Incident Commander on a case-by-case basis. Use of these techniques
among NPS initial attack personnel at the memorial will be approved
through the normal chain of command.

Where wildland fires cross roads, the burned area adjacent to the road
should be mopped up before the road reopens to prevent smoke from
obscuring traffic. Mop-up will be performed as completely as possible in
the burned areas of smaller fires. On large fires, complete mop-up will
occur on all perimeters for at least 3 chains (approximately 200 feet)
from the edges. The interior will be monitored regularly for new smoke
or hot spots to insure no threats develop to the fireline.

If a fire threatens to exceed the initial attack capabilities of the
memorial and local cooperating agencies, the Incident Commander will
request additional resources from the Southeast Zone Coordination Center
dispatch (520-670-4832).

#### Criteria for Initial Attack Response:

-   Safety of the public and firefighters.

-   Protection of developed areas and private property.

-   Protection of cultural and natural resources.

-   Availability of suppression resources and response times.

-   Behavior of fire as determined by fuels, weather, and topography.

-   Construction of minimal fire-line and use of Minimum Impact
    Suppression Tactics (MIST).

-   Use of aircraft and mechanized equipment only where necessary to
    support above-listed criteria.

#### Confinement Strategy

Confinement is an Appropriate Management Response that may be used to
minimize resource damage, provide for firefighter safety, and minimize
costs. A confinement strategy may be selected as the Appropriate
Management Response for initial attack, but cannot be selected solely to
meet resource management objectives. Resource benefits may be a
by-product, but the strategy must be based upon the criteria listed
above. A confinement strategy may also be selected in the WFSA process
when initial attack has failed to contain a wildland fire. This strategy
may also be used to minimize resource damage, to provide for firefighter
safety, and to prevent selection of an alternative that provides for the
escalation of unreasonable costs with little additional protection.

#### Restrictions and special concerns

Retardant and foam will not be used within 300 feet of water sources,
caves, and abandoned mines with water. Locations of these features will
be given to the Incident Commander immediately upon their assignment to
the fire by the park resource advisor. Any fire suppression activity in
the vicinity of a known historic site or sensitive natural area will
receive guidance from a designated resource advisor from the memorial.

#### Local Issues

The memorial depends on local (Palominas and Fry) fire departments and
the USFS for initial and extended attacks on fires. Therefore, the
memorial works closely with these agencies in planning, training,
preparedness, and other fire management issues. Response times of these
agencies to memorial fires are generally less than one hour depending on
resource type, time of year, and fire danger.

### Extended Attack Operations 

Extended attack needs will be determined by considering threats to life,
property, and memorial resources and the availability of suppression
forces. When a fire escapes initial attack, a new strategy must be
developed to suppress the fire. This selection process is accomplished
through the development of a WFSA to document the AMR decision and guide
outside resources. The superintendent or his/her representative will
complete the WFSA. The Saguaro FMO or the Sierra Vista Ranger District
fire staff will usually assist the Superintendent and memorial staff in
preparation of a WFSA. An electronic version of a WFSA can be found at
the USFS website at <http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/wfsa/>.

### Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics 

Minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) will be employed to protect
natural and cultural resources on all NPS lands. Natural and artificial
barriers will be used as much as possible for containment. If necessary,
fire line construction will be conducted in such a way as to minimize
resource impacts.

Vehicle access for firefighters to areas of the memorial normally closed
to the public will be made using existing administrative roads when
possible. When off-road travel is determined to be necessary by
firefighters, vehicle access will be made only after documented
archeological sites, abandoned mines, and other sensitive resources have
been marked for avoidance or park resource advisor accompanies all
firefighter vehicles. Areas currently designated as emergency helispots
will be used by helicopters with the approval of the superintendent. The
map of these helispots will immediately be provided to incoming incident
commanders by the park resource advisor. Heavy equipment such as
crawlers, tractors, dozers, or graders will not be used in the memorial
unless their use is necessary to prevent loss of lives, structures, or
significant resources. Any use of such equipment will be specifically
approved on a case-by-case basis by the superintendent or his/her
designee, and that decision will be documented on the Delegation of
Authority valid at that time.

### Rehabilitation Guidelines

When a suppression action is taken, rehabilitation may be necessary. The
most effective rehabilitation measure is prevention of impacts through
careful planning and the use of MIST. The Incident Commander will
initiate immediate rehabilitation actions, as soon as the risk of fire
escape or threat has passed. Suppression rehabilitation will be directed
toward minimizing or eliminating the effects of the suppression effort
and reducing hazards (such as snags) caused by the fire immediately
adjacent to developed areas. Sites impacted by fire suppression
activities will be rehabilitated as necessary, based on approved
standards developed by the park and given to the incident commander. If
a small fire occurs, best practices through currently available science
will be utilized to guide suppression rehabilitation. If trails are used
as fire breaks and fire suppression impacts occurred on those trails,
some trail rehabilitation may be done. Short term fire suppression
rehabilitation activities are a normal function of fire suppression and
taken care of by incident resources and suppression fire accounts.

Long-term rehabilitation, or fire impact recovery, activities depend on
the severity of the fire. The general rehabilitation procedure after
small fires is to let things come back naturally. For example, no
reseeding will be done after a small fire. The exception to this
guideline is the rehabilitation in FMU 1. This area may be reseeded if
current science shows that reseeding with native grasses will decrease
the population of exotic grasses. Any recovery efforts, reseeding, long
term rehabilitation, or other non-suppression impact rehabilitation can
only be done after a Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation plan is
developed. This plan must be submitted to the regional BAER coordinator
(the Regional fire ecologist) for funding approval, based on the current
national requirements.

### Records and Reports

The resource manager will complete Individual Fire Reports (DI-1202) for
all wildland and prescribed fires and provide a printed copy to the
Saguaro National Park FMO. Records of all fire reports will be
consecutively numbered and entered into the WFMI computer system by the
Saguaro National Park FMO. Fire account numbers will be requested from
the Saguaro National Park fire program management assistant as soon as
fire costs are incurred. Each report will include a brief narrative
stating the cause of the fire, the action taken, and fire location. A
permanent record of all fires will be kept in the memorial. Reports will
be completed for fires within the memorial and for assistance rendered
by the memorial to cooperating fire agencies. The Saguaro FMO will
prepare an annual fire summary report which will contain the number of
fires by type, acres burned by fuel type, costs, personnel utilized,
hours of aircraft used, and fire effects. All fire related activity
should be reported on the Inside NPS website:
<http://data2.itc.nps.gov/fire/admin//index.cfm>; this report should be
done as soon as the fire activity or mechanical treatment has started.
At completion of the event, an entry to close out the activity is
required.

## Wildland Fire Use 

*No wildland fire use is anticipated at this time.*

## Prescribed Fire

### 

### Planning and Documentation

#### Annual Activities

No annual activities for the memorial are planned at this time; however,
prescribed fires and mechanical treatments are being considered to
reduce hazardous fuels in the memorial. All planning, priority setting,
and implementation will be conducted in coordination with Saguaro
National Park and the HAFP. If a determination is made that a specific
treatment is required, that action will be subject to the requirements
of NEPA, the NHPA, and other applicable regulations. All prescribed fire
operations will adhere to NPS prescribed fire policies and procedures
found in RM-18. An approved burn plan will identify needed resources,
individual responsibilities, and timelines. These activities include
scheduling of resources, coordination with neighboring agencies and
communities, and obtaining necessary permits and will be done in
conjunction with the HAFP. All aspects of monitoring associated with
prescribed fire applications (fire weather, effects, and behavior) and
subsequent project critiques also will be done in conjunction with the
HAFP.

#### Long-Term Prescribed Fire Strategy

The main purpose of prescribed burning at the memorial would be to
reduce fuel loadings. Once appropriate planning has been done, NEPA
consultation completed, and the 5 year treatment plan developed, then
park partner and neighbor collaboration must be done. The projects must
be entered into the National Fire Plan Operations and Reporting System
(NFPORS) by March 15^th^ of each year to be considered for funding the
following fiscal year.

In FMU 1 no prescribed fire will be allowed due to the presence of
exotic grasses and private inholdings. In FMU 2, prescribed fires may be
used in conjunction with mechanical thinning along the main memorial
road. This would be done to make the road a more defensible fuelbreak,
thereby reducing the risk of fire spread.

#### Needed Personnel

The memorial does not have sufficient personnel trained to manage a
prescribed fire. Personnel needed for a specific burn will be identified
in each project burn plan. The memorial will participate in a
coordinated approach to mutual prescribed fire programs with Saguaro
National Park and the HAFP.

#### Fire Weather, Effects, and Behavior Monitoring and Prescribed Fire Project Critique

All aspects of monitoring associated with prescribed fire applications
and subsequent critiques will be done in conjunction with the HAFP.

#### Reporting and Documentation Requirements

The forms necessary for documenting prescribed fire activities are
outlined in RM-18 and will be completed as outlined by the memorial
resource manager. A fire monitor will be assigned to collect all
predetermined information and complete all necessary forms prior to,
during, and after the fire. The resource manager will prepare a final
report on the prescribed fire. Report information will include a
narrative of the fire operation, a determination of whether objectives
were met, weather and fire behavior data, map of the burn area,
photographs of the burn, number of work hours, and final cost of the
burn. In addition, the Individual Fire Report, DI-1202, and the Incident
Record, are the responsibility of the resource manager and document all
personnel and equipment costs involved in the burn. All records will be
archived in the memorial's fire files for future use and reference, with
copies provided to the Saguaro FMO. The memorial will coordinate with
the Saguaro FMO on NFPORS entries, but Saguaro will be responsible for
actual memorial data upkeep in NFPORS. When a 5 year fuels treatment
plan is developed, it will be added to this plan as Appendix H as part
of the FMP annual update procedure.

#### Historic Fuel Treatment Map

Recent fuel reduction has occurred only on a limited basis in the area
immediately surrounding the headquarters area, as described earlier.
Prescribed fires have not been used at the memorial in the past.

#### Local Prescribed Burn Plan Requirements

Memorial prescribed fire burn plans identify preplanned requirements
(prescriptions) for initiating and continuing prescribed burn ignitions
and operations. These prescriptions include:

-   Minimum number of fire crew

-   Specific skill certification requirements for the fire crew

-   Other fire-related staff requirements

-   Range of possible ignition dates

-   Pre-ignition site preparation requirements

-   Equipment needed on-site

-   Fuel model(s) used

-   Acceptable temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and
    fuel moisture ranges

-   Predicted fire behavior

-   Specific sensitive memorial resources to protect

### Exceeding Prescribed Fire Burn Plan

If the prescribed fire escapes the burn unit and immediate efforts at
control are not successful, it will be declared a wildland fire and
suppressed. A WFSA will be completed and additional personnel and
resources ordered as determined by the Incident Commander. If the fire
continues to burn out of control, additional resources will be requested
through Southeast Zone Coordination Center. An incident management team
or other non-local resources may be requested to assume command of the
fire.

### Air Quality and Smoke Management

The memorial is located in a Class II airshed and the fire program will
be in compliance with the Clean Air Act, as regulated by ADEQ. The
objectives for smoke management and compliance with the Clean Air Act
are similar to those for fire management: to encourage a natural process
so long as it does not endanger public health and safety. The memorial
will apply Best Management Practices when possible, and ignition will
not occur if all prescriptions are not met. Smoke characteristics will
be evaluated regularly by the memorial at the time of ignition. All ADEQ
regulations will be followed. The park natural resource staff will work
with the HAFP to identify vistas and smoke-sensitive areas (roads,
developments, caves, mines) for which smoke management objectives will
be created and to conduct outreach to visitors, neighbors, and employees
to notify them when prescribed fires are planned. Notification and
warning about smoke will be relayed to the public via signs, phone
calls, media, and personal contact. Outreach activities will also
provide information for public education on the values of both clean air
and the natural process of fire and on the goal of the NPS to protect
air resources while allowing the natural process of fire to the fullest
extent possible.

Dense smoke within the memorial is generally unacceptable, but may be
tolerated for short periods if dispersal is expected within a reasonable
time frame (such as by late afternoon) or winds assure good mixing. It
may be necessary to aggressively suppress fires when smoke affects a
sensitive area (such as bat roost sites) or creates a significant public
response. All fire activities may have to be curtailed when an extended
inversion or air pollution episode is in effect. Traffic control
measures will be undertaken in conjunction with local law enforcement
agencies when such episodes occur. Complaints regarding smoke will be
documented and communicated to the superintendent.

## Non-Fire Fuel Treatment Applications 

Mechanical and manual treatments complement prescribed burning to reduce
fuels that might sustain large-scale, high-intensity fires. Fuels around
buildings, boundaries, roads, trails, picnic areas and other sites
occasionally accumulate sufficient fuel density to create a hazard to
real property, natural and cultural resources, or human health and
safety. These fuels will be removed in coordination with Saguaro
National Park, the USFS, and the HAFP.

### Annual Activities

Annual activities to prepare for and implement the program will be
accomplished in coordination with Saguaro National Park and the HAFP,
and will:

-   Ensure that approved burn/implementation plans are on file.

-   Collaborate with partners on proposed projects. Submit fuels
    projects to NFPORS by March 15^th^ each year.

-   Do annual Fire Management Plan and Appendix H update signed by
    Superintendent.

-   Ensure that all NEPA, NHPA and ESA compliance is completed.

-   Obtain smoke permits if fuel piles will be burned.

-   Contract mechanical treatment projects with non-government
    organizations when feasible.

-   Monitor mechanical treatment units for ecological effects and
    program effectiveness.

### Required Monitoring

Monitoring will be done to determine if project objectives were met.
This monitoring may include photo plots, fuels assessments, and fire
behavior type modeling to document desired modification of expected fire
behavior as compared to obtained fire behavior following fuel treatment.

### Critique Format

Accomplishment of objectives, methodology, cost effectiveness, safety
issues, and resource damage are some of the topics to be discussed in a
project critique. A written project completion report incorporating the
findings of the critique will be forwarded to the Saguaro National Park
FMO.

### Funding and Cost Accounting

Funding requests will be entered in NFPORS by March 15^th^ for the
following fiscal year as coordinated by the memorial for individual
treatments. Documentation of individual project costs will be submitted
to the Saguaro National Park FMO for review. Expenditures will not
exceed the authorized project amount. When projects come in under cost,
the excess must be returned to the regional office ASAP so it may be
utilized for other projects in the region.

### Reporting and Documentation

All project forms will be completed as outlined by the resource manager,
and the resource manager is responsible for preparing a final report on
each project. Report information will include a narrative of the project
operation, a determination of whether objectives were met, map of the
area, photographs of the site, number of work hours, and final cost of
the project. A completion report will be forwarded to the Saguaro
National Park FMO. All records will be archived with the memorial\'s
fire records for future use and reference. Project closeout in NFPORS
will occur within one week of completion of on the ground work, as
coordinated through the Saguaro FMO.

### Annual Planned Project List

Proposed projects may be submitted to the resource manager, who will
compile a list of these projects and submit them to the superintendent
for approval and prioritization. They will then be added to the FMP 5
year plan, appendix H, and submitted to the Saguaro FMO for entry into
NFPORS by March 15^th^ of each year.

## Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration

On January 19, 2001, the Department of the Interior issued new policy on
burned area emergency stabilization and rehabilitation. The specifics of
the policy can be found in 620 DM 3 DOI BAER Policy (2001 most current
DM is 2004). The resource manager will formulate a rehabilitation plan
for each fire suggest "appropriate memorial personnel will formulate a
rehabilitation plan when appropriate or a request will be made of the
regional BAER Coordinator for an appropriate team to assist the park
with emergency rehabilitation planning needs". The BAER plan will be
submitted to the Regional BAER Coordinator through the Saguaro National
Park FMO. Page 36, Fire Program Research Needs -- since the last three
bullets are really monitoring actions, please consider re-naming this
section "Fire Program Research and Monitoring Needs".

# V. ORGANIZATIONAL AND BUDGETARY PARAMETERS

## Organizational Structure

This section discusses areas of responsibility for implementation of the
fire management program by staff position and the budget needed for this
operation. The purpose is to clearly define areas of responsibility,
provide clear direction and accountability, and further the development
of a responsive fire management program.

The memorial's fire management program is coordinated with
representatives of the Saguaro National Park Fire Management Office.
These parties may meet to organize equipment and personnel needs
relating to fire programs at the memorial. Figure V-1 shows the
organizational structure of the memorial. The following is a list of the
roles and responsibilities of each member of that organization along
with the FMO.

**Superintendent**.

The fire management program is under the overall supervision of the
superintendent according to departmental and NPS policy, fire management
guidelines (DO-18), and all relevant laws and regulations. The
superintendent is responsible for developing the memorial's fire
management plan and ensuring that supplies, equipment, and qualified
personnel are available to meet the goals of this plan. The
superintendent also coordinates fire program activities with other
agencies or landowners. Technical duties and accompanying
responsibilities are delegated to other staff members.

**Integrated Resource Program Manager (resource manager)**.

The resource manager ensures the coordination of the fire management
program with resource management programs and rehabilitation of burned
areas. This position will likely be the chief resource advisor on
wildfires and should be red carded to enable them to be on the fireline.
More specifically, the resource manager performs the following duties:

-   Develops 5 year fuels treatment plan for Superintendent's approval,
    then coordinates with Saguaro to get them entered into NFPORS.
    Reviews prescribed fire plans to insure park interests are included.

-   Prepares FMP annual update for the Superintendent's approval.

-   Completes fire reports (DI-1202) and provides copies, along with
    other associated documents, to the Saguaro National Park FMO in a
    timely manner.

-   Advises project fire overhead and Incident Commanders on potential
    suppression impacts to natural and cultural resources.

-   Maintains specific knowledge regarding the locations of endangered
    and/or threatened flora and fauna populations and archeological
    sites.

-   Coordinates, directs, and supervises wildland fire prevention,
    preparedness, suppression, and demobilization.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Ensures fire equipment readiness during the fire season.

-   Oversees initial attack fire operations, and within delegated
    authority, arranges for additional equipment and support as needed.

-   Monitors fire danger conditions.

-   Implements step-up plan activities.

-   Recommends appropriate use restrictions.

-   Provides fire-training opportunities to memorial personnel to
    maintain predetermined fire qualification skills.

-   Prepares, reviews, and revises cooperative agreements with
    interagency cooperators and maintains liaison with them through
    annual meetings to review agreements.

-   Advises Superintendent in development of Delegation of Authorities
    and WFSA's for incoming Incident Commanders.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656210 .anchor}Figure V-1. Organization Chart
for Coronado National Memorial

**Chief Ranger**.

The chief ranger oversees safety and security of the public and
firefighters and provides emergency medical services. The chief ranger
also enforces fire restrictions and closures, prepares Case Incident
Reports, and prepares and updates the evacuation plan.

**Park Ranger-Interpretation**.

The interpretation ranger serves as the Public Information Officer
during on-going fires and works closely with other Information Officers
as appropriate. Coordinates fire related restrictions and closures with
other agencies and partners. Specifically, the interpretation ranger
prepares news releases regarding prescribed burns, special fire danger
situations, closures, and other fire activities. The interpretation
ranger also provides interpretive services and literature designed to
inform the public of the memorial's fire management program, fire's role
in the memorial's ecosystem, and the operations of the NPS fire
management organization.

**Fire Management Officer**.

The fire management officer (FMO), located at Saguaro National Park,
will advise the memorial in its wildland fire operations per the
Interpark agreement. The FMO, in consultation with the resource manager,
is responsible for the continual development, refinement, and
implementation of the fire management program including funding
assistance and hazardous fuel reduction.

**Administrative Officer**.

The administrative officer provides emergency personnel, procurement,
and fiscal assistance during on-going fires.

## FIREPRO Funding

No FIREPRO funding is used for the memorial positions listed above. The
memorial may request, through the Saguaro National Park FMO, funding for
FIREPRO budget support, and funding for implementation of the hazardous
fuels reduction program, NFPORS.

## Interagency Coordination

The memorial benefits from interagency cooperation with the USFS for
fire preparedness, training, and suppression. The memorial also benefits
from involvement with the Huachuca Area Fire Partners (HAFP). The HAFP
is developing a strategy for the Huachuca Mountains to facilitate more
efficient prescribed fire planning, fuels treatments, and suppression.

## Key Interagency Contacts

-   (Vacant), Fire Management Officer, Saguaro National Park, (520)
    733-5130

-   Bill Wilcox, Sierra Vista RD, Fire Management Officer, Coronado
    National Forest, (520) 378-0311 or 803-2815.

-   James Leiendecker, Palominas Volunteer Fire Department, (520)
    366-5400

## Fire-related Agreements

Table V-1 lists the fire-related agreements associated with Coronado
National Memorial, their purposes, and current statuses. Appendix E
contains a copy of the interagency agreement between the NPS and
Coronado National Forest. Copies of the other agreements are in the
memorial's central files.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656226 .anchor}Table V-1. Fire-related
Agreements for Coronado National Memorial

+--------------+----------------+------------------+-----------------+
| **Title of   | ####### Agency | **Purpose of     | **Status of     |
| Agreement**  |                | Agreement**      | Agreement**     |
+--------------+----------------+------------------+-----------------+
| Interagency  | USFS, Coronado | Provides for     |                 |
| Agreement,   | National       | mutually         |                 |
|              | Forest         | beneficial       |                 |
| April 2005   |                | wildland fire    |                 |
|              |                | management       |                 |
|              |                | actions, shared  |                 |
|              |                | administrative   |                 |
|              |                | and emergency    |                 |
|              |                | dispatch         |                 |
|              |                | services, and    |                 |
|              |                | shared           |                 |
|              |                | non-emergency    |                 |
|              |                | helicopter       |                 |
|              |                | services         |                 |
+--------------+----------------+------------------+-----------------+
| Interpark    | NPS --         | Provides         | Agreement       |
| Agreement,   | Southern       | professional and | expires         |
| December     | Arizona parks  | technical        | November 30,    |
| 2000         | and Saguaro    | support for the  | 2005.           |
|              | National Park  | fire management  |                 |
|              |                | programs at all  |                 |
|              |                | Southern Arizona |                 |
|              |                | units.           |                 |
+--------------+----------------+------------------+-----------------+
| Southeast    | Arizona State  | Establishes an   | Revision and    |
| Zone         | Land           | interagency      | signature       |
| Coordination | Department     | board with       | required.       |
| Center       | (Tucson        | overall          |                 |
| Charter      | District),     | responsibility   |                 |
| (Memorandum  | USFS, Bureau   | of coordinating  |                 |
| of           | of Land        | fire management  |                 |
| Un           | Management,    | activities of    |                 |
| derstanding) | Bureau of      | agencies         |                 |
|              | Indian Affairs | represented in   |                 |
|              | -- Tohono      | the Zone.        |                 |
|              | O\'odham and   |                  |                 |
|              | San Carlos     |                  |                 |
|              | Agencies, and  |                  |                 |
|              | U.S. Fish and  |                  |                 |
|              | Wildlife       |                  |                 |
|              | Service.       |                  |                 |
+--------------+----------------+------------------+-----------------+
| Interagency  | Arizona        | Maintains        | Modules 1 & 2   |
| Agreement,   | Department of  | current air      | of 1998         |
|              | Environmental  | resource and     | original IA     |
| April 2005   | Quality (ADEQ) | interagency      | remains valid;  |
|              |                | smoke management | however, a      |
|              |                | programs in      | revision of     |
|              |                | Arizona.         | this IA is      |
|              |                |                  | under           |
|              |                |                  | development     |
|              |                |                  | based on the    |
|              |                |                  | new ADEQ        |
|              |                |                  | Guidelines      |
|              |                |                  | approved in     |
|              |                |                  | Spring 2004.    |
+--------------+----------------+------------------+-----------------+

# VI. MONITORING and EVALUATION

Monitoring will be a part of all wildland fires and prescribed fires
occurring in the memorial, if possible. Monitoring wildland fires will
be appropriate and potentially valuable in mapping and documenting the
growth of fires and their future effects on memorial resources and will
help create a record of fire effects for future study, and will provide
the memorial with expected fire behavior information. The memorial will
implement long-and short-term monitoring to assess the effectiveness and
accomplishments of the fire management program and to determine the
effects of fire management activities on cultural and natural resources.

The memorial will work closely with the Saguaro National Park FMO and
the HAFP in developing and implementing a fire monitoring program.
Assistance in conducting fire monitoring activities, including the
establishment and sampling of monitoring plots, will be coordinated
through the Saguaro National Park FMO. A Fire Monitoring Plan, based
upon the protocols found in the NPS Fire Monitoring Handbook will be
developed as part of the implementation of this FMP by 2008. This
handbook will serve as the source document providing monitoring needs
with minor adaptations made for local situations and conditions. An
electronic copy can be found at http://www.nps.gov/fire/download/
fir_eco_FEMHandbook2003.pdf.

Because of downsizing of the NPS Fire and Fuels staffs, some activities
such as long term monitoring will have to be done by the memorial staff.
NPS monitoring objectives are being reevaluated nationwide to focus on
short term questions related to burn objectives. Long term questions are
appropriate for park level and fire research funding.

# VII. FIRE RESEARCH

No new fire research is planned at this time. However, as the HAFP
completes its fire management plan, the memorial, in coordination with
the HAFP, expects to undertake fire research projects.

## Past Fire Research

Morino et al. (1999) provided an assessment of the historical role of
fire in the oak woodland in the memorial, predominantly Emory oak
(*Quercus emoryi*), with lesser densities of Arizona white oak (*Quercus
arizonica*) and Mexican blue oak (*Quercus oblongifolia*). The study
concludes that it is probable that fires contributed to low tree
densities in the area. Drainages, rocky sites, and areas next to
topographic breaks most likely experienced less fire due to low amounts
of burnable fuels.

Another study by Ffolliott and Bennett (1996) examined oaks after the
1988 Peak Fire, which started in neighboring Sonora, Mexico, and spread
into Coronado National Memorial and the Coronado National Forest. While
Abbott (1998) cautions against generalizing from single-fire studies,
Ffolliott and Bennett's work showed that fire intensity had a
significant effect on the post-fire response of individual trees. Fifty
percent of oak trees on the low-intensity site showed no visible damage,
while over 80% of oaks in the high-intensity area were root-killed.

Mary Gilbert (1997) performed a literature review of the ecology of fire
in vegetation types found in the memorial. This review describes four
biotic communities for the memorial based on work done by Ruffner and
Johnson (1991). The first community type, Oak-Mexican Pinyon
Pine-Juniper Woodland, is an open, evergreen woodland association and
covers the largest area of the memorial. The literature reflects that
there is not much data about this community's response to fire. A few
studies show that scattered oaks and oak seedlings and associated shrubs
are not largely affected by fire, and that almost all oak species
resprout vigorously after a fire. The second community type, Grama
Grass-Mixed Grass-Mixed Shrub Grassland, covers the second largest area
of the memorial and is dominated by perennial grasses and shrubs.
Literature reflects that fire is fairly common in this community type
and reduces encroachment by woody plants. Most plant species are
relatively flammable but also able to recover quickly in this community.
The third community type, Western Honey Mesquite-Mixed Short Tree
Woodland, is a riparian forest association found along the drainages of
lower Montezuma Canyon and covers a minor area of the memorial. The
literature reflects that plant mortality in this community type depends
on the intensity of fire. Low-intensity fires have almost no effect,
while mortality after moderate and severe burns moves up to 20 percent.
The fourth and final community, Arizona Sycamore-Arizona Walnut-Oak
Riparian Forest, is a mixed broadleaf forest found along drainages in
Montezuma Canyon and comprises the smallest area of the memorial. This
literature review found no mention of fire behavior and ecology for this
community type.

In 2003, Sam Drake completed a study evaluating vegetation
classification techniques for Sonoran Desert Network parks using
Coronado National Memorial as a case study. The goals of the study were
to evaluate and compare the cost and accuracy of small-scale aerial
photography, or digital orthophoto quarter quads (DOQQ), to
multispectral IKONOS satellite imagery. The study included a combination
of field reconnaissance and computer processing. Three field
reconnaissance trips were conducted between March and June 2002 to
familiarize the investigators with the landscape and for map refinement.
Using a spotting telescope and DOQQ orthophoto transparencies,
information on vegetation stratification, rock outcrops and burned areas
was collected. The results of the study were two-fold: 1) a vegetation
map to the National Vegetation Classification System Alliance level for
the memorial and 2) the conclusion that a combination of the two mapping
methods works best. The IKONOS satellite imagery was found to make a
better base map, while using qualities from both programs to create a
multi-layer supermap was preferred.

## Fire Program Research Needs

The memorial intends to pursue or continue pursuing the following
investigations in order to refine and properly implement the fire
management program:

-   Study effects of the non-native Lehmann lovegrass *(Eragostis
    lehmanniana)* on native plant populations and the natural fire
    regime. How to restore native grasses needs more work.

-   Follow research currently underway at Chiricahua National Monument
    as it may benefit the fire program at the memorial. (For example,
    Chiricahua National Monument is conducting a comparative study of
    fire ecology in the monument with the fire ecology of the
    Ajos-Bavispe Forest Reserve in Mexico, which does not have an
    extensive history of fire suppression.)

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Continue to monitor known bat roost sites and survey other mines and
    caves for bat use, especially where prescribed burns will occur.

-   Continue to monitor the memorial PAC and additional areas that
    contain primary constituent elements of owl habitat for the presence
    of Mexican spotted owls especially where prescribed burning will
    occur.

-   Continue agave monitoring project and possibly expand sites to
    include the upper canyon

# VIII. PUBLIC SAFETY

## Safety Issues and Concerns

Public and employee safety is the first priority in every fire
management activity. Topographic relief, limited surface water, limited
access routes, proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, and confined
developed areas could combine to create hazardous situations under
extreme fire behavior on the memorial. The Memorial will develop an
evacuation plan within the next year.

The highest risk area is around the headquarters. The single road for
entry and exit of the area presents potential problems from fire, smoke,
and other hazards associated with evacuation of people by vehicle.
Likewise, only one public road traverses the memorial; however,
depending on the location of the fire, the dirt road along the
international boundary may be used as an evacuation route. The public
road is paved for three miles and then becomes a mountainous dirt and
gravel road that leads west to Montezuma Pass and into USFS land. West
of the Visitor Center the road has a 24-foot limit on vehicle length due
to tight turns and switchbacks. Because the road is narrow and
slow-going once it becomes gravel, the quickest way in and out of the
memorial and back to the state highway is to return from Montezuma Pass
toward the Visitor Center where the road is paved. Therefore, entrapment
is possible with no means of vehicular escape, and vehicles could be cut
off or exposed to heat while trying to escape to the state highway.
Consequently, it is paramount that all visitors and employees are
evacuated from the memorial when any potential fire danger threatens.
The chief ranger will determine the appropriate evacuation route
depending on fire location. Smoke is also a potential hazard to
visitors, especially when obscuring roadways. Appropriate warning signs
will be placed along roadways where visibility is affected.

Fires that spread from Mexico into the memorial or from the memorial
into Mexico, illegal migrants who start fires, and migrants, drug
smugglers, law enforcement officials, and helicopters moving through and
near fire incidents are all safety concerns due to the memorial's
proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. The memorial is located
approximately 15 miles west of the nearest border crossing in Naco,
Arizona. The Border Patrol has installed Remote Video Surveillance
systems to monitor activity near the border. An ancillary benefit of
these cameras will be to survey the area for fires and the presence of
illegal migrants and drug smugglers in the area where fires are burning
or are scheduled to burn. Through the HAFP, the memorial will have the
opportunity to coordinate and communicate fire activities with Mexico,
mitigating the risk of fires crossing the border undetected. In
addition, fire crews will coordinate with the memorial law enforcement
team to sweep for people along the border when engaged in fire
activities.

## 

## Safety Procedures

The memorial will implement a notification system to inform visitors of
all fire activity through normal communication channels. A fire activity
report will be updated, as significant changes occur, to inform memorial
personnel of potential fire threat. Special precautionary steps will be
taken to ensure the safety of memorial visitors during a fire. Memorial
visitors will be informed of fire locations and safety precautions to be
taken. One or more employees will be assigned the task of keeping all
visitors a safe distance from the fire. The superintendent may close all
or a portion of the memorial including roads and trails when wildland
fires pose an imminent threat

to public safety. Local residents will be personally informed in advance
of fire activity taking place in the memorial, including location, rate,
and direction of spread.

# IX. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

Educating the public on the value of fire as a natural process is
important to increasing public understanding and support for the
memorial and the NPS fire management program. The interpretive division,
in coordination with resource management staff and the HAFP, has the
primary responsibility for providing this education. The memorial will
use the most appropriate and effective means to explain the overall fire
management program. This may include supplemental handouts, signage,
personal contacts, or media releases. When necessary, interpretive
presentations will address the fire management program and explain the
role of fire in the environment.

The public information program will be developed with the HAFP as
follows:

-   Concepts of the natural wildland fire program will be incorporated
    in visitor contacts, publications and exhibits, interpretive talks
    and walks, and environmental education programs at schools and civic
    clubs.

-   Appropriate interpretive materials will be prepared after fires have
    burned through an area and distributed to all visitors entering or
    viewing these areas.

-   News releases will be distributed to the media as appropriate when
    noteworthy fires occur in the memorial and will provide an
    opportunity to disseminate information about fire program policy and
    philosophy.

-   Fire management information will be provided to the public
    information outlets of neighboring and cooperating agencies and NPS
    offices.

-   Fire management program discussions will be held with all employees
    and residents.

-   The memorial will develop relationships with Mexico in an attempt to
    reduce human starts and risks caused by undocumented border traffic.

# X. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE RESOURCES

Natural and cultural resources that may be particularly sensitive to
fire program activities are either known to be directly affected by
fire, or they are rare, have close ties with the identity of the
memorial, or are controversial in nature such that the fire program must
address potential impacts on them. The following documents were prepared
along with this FMP to address these issues:

-   Cultural Resources Component for NHPA/sec 106 compliance (Appendix
    C).

-   Decision Memorandum on the Action (to implement the FMP) and for the
    Application of Categorical Exclusions 1.12 and 1.13, (Appendix D)

This chapter reviews sensitive species and cultural resources
individually. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Department
of Game and Fish contributed to the species listed discussed below as
possibly sensitive to fire management Coronado National Memorial. During
discussions with USFWS on March 2 and June 13, 2005, it was decided that
the memorial will do emergency consultation on suppression activities
when wildland fire incidents occur. When long-term plans for fuel
reduction and prescribed burn projects (Appendix H) are developed, the
memorial will do programmatic consultation at that time. For any other
fire management activities, project-specific consultation would take
place prior to implementation and the memorial would design projects and
apply conservation measures so that no adverse effects to sensitive
species would occur.

If projects are proposed that may adversely affect sensitive species,
they would be covered under a separate NEPA process and documentation.
The memorial would consult with USFWS during the NEPA process for those
projects. Consultation would include, on a project by project basis,
identifying if the project is in potential habitat for sensitive
species, surveying for those species, and notifying the USFWS of project
design, location, and proposed conservation measures to support our
determinations.

## Cultural Resources

The entire memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Because archeological sites at the memorial lack significant
burnable resources, fire is not a great threat. However, other cultural
resources from the historic era do contain wood and other flammable
materials. Fire suppression activities that disturb the soil can also be
a significant threat. The Cultural Resource Component (Appendix C) was
prepared by the Southern Arizona Office archeologist in compliance with
NHPA/Section 106 and should be consulted for treatment and mitigation
strategies before every planned action and during any unplanned action.

Actions to prevent or mitigate negative impacts by fire to cultural
resources:

-   A resource advisor will participate in briefings for overhead and
    crew members and will be available for field advice on the fire
    line.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Resource base maps showing cultural resource site locations will be
    given to incident commanders on the firelines during wildland fires.

-   Cultural sites will be marked and monitored during suppression
    through mop-up and rehabilitation.

-   Mechanized equipment, when used, will be monitored through all
    aspects of fire suppression and rehabilitation and prevented from
    destroying culturally significant sites.

-   Historic structures will receive the highest priority for protection
    from fire.

-   After fires, archeologists will survey burned areas to record any
    additional cultural sites, features, or artifacts. These surveys
    cannot be paid by fire suppression funds, except to survey areas
    damaged by fire suppression activities.

## Natural Resources 

### Geological Features

*Caves and Mines*

Caves and abandoned mines have significant value in the memorial due to
their use by local fauna and their historic use by humans. The memorial
has nine caves, the most noted being Coronado Cave, which is a natural
limestone cave approximately 600 feet long, 20 feet high, and 70 feet
wide. Before it was designated a national memorial, the area was
extensively mined and has over 60 shafts, adits, and large prospects
documented. Many of these mines and caves are potential roost sites for
bats. The memorial has installed bat-friendly gates at two adits to keep
out curious visitors while still allowing for movement of bats and other
small animals. Many other mines have cable nets across their entrances
to prevent human access. Several mines serve as important perennial
water sources for wildlife. Chemical components of fire retardant pose
potential impacts on animals using those water sources. These impacts
are related to direct application to streams and ponds (USGS 2000),
although indirect impacts from filtration into water tables and standing
water in caves and mines could occur. These indirect impacts are not
well documented; however, possible toxic components are buffered during
filtration through surrounding soil and parent material.

Fire Considerations: Regular surveys of mines likely to serve as bat
habitat will be on-going to gather baseline data on bat use. Surveys of
mines known to be used by bats will be conducted in areas to be affected
by prescribed burns. Use of fire retardants and suppressants will be
avoided within 300 feet of mines and caves.

### Sensitive Animals

*Accipiter gentiles*

The Northern goshawk is known to nest in pine-oak habitat in
southeastern Arizona (Arizona Game and Fish Department 1996) and is
listed as a rare sighting on the Coronado National Memorial bird list.
Loss of nesting habitat---large, mature trees---is a concern of the
Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Fire considerations: Prescribed burns and other fuels treatments should
prevent high-intensity fires that might threaten large, mature trees.
Low- or moderate-intensity fires should renew habitat for prey species.

*Canis lupis baileyi*

Mexican gray wolves were eliminated from the southwestern U.S. by around
1950 as a result of predator control programs. Historically the
subspecies occurred in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico,
southwestern Texas, and throughout the Sierra Madre of Mexico. Wolves
inhabit oak and pine/juniper savannas in the foothills and mixed-conifer
woodlands above 4,000 ft (USFWS 2001). The Mexican gray wolf was listed
as endangered without critical habitat. An experimental population was
introduced into the Blue River Primitive Area, located on the
Apache-Sitgreaves and Gila National Forests, in the hopes of
re-establishing the species.

Fire considerations: Wolves are not known to occur in the memorial, but
should any travel through the area, fire is not likely to directly
affect them due to their great mobility. Indirectly, fire could lessen
their cover in travel areas or corridors and locally reduce small mammal
prey species in the short term.

*Falco femoralis septentrionalis*

The Northern aplomado falcon was not seen in the U.S. between 1952 and
1997.Aplomado falcon habitat is open grassland between 3,500 and 9,000
ft in elevation, and the species formerly occurred in Cochise County.
Conversion of grassland habitat to shrublands, overcollecting, and
DDT-induced reproductive failure explain its severe decline. A
reintroduction program was initiated in south Texas beginning in 1993.
"A small population has been confirmed in northern Chihuahua and
Tamaulipas, Mexico, and several confirmed sightings have been made in
New Mexico and Texas, but not Arizona, since 1995" (USFWS 2001). In
2002, at least one nesting pair was known to occur on a ranch in New
Mexico.

Fire considerations: While Chihuahuan Desert grassland is potentially
suitable habitat for this bird, a much larger grassland landscape
adjacent to the memorial extending east and south into Mexico provides
more likely habitat for this falcon. Fires will be actively suppressed
in FMU 1, Lehmann lovegrass-dominated grasslands. Fast moving, less
destructive fires should burn through the small patches of native
grasslands in FMU 2 quickly and renew habitat for prey species.

*Falco peregrinus anatum*

The American peregrine falcon was delisted in 1999 after recovering from
a precipitous, post- World War II decline. DDT and other persistent
organochlorines caused high rates of reproductive failure in the falcon
that led to its listing as endangered in 1970. In the years prior to
delisting, population target numbers were exceeded two-fold in Arizona
(Federal Register 8-25-1999). Peregrines feed on birds and occasionally
bats hunted from the air. Ledges on cliffs are traditional nesting
habitat, but since the 1980s, birds have nested on equivalent man-made
structures in urban areas. Peregrines are rarely sighted in the
memorial, although they may use the steep rocky slopes in the
northwestern quadrant of the memorial and forage throughout the
memorial.

Fire considerations: Prescribed burns and other fuels treatments should
prevent high-intensity fires in areas used by peregrines. Possible
nesting sites in rocky areas are relatively safe from fire. Low- or
moderate-intensity fires should renew habitat for prey species.

*Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae*

The lesser long-nosed bat is a nectar feeder that migrates between
wintering grounds in the drier parts of Mexico and breeding/summering
grounds in northern Mexico, including Baja California, southern Arizona,
and New Mexico. Lesser long-nosed bat migrations coincide with the
availability of the pollen and fruit of columnar cacti (cardon and
saguaros) and the nectar and pollen of blooming agaves. In its summer
range the species usually forms large maternity colonies of females
where they give birth to their young; these maternity roosts are
typically in caves or abandoned mines. The bat was listed by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as federally endangered, primarily due
to loss of roosting habitat and vulnerability to disturbance of
maternity colonies and other roosting sites. In 1993, a significant
post-maternity roost was discovered in an abandoned mine in the
memorial. It is generally occupied from July to early October (Petryszyn
and Alberti n.d.) with a population of approximately 10,000 to 30,000
adult females and immature bats. Palmer's and Parry's agave *(Agave
palmeri* and *A. parryi)* in the memorial are locally important food
plants for these bats.

Fire considerations: Fire is not likely to affect any bats in the
memorial directly due to their mobility and the memorial's planned
aggressive suppression of fire near roost sites when bats are present.
In addition, fire retardant will not be used within 300 ft of caves and
mines. Fire can indirectly affect the bats by destroying agaves. Where
hot-burning, non‑native Lehmann lovegrass is the dominant grass
surrounding them, fire puts agaves at higher risk for destruction.
Less-destructive burning, such as would occur in a grassland of native
species, would not necessarily consume the plant. In accordance with
USFWS guidelines, the memorial will try to keep agave mortality from
prescribed fire at less than 20% of the plants in any given location.

*Panthera onca*

The jaguar was listed as endangered in the United States in March 1972.
Shooting, predator control, and habitat loss are thought to have reduced
populations historically in the Southwest (USFWS 2000). Individual
jaguars have been seen and photographed infrequently in southern Arizona
during the last few decades. Observers have spotted the cats in Sonoran
desert scrub up through subalpine conifer forest. In 1996 a sighting
occurred in Cochise County, and several sightings have occurred as
recently as 2004 in Santa Cruz County. It is possible that jaguars may
travel in and through the memorial.

Fire considerations: Fire is not likely to affect jaguars directly due
to their mobility. Fire could indirectly hamper their travel and deplete
foraging cover, and a localized change in deer patterns on the landscape
may occur as forage burns and re-sprouts later in the growing seasons
following a fire.

######## Strix occidentalis lucida

The Mexican spotted owl is distributed from central Mexico through the
mountains of Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas, and into southern Utah
and Colorado. Most of the literature portrays preferred habitat as
mature montane forest and woodland and steep canyons, but there are
areas in the Southwest with owls that have different features---like the
more open oak woodlands in the memorial. The Mexican spotted owl, one of
three subspecies, is listed as threatened by both the USFWS and the
Arizona Game and Fish Department. Coronado National Memorial is included
in critical habitat designation.\
Records indicate spotted owls were detected in the memorial either by
visual sightings or vocalizations each year between 1997 and 2000 but
since then they have not been detected. However surveys were incomplete
in some years. All sightings occurred within the area submitted to the
USFWS for designation as the Upper Montezuma Canyon protected activity
center (PAC).

Fire considerations: Fire is not likely to affect Mexican spotted owls
directly due to their mobility. However, smoke, heat, loss of owl prey
species (due to loss of prey species habitat), and noise could have
indirect effects. Smoke will be managed according to Arizona Department
of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) permit requirements. Fire operations
must proceed with helicopter flights over PACs at 500 ft above ground
level during the nesting season (March through August). By conducting
low-intensity prescribed fire, and managing natural ignitions to meet
the low heat objectives in the burn plan, (including fitting appropriate
fire prescriptions), the memorial will minimize heat effects to known
owls. Resource advisors with knowledge of Mexican spotted owls must be
on site during burning operations and will participate in decisions
related to escaped prescribed fire and suppression actions. Loss of prey
species will likely occur in burned areas for the first growing season
post-burn. Monsoon rains will allow grasses and forbs to grow, with
small mammals fully expected to return to pre-burn numbers. Canopy
closure in the habitat is expected to remain the same percent after
burning.

*Eleutherodactylus augusti*

The barking frog is a nocturnal, terrestrial-breeding amphibian listed
as a species of special concern in Arizona (AGFD, in prep.). Its
distribution ranges from southern Mexico along the Sierra Madre Oriental
into Texas and New Mexico and along the Sierra Madre Occidental into
southern Arizona. In southern Arizona, barking frogs have been
documented only from a few canyons and primarily inhabit naturally
occurring disjunct limestone outcrops in mountain canyons (Schwalbe and
Goldberg, in press). They live underground for most of the year and are
active above-ground only at night during the summer monsoon season
(Goldberg 2002). Vegetation in areas where barking frogs are found in
the memorial is primarily a mixed grass shrub savanna dominated by
sotol, agave, ocotillo, and Mearn's sumac at lower elevations and oak
woodlands with manzanita and agave at higher elevations.

Fire considerations: Fire is not likely to affect barking frogs directly
due to their mobility and short above-ground activity period; however,
indirect effects from suppression tactics and habitat changes following
a fire may affect this species. Chemical components of fire retardant
pose potential impacts on animals using those water sources. These
impacts are related to direct application to streams and ponds (USGS
2000), although indirect impacts from filtration into water tables and
standing water in caves and mines could occur. These indirect impacts
are not well documented; however, possible toxic components are buffered
during filtration through surrounding soil and parent material. Use of
fire retardant will be avoided within 300 feet of the limestone hills
and other areas known to provide habitat for barking frogs. Fire line
construction and other ground disturbing activities will also be avoided
in those areas. Fire may reduce cover in foraging areas. Due to the
patchy nature of vegetation interspersed with open rocky areas on most
of the hills used by barking frogs, fire intensity will likely be
moderate and consume grasses with occasional scorching of shrubs and
trees. New growth should quickly regenerate the habitat. Where manzanita
is found, there will be an increased chance of torching with more
aggressive fire behavior.

## Developments, Infrastructure, Improvements

The developments, infrastructure, and improvements that require special
consideration are the visitor center, administrative office, residences,
maintenance facility, picnic area, and the Montezuma Pass restrooms and
contact station. Because visitors, employees, or both occupy these
buildings, it is of utmost importance to protect them. The memorial's
visitor center is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except
Thanksgiving Day and December 25th. Within the visitor center is the
museum. Fires or efforts made to suppress fires could easily damage
objects on exhibit. Most administrative records are stored in office
computers, file cabinets, and cupboards. The three residences are
potentially occupied year-round depending on staff levels. The number of
employees at the maintenance facility and its hours of operation vary
with staff levels and season.

Actions to prevent or mitigate negative impacts:

-   Base maps showing structure locations will be given to incident
    commanders on firelines during wildland fires.

-   Buildings occupied by the public and employees will receive highest
    priority for protection from fire.

-   All buildings will be evacuated as soon as the situation warrants.

-   If possible, power to buildings will be turned off prior to
    evacuation.

-   As time permits, buildings will be protected from wildfire by
    removing debris around them, constructing firelines, laying wet
    lines, etc.

More extensive descriptions of the memorial's environment can be found
in the following documents:

-   Coronado National Memorial General Management Plan (NPS 2004)

-   Coronado National Memorial Natural and Cultural Resources Management
    Plan (NPS 1998)

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Soil survey of Coronado National Memorial, Arizona; Technical Report
    No. 63 (Denny and Peacock 2000)

-   Comparative Analysis of Remote Sensing Techniques For Vegetation
    Mapping of Sonoran Desert Parks (Drake 2003)

-   Fire Regime Assessment for Coronado National Memorial, Arizona
    (Morino et al. 1999)

-   Inventory of the Terrestrial Mammals of Coronado National Memorial,
    Cochise County, Arizona (Swann et al. 2000)

-   Inventory and Recommendations for Long-term Monitoring of Reptiles
    and Amphibians At Coronado National Memorial, Arizona (Swann and
    Schwalbe 2002)

-   Surface Water Quality Monitoring Overview and Assessment Report
    (Sprouse et al. 2002)

# XI. FIRE CRITIQUES AND ANNUAL PLAN REVIEW

All wildland fires and fire-related incidents will be reviewed within 30
days after a fire has been declared out. All reviews will be conducted
as constructive critiques aimed at determining the facts related to the
specific fire or fire management program. They will identify commendable
actions, techniques and decisions, as well as areas that need
improvement. The superintendent or his/her designated representative
will conduct the review, and the level of review for serious incidents,
accidents or property damage would be coordinated with the regional FMO.
The superintendent will appoint other qualified persons, including the
resource manager, chief ranger, and Saguaro National Park FMO, to be a
part of the review. An interagency investigation team will review all
entrapments and fire shelter deployments; serious incidents such as
these, property loss, or injuries, etc. will immediately be reported to
the Saguaro and Regional Fire Management Officers.

The FMP will be reviewed and updated annually, with the superintendent
signing the update and providing a copy to the regional FMO. The
compliance documents should be reviewed as part of the process to insure
they are still adequate. A major revision may be required in 5 years if
the NEPA or NHPA considerations or plan parameters have radically
changed. The annual review and update should be completed prior to each
year's fire season. If fuels projects, (RX or mechanical), are
anticipated, then they should be formulated into a 5 year plan which
will be incorporated as Appendix H of this plan. The park will
coordinate NEPA/NHP approval for the projects, and the SAGU FMO will be
responsible for NFPORS entry.

# XII. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| ####### NA          |                                                |
| TIONAL PARK SERVICE |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Michele Girard      | Ecologist, Southern Arizona Office             |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Kevin Harper        | Archeologist, Southern Arizona Office          |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Eva Long            | NEPA and Section 106 Compliance Specialist,    |
|                     | Intermountain Region                           |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Kevin Parrish       | Fuels Management Specialist, Saguaro National  |
|                     | Park                                           |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Chuck Scott         | Fire Management Officer, Saguaro National Park |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| ####                |                                                |
| ### UNIVERSITY OF A |                                                |
| RIZONA SONORAN DESE |                                                |
| RT RESEARCH STATION |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Cori Dolan          | Research Specialist                            |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Brooke Gebow        | Senior Research Specialist                     |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| ####### CORON       |                                                |
| ADO NATIONAL FOREST |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Steve Gunzel        | District Ranger, Sierra Vista Ranger District  |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Bill Wilcox         | Fire Management Officer, Sierra Vista Ranger   |
|                     | District                                       |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| ####### U.S. FISH A |                                                |
| ND WILDLIFE SERVICE |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Brian Wooldridge    | Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Arizona           |
|                     | Ecological Services                            |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| ####                |                                                |
| ### STATE HISTORIC  |                                                |
| PRESERVATION OFFICE |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| James Garrison      | State Historic Preservation Officer            |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656108 .anchor}Appendix A. References Cited

Abbott, L. 1998. The ecological role of fire in southeastern Arizona oak
woodland ecosystems. Report to The Nature Conservancy from the
University of Arizona School of Renewable Natural Resources. 116 p.

Arizona Game and Fish Department, eds. In prep. Wildlife of Special
Concern in Arizona. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. Arizona
Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.

Ffolliott, P. F., and D. A. Bennett. 1996. Peak fire of 1988: its
effects on Madrean oak trees. P. 235-237 in P. F. Ffolliott, L. F.
DeBano, M. B. Baker, Jr., G. J. Gottfried, G. Solis-Garza, C. B.
Edminster, D. G. Neary, L. S. Allen, and R. H. Hamre, Technical
Coordinators. Effects of Fire on Madrean Province Ecosystems. USDA
Forest Service General Technical Report RM-GTR-289. Fort Collins, CO.

Denny D.W. and C.R. Peacock. 2000. Soil Survey of Coronado National
Memorial, Arizona; Technical Report No. 63.

Drake, S., H. Rodriguez-Gallegos, and S. Skirvin. 2003. Comparative
Analysis of Remote Sensing Techniques for Vegetation Mapping of Sonoran
Desert Network Parks. Prepared for the National Park Service Sonoran
Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program by the Arizona Remote
Sensing Center Office of Arid Lands Studies at the University of
Arizona. 42 p.

Escobedo, F. J., P. F. Ffolliott, G. J. Gottfried, and F. Garza. 2001.
Fire frequency effects on fuel loadings in pine-oak forests of the
Madrean Province. USDA Forest Service Research Note RMRS-RN-10. Fort
Collins, CO.

Gilbert, Mary. 1997. Fire Ecology, Effects and History Literature Review
for Coronado National Memorial. National Park Service. Coronado National
Memorial. 35 p.

Goldberg, C. S. 2002. Habitat, spatial population structure, and methods
for monitoring barking frogs (Eleutherodactylus augusti) in southern
Arizona. M. S. Thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

Leopold, A. 1924. Grass, brush, timber, and fire in southern Arizona. J.
For. 22(6):1-10.

LeSueur, H. 1945. The ecology of the vegetation of Chihuahua, Mexico,
north of parallel twenty-eight. Publ. 4521, Univ. Texas, Austin.

Marshall, J. T. 1957. Birds of the pine-oak woodland in southern Arizona
and adjacent Mexico. Cooper Ornithological Soc., Pacific Coast Avifauna
32:1-25.

Marshall, J. T. 1963. Fire and birds in the mountains of southern
Arizona. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conf. 2:135-141.

Morino, K., C. Baisan, and T. Swetnam. 1999. Fire Regime Assessment for
Coronado National Memorial, Arizona. Prepared for the National Park
Service, Coronado National Memorial by the Laboratory of Tree Ring
Research at the University of Arizona.

National Park Service. 1998. Coronado National Memorial Natural and
Cultural Resources Management Plan.

National Park Service. 1999. Reference Manual 18 -- Wildland Fire
Management*.* U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service,
Washington, DC.

National Park Service. 2001. Management Policies*.* U.S. Department of
the Interior, National Park Service, Washington Office, Washington, DC.

National Park Service. 2003**.** Director's Order 18 -- Wildland Fire
Management*.* U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service,
Washington, DC.

National Park Service. 2004. Coronado National Memorial General
Management Plan*.*

Neiring, W. A. and C. H. Lowe. 1984. Vegetation of the Catalina
Mountains: community types and dynamics. Vegetation 58:3-28.

Petryszyn, Y. and B. Alberti. " Bat Survey, Monitoring, and Activity at
Coronado National Memorial." Draft report in preparation for the
National Park Service.

Pyne, S. J. 1984. Introduction to Wildland Fire: Fire Management in the
United States. John Wiley & Sons, New York. 455 p.

Ruffner, G.A. and R.A. Johnson. 1991. Plant ecology and vegetation
mapping at Coronado National Memorial, Cochise County, Arizona.
Technical Report 41, Cooperative Park Studies Unit/National Park
Service, Tucson, AZ. 75 p.

Schwalbe, C. R. and C. S. Goldberg. In press. Barking frog
(Eleutherodactylus augusti). In M. Lannoo, ed. Status and Conservation
of United States Amphibians, Volume 2. University of California Press,
Berkeley, CA.

Sellers, W.D. and R.H. Hill. 1974. Arizona climate 1931-1972, revised
second edition. Editors. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona.

Sprouse, T., R. Emanuel, B. Tellman. 2002. Surface Water Quality
Monitoring Overview and Assessment Report to the Sonoran Desert Network
National Park Service from the Water Resources Research Center of the
University of Arizona.

Swann, D.E., C.R. Schwalbe, A.J. Kuenzi, and B. Alberti. 2000 "An
Inventory of the Terrestrial Mammals of Coronado National Memorial,
Cochise County, Arizona." Report prepared for the National Park Service,
Southern Arizona Office, by University of Arizona, Cooperative National
Park Resources Studies Unit.

Swann, D.E., and C.R. Schwalbe. 2002. "Inventory and Recommendations for
Long-term Monitoring of Reptiles and Amphibians at Coronado National
Memorial, Arizona." Report prepared for the National Park Service,
Southern Arizona Office, by University of Arizona, Cooperative National
Park Resources Studies Unit.

Swetnam, T. W., C. H. Baisan, P. M. Brown, and A. C. Caprio. 1989. Fire
history of Rhyolite Canyon, Chiricahua National Monument. Final report
to Chiricahua National Monument from Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research,
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. 38 p.

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
December 18, 1995. *Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program
Review, Final Report*, Washington D. C.

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture. May
2002. *A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to
Communities and the Environment: 10 Year Comprehensive Implementation
Plan.* Washington D. C.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Jaguar. Abstract by Arizona
Ecological Services Office, Paul Barrett, lead.
http://ArizonaES.fws.gov/Documents/Redbook/Jaguar%20RB.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. Northern aplomado falcon. Abstract
by Arizona Ecological Services Office, Thetis Gamberg, lead.
http://ArizonaES.fws.gov/Documents/Redbook/
Northern%20Aplomado%20Falcon%20RB.pdf

U.S. General Accounting Office, April 13, 2000. Managing Impacts of
Wildfires on Communities and the Environment, and Protecting People and
Sustaining Resources in Fire-Adapted Ecosystems: A Comprehensive
Strategy. Washington D. C.

U.S. Geological Survey. 2000. The effects of UVB radiation on the
toxicity of fire-fighting chemicals. U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia
Environmental Research Center. Columbia, Missouri. 43pp.

Wallmo, O. C. 1955. Vegetation of the Huachuca Mountains, Arizona. Amer.
Midl. Nat. 54:466-480.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656109 .anchor}Appendix B. Definitions

**Appropriate Management Response --** Specific actions taken in
response to a wildland fire to implement protection and fire use
objectives.

**Expected Weather Conditions --** Those weather conditions indicated as
common, likely, or highly probably based on current and expected trends
and their comparison to historical weather records. These are the most
probably weather conditions for this location and time. These conditions
are used in making fire behavior forecasts for different scenarios.

**Experienced Severe Weather Conditions --** Those weather conditions
that occur infrequently, but have been experienced on the fire site area
during the period of weather records. For example, rare event weather
conditions that significantly influence fires may have occurred only
once, but their record can be used to establish a baseline for a
worst-case scenario. These are the most severe conditions that can be
expected. These conditions are used in making fire behavior forecasts
for different scenarios.

**Fire Complexity Analysis --** A process for assessing wildland fire
organizational needs and relative complexity in terms of ICS types.

**Fire Management Plan (FMP) --** A strategic plan that defines a
program to manage wildland and prescribed fires and documents the Fire
Management Program in the approved land use plan. The plan is
supplemented by operational plans such as preparedness plans, preplanned
dispatch plans, prescribed fire plans and prevention plans.

**Initial Attack --** An aggressive suppression action consistent with
firefighter and public safety and values to be protected.

**Mitigation Actions --** Mitigation actions are considered to be those
on-the-ground activities that will check, direct, or delay the spread of
fire and minimize threats to life, property, and resources. Mitigation
actions may include mechanical and physical non-fire tasks, specific
fire applications, and limited suppression actions. These actions will
be used to construct firelines, reduce excessive fuel concentrations,
reduce vertical fuel continuity, create defensible space or barriers
around critical or sensitive sites or resources, create "blacklines"
through controlled burnouts, and to limit fire spread and behavior.

**Normal Fire Year --** The normal fire year for suppressed wildland
fires is the year with the third highest number of wildland fires in the
past ten years of record.

**Preparedness --** Activities that lead to a safe, efficient and cost
effective fire management program in support of land and resource
management objectives through appropriate planning and coordination.
This term replaced pre-suppression.

**Prescribed Fire --** Any fire ignited by management actions to meet
specific objectives. A written, approved prescribed fire plan must
exist, and NEPA requirements must be met, prior to ignition. This term
replaced management ignited prescribed fire.

**Wildland Fire --** Any non-structure fire, other than prescribed fire,
that occurs in the wildland. This term encompasses fires previously
called both wildfires and prescribed natural fires.

**Wildland Fire Management Program --** The full range of activities and
functions necessary for planning, preparedness, emergency suppression
operations, and emergency rehabilitation of wildland fires, and
prescribed fire operations, including non-activity fuels management to
reduce risks to public safety and to restore and sustain ecosystem
health.

**Wildland Fire Situation Analysis --** A decision-making process that
evaluates alternative management strategies against selected safety,
environmental, social, economic, political, and resource management
objectives.

**Wildland Fire Suppression --** An appropriate management response to
wildland fire that results in curtailment of fire spread and eliminates
all identified threats from the particular fire. All wildland fire
suppression activities provide for firefighter and public safety as the
highest consideration, but minimize loss of resource values, economic
expenditures, and/or the use of critical firefighting resources.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656110 .anchor}Appendix C. Cultural Resource
Component

The cultural resource component (CRC) for this plan identifies specific
values and objectives for preserving and maintaining cultural resources
in a desired state with regard to fire management strategies. Values are
defined as the unique research and interpretive potential of cultural
resources that are at risk from fire program activities. Objectives have
been defined by considering possible fire management strategies and how
each strategy might be used to benefit, maintain, or limit the loss of
core values.

The CRC should be viewed as an active component of the fire management
plan and used as a planning and operations guide to prevent resource
loss or degradation. This document is especially important given that
the memorial is surrounded by the USFS and private landowners on three
sides. The USFS is a cooperative partner in the process and will be a
partner in ongoing fire management efforts. Once approved, the CRC is a
blanket compliance document for the term of this plan. Communication and
consultation about key fire program activities continue as needed.

**Fire Management Plan Goals and Objectives**

Cultural sites, structures, and artifacts are resources requiring
actions with varying fire management actions and responses. The
following cultural resources goals and summarize appropriate fire
management activities for particular cultural resource elements at
Coronado National Memorial. These goals and objectives are consistent
with the overall goals and objectives for fire management as described
in the FMP.

Goal 1: Tailor fire management activities and response to accomplish
desired cultural resource management objectives, accounting for the
specific cultural resource elements at risk in the cultural resource
matrix (see Table C-1).

-   Ensure that fire personnel are appropriately qualified and briefed
    on cultural resource fire management guidelines, or are supervised
    by a qualified cultural resource advisor.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Allow wildland fire as a natural process in areas with identified
    cultural resources, where significant detrimental impacts will not
    occur.

-   Reduce fuels in and around sites and artifacts using prescribed fire
    and mechanical fuel reduction, when appropriate.

-   Manage the movement of fire into an identified sensitive cultural
    resource area taking safety and natural resource protection into
    consideration.

Goal 2: Base fire-related cultural resource management activities on
sound data obtained through survey, monitoring, and stakeholder
involvement.

-   Consult Native American tribes regarding sacred sites.

-   Ensure survey by qualified resource personnel in conjunction with
    fire line construction and other suppression activities as
    necessary.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Conduct post-fire survey and monitoring, as appropriate.

-   Incorporate results into resource management planning and execution.

Goal 3: Implement an appropriate response when previously unidentified
cultural resources are discovered or unanticipated, significant
detrimental impacts occur.

-   Implement the procedures for discoveries of unknown resources when
    they occur.

-   When unanticipated, significant detrimental impacts occur to
    cultural resources, implement appropriate emergency stabilization
    and rehabilitation response.

## 

**Scope of the Cultural Resource Component**

Table C-1 is a matrix of cultural resources, potential fire program
effects, and treatments for Coronado National Memorial. Memorial
resource management, fire, and interpretive staff began developing the
CRC by defining historic contexts and a list of cultural resource types
that included elements and values at risk from fire to develop the
matrix. This matrix considers historical, archeological, architectural,
engineering, and cultural values and has been reviewed by NPS cultural
resources professionals at the Western Archeological Conservation Center
(WACC) and Southern Arizona Office (SOAR). The cultural resources matrix
is a working summary of resources and how the fire program should relate
to them. It is a useful guide, both for planning and operations, to all
who will be working with fire and cultural resources in the memorial.

The matrix lays out the cultural resource types pertaining to specific
historic contexts within the memorial. Historic contexts are defined as
patterns, themes, or trends in history by which a specific occurrence,
property, or site is understood. These cultural resource types are
further defined by elements. Elements for each resource type can be
found in the matrices (Tables C-1 through C-6).

Staff looked at risk conditions/activities that might occur in the
presence of fire and potential effects on specific resource types given
the elements of the resource, surrounding environment, and geographic
location. Once the resource types and risk conditions/activities were
defined, the resource and fire management personnel used this
information to determine what the fire management objectives were and
what treatments should be used to preserve identified resource values.
Out of this discussion were developed matrices that defined historic
contexts and resource types. When using this document to determine what
the ultimate treatment should be for a resource type, staff and/or fire
management personnel should first look at the historic context and
resource type. Once this has been determined staff can refer to the
matrices that are provided in this attachment for treatment or
prescriptions.

Fire Management Risk Conditions/Activities:

-   Fire

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Heat

-   Soot

-   Combustible vegetal material

-   Aerial retardant drops

-   Ground disturbance

-   Erosion

-   Fuel accumulation

-   Smoke

-   Hazard fuels

-   Vegetation changes

-   Hot fires near timbers

-   Low fire frequency

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656227 .anchor}Table C-1. Historical Context:
Pre-European (pre-1500)

The Pre-European period includes evidence of the Archaic period Cochise
Culture and, later, the San Simon Branch of the Mogollon Culture.

  ------------ -------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
  **Resource   **Elements**   **Elements or    **Risk           **Fire         **Treatments or
  Type**                      Values at Risk** Conditions or    Management     Prescriptions**
                                               Activities**     Objective**    

  caves        habitation     date             heat, soot,      suppression,   construct line
               site           contamination,   combustible      fuel reduction 
                              feature          vegetative                      
                              integrity,       material (loss                  
                              interpretive     of screening),                  
                              value            retardant drop                  

               lithic scatter date             ground           allow low- to  thin fuels,
                              contamination,   disturbance,     moderate       restrict
                              spatial          erosion, fuel    intensity      suppression
                              arrangement      accumulation     fire, avoid    activities
                                                                ground         
                                                                disturbance    

               textile        feature          heat, soot,      suppression,   thin fuels,
               fragments      integrity        ground           avoid          restrict
                                               disturbance      disturbance    suppression
                                                                               activities

               pottery        feature          heat, soot,      suppression,   thin fuels,
                              integrity        ground           avoid          restrict
                                               disturbance      disturbance    suppression
                                                                               activities

  seasonal     mano & metate  none             none             allow to burn  none
  camp sites                                                                   

               lithic scatter date             ground           allow low- to  thin fuels,
                              contamination,   disturbance,     moderate       restrict
                              spatial          erosion, fuel    intensity      suppression
                              arrangement      accumulation     fire, avoid    activities
                                                                disturbance    

  work sites   lithic scatter date             ground           allow low- to  thin fuels,
                              contamination,   disturbance,     moderate       restrict
                              spatial          erosion, fuel    intensity      suppression
                              arrangement      accumulation     fire, avoid    activities
                                                                disturbance    
  ------------ -------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656228 .anchor}Table C-2. Historical Context:
Apache (1500-1887)

The Apache period spans the time of the Chiricahua Apache.

  ------------ -------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
  **Resource   **Elements**   **Elements or    **Risk           **Fire         **Treatments or
  Type**                      Values at Risk** Conditions or    Management     Prescriptions**
                                               Activities**     Objective**    

  caves        baskets and    radiocarbon date smoke and hazard avoid ground   restrict
               other          contamination,   fuels            disturbance    suppression
               combustibles   feature                                          activities in
                              integrity,                                       caves,
                              interpretive                                     mechanically
                              value                                            reduce fuels
                                                                               around mouth

               pottery        radiocarbon date heat, soot,      avoid          restrict hand
                              contamination,   ground           disturbance    lines
                              spatial          disturbance                     
                              arrangement                                      

               middens with   radiocarbon date smoke and hazard avoid ground   restrict
               perishable     contamination,   fuels            disturbance    suppression
               contents       feature                                          activities in
                              integrity,                                       caves,
                              interpretive                                     mechanically
                              value                                            reduce fuels
                                                                               around mouth

  work sites,  lithic scatter date             ground           allow low- to  thin fuels,
  limited                     contamination,   disturbance,     moderate       restrict
  activity                    spatial          erosion, fuel    intensity      suppression
  sites                       arrangement      accumulation     fire, avoid    activities unless
                                                                disturbance,   slopes \> 15%
                                                                protect from   
                                                                erosion        

  springs      vegetation,    radiocarbon date ground           regular        none
               hydrology      contamination,   disturbance,     burning        
                              spatial          vegetation                      
                              arrangement      change                          
  ------------ -------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656229 .anchor}Table C-3. Historical Context:
Spanish Colonial-Ranching-Mining (ca.1600s--1770)

+--------+---------+----------+---------------+----------+------------+
| **Re   | **Ele   | **       | **Risk        | **Fire   | **         |
| source | ments** | Elements | Conditions or | Ma       | Treatments |
| Type** |         | or       | Activities**  | nagement | or         |
|        |         | Values   |               | Obj      | Presc      |
|        |         | at       |               | ective** | riptions** |
|        |         | Risk**   |               |          |            |
+--------+---------+----------+---------------+----------+------------+
| mi     | Spanish | Metal    | hot fires     | fuel     | thin fuels |
| nes/ra | C       | tools    | near timbers, | r        | near       |
| nching | olonial |          | otherwise     | eduction | entrance   |
|        |         |          | little risk   | if       |            |
|        | Related |          | once mapped   | timbers  |            |
|        | ar      |          |               | at risk  |            |
|        | tifacts |          |               |          |            |
+--------+---------+----------+---------------+----------+------------+

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656230 .anchor}Table C-4. Historical Context:
American Mining (ca. 1870s-1985)

  ------------ -------------- --------------------- ---------------- ------------- -----------------
  **Resource   **Elements**   **Elements or Values  **Risk           **Fire        **Treatments or
  Type**                      at Risk**             Conditions or    Management    Prescriptions**
                                                    Activities**     Objective**   

  mines        adits/shafts   timbers               hot fires near   fuel          thin fuels near
                                                    timbers,         reduction if  entrance
                                                    otherwise little timbers at    
                                                    risk once mapped risk          

               tailings       none unless           ground           allow fires   restrict ground
                              contaminated with     disturbance                    disturbance
                              volatile elements                                    

               rock           feature integrity     ground           avoid         restrict
               foundations                          disturbance      disturbance   suppression
                                                                                   activities

               trails/roads   feature integrity     erosion          avoid ground  restrict
                                                                     disturbance   suppression
                                                                     until         activities
                                                                     well-mapped   
                                                                     and           
                                                                     significant   
                                                                     sample saved  

               wells          feature integrity     erosion          avoid         restrict
                                                                     disturbance   suppression
                                                                                   activities

               wood & metal   dating/information,   fuel             suppression   thinning,
               mining tools   interpretive value    accumulation,                  restrict
                                                    combustible                    suppression
                                                    material                       activities
  ------------ -------------- --------------------- ---------------- ------------- -----------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656231 .anchor}Table C-5. Historical Context:
Ratliff and Montezuma Ranch (ca.1890--1993)

  ------------ --------------------- ------------ ---------------- ------------- -----------------
  **Resource   **Elements**          **Resource   **Risk           **Fire        **Treatments or
  Type**                             at Risk**    Conditions or    Management    Prescriptions**
                                                  Activities**     Objective**   

  ranch        fences, corral        feature      fuel             reduce fuels, protect whole
                                     integrity,   accumulation,    suppress,     area with a
                                     loss         flame, heat      avoid ground  buffer and
                                                                   disturbance   thinning,
                                                                   throughout    restrict ground
                                                                   site          disturbance

               Windmills             feature      fuel                           
                                     integrity,   accumulation,                  
                                     loss         fire                           

               swimming pool         feature      heat, erosion                  
                                     integrity    (deposition)                   

               foundations           feature      soot, ground                   
                                     integrity    disturbance                    

               machinery/artifacts   feature      fuel                           
                                     integrity    accumulation,                  
                                                  heat, flames,                  
                                                  ground                         
                                                  disturbance                    

               structures                                                        

               roads/trails          feature      erosion          avoid ground  restrict
                                     integrity                     disturbance   suppression
                                                                                 activities

               dump                  feature      ground           avoid ground  restrict
                                     integrity,   disturbance      disturbance   suppression
                                     loss                                        activities

               Irrigation system                                                 

               Stock tanks                                                       

  landscape    orchard               loss of      fuel             reduce fuels, protect whole
                                     trees        accumulation,    avoid ground  area with a
                                                  heat, flames,    disturbance   buffer and
                                                  ground           in these      thinning,
                                                  disturbance      areas         restrict ground
                                                                                 disturbance;
                                                                                 replace plantings
                                                                                 as needed

               Agricultural fields                                               

               garden                loss         fuel                           
                                                  accumulation,                  
                                                  heat, flames,                  
                                                  ground                         
                                                  disturbance                    

               ornamental plantings  loss         fuel                           
                                                  accumulation,                  
                                                  heat, flames,                  
                                                  ground                         
                                                  disturbance                    
  ------------ --------------------- ------------ ---------------- ------------- -----------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656232 .anchor}Table C-6. Historical Context:
Federal Period (1902--present)

  ------------ -------------- ------------ --------------- -------------- -----------------
  **Resource   **Elements**   **Elements   **Risk          **Fire         **Treatments or
  Type**                      or Values at Conditions or   Management     Prescriptions**
                              Risk**       Activities**    Objective**    

  Forest       boundary       feature      ground          suppression    restrict ground
  Service      markers        integrity    disturbance                    disturbance

  CCC works    buildings      feature      fuel            suppression    thin fuels
                              integrity    accumulation,                  
                                           flame, heat                    

               road           feature      erosion from    allow low- to  thin fuels,
                              integrity    ground          moderate       restrict line
                                           disturbance     intensity      construction,
                                                           fire, avoid    rehab for erosion
                                                           ground         
                                                           disturbance    

  Mission 66   houses         integrity    fuel            suppression    apply full
                                           accumulation,                  suppression
                                           heat, flame                    

               visitor center integrity    fuel            suppression    apply full
                                           accumulation,                  suppression
                                           heat, flame                    

               Trail system                                               

               Maintenance    feature      erosion         suppression,   thin fuels,
               shop           integrity                    avoid ground   restrict ground
                                                           disturbance    disturbance
  ------------ -------------- ------------ --------------- -------------- -----------------

To date a 100% intensive archeological survey has not been completed at
the Memorial. However, some of the park has been surveyed during its
history by the Western Archeological Conservation Center and volunteer
groups.

**Desired Conditions For Historic Properties**

Desired Conditions for historic properties at Coronado National Memorial
have not been identified in previous plans or reports. However, the List
of Classified Structures (1995) specifies the condition of historic
structures in the memorial (Table C-7). Fire program activities are
intended to maintain present condition and minimize impacts to cultural
resources. Given sufficient funding, the memorial plans to bring all
structures and archeological resources into a standing of good
condition. In some cases fire may be beneficial to historic landscapes.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656233 .anchor}Table C-7. List of Classified
Structures for Coronado National Memorial.

  -------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------
  IDLCS          Structure Name                         Present Condition

                                                        

                                                        

  60218          International Boundary Monument No.    Good
                 100                                    

  60219          International Boundary Monument No.101 Good

  60220          International Boundary Monument No.    Good
                 102                                    

  60222          Wm. R. Grave Marker                    Good

  60223          MRD Grave Marker                       Good

  60224          Montezuma Pass Road                    Fair

  60225          Doredor Mining Claim Ruins             Good
  -------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------

**Staffing**

Ideally, a complete analysis of the effects of fire projects on cultural
resources requires the professional services of an archeologist,
ethnographer, landscape architect, architectural historian, and
historian, each of whom meets the Secretary of the Interior's
Professional Qualifications Standards. It is the responsibility of the
Superintendent to identify those professionals when they are needed. The
memorial has sought the assistance of the Western Archeological
Conservation Center and NPS Southern Arizona Office as well as relied on
the expertise of its own staff to prepare this document.

**Participation of Indian Tribes, the Public, and Agencies**

Currently, the memorial consults with the Chiricahua Apache Tribal
Spokesperson at the San Carlos Reservation and the Mescalero
Reservation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Ft. Sill Apache Tribe of
Oklahoma, and the Hopi Tribe. Relevant state and federal agencies, local
governments, local businesses, non-government organizations, and private
residents living next to or near the memorial are also consulted. For
this FMP, the memorial sent the public scoping newsletters to the
mailing list that includes the parties listed above. Two public scoping
meetings took place in May 2003, and the public scoping comment period
extended from June 2003 to July 2003.

Informing affected parties is part of the planning for any prescribed
burn. In the event of a wildfire that damages cultural resources, the
memorial will identify damaged cultural resources and ascertain
condition. When formal consultation is required, it can occur through
either a written letter or notice and/or a public meeting and will
include a minimum 30-day comment period. Comments about fire management
activity plans can be sent to the Superintendent, Coronado National
Memorial, 4101 E. Montezuma Canyon Road, Hereford, AZ 85615. It is the
responsibility of the Superintendent to resolve any objections
concerning fire management activity plans in the memorial.

**Requirements and Procedures for Fire Management Undertakings**

Table C-8 describes components of cultural resources analysis and review
for fuels management and suppression actions. Many of these steps have
been completed during the preparation of the CRC. Much of the process is
the same for fuels management and suppression actions. When the memorial
lacks personnel to make up an emergency stabilization and rehabilitation
team, the superintendent will contact professional staff at WACC and
SOAR to assist with this work. The superintendent can also elect to
submit a funding proposal to Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) to assist
with assessment and rehabilitation work. The BAR contact is Linda Kerr
at 303-969-2883.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656234 .anchor}Table C-8. Cultural Resources
and Fire Management Undertakings.

+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| **P     | **Requirements/Steps**           | **Fuels  |   | **          |
| lanning |                                  | Ma       |   | Suppression |
| Area**  |                                  | nagement |   | Comments**  |
|         |                                  | Co       |   |             |
|         |                                  | mments** |   |             |
+=========+==================================+==========+===+=============+
| Minimum | Archeologist: MS; Architect:     |          |   |             |
| profe   | AIA; Historian: BA; all must     |          |   |             |
| ssional | meet Secretary of Interior's     |          |   |             |
| qualifi | Professional Qualification       |          |   |             |
| cations | Standards                        |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| P       | -   Determine affected area and  |          |   | Sup         |
| lanning |     resources.                   |          |   | erintendent |
| pr      |                                  |          |   | will        |
| otocols | -   Survey if needed.            |          |   | identify    |
|         |                                  |          |   | lead        |
|         | -   Superintendent calls in      |          |   | resource    |
|         |     professionals from outside   |          |   | advisor and |
|         |     of park if needed.           |          |   | ensure      |
|         |                                  |          |   | c           |
|         | -   Superintendent consults with |          |   | oordination |
|         |     other agencies if needed.    |          |   | between     |
|         |                                  |          |   | fire and    |
|         |                                  |          |   | cultural    |
|         |                                  |          |   | resources   |
|         |                                  |          |   | staff.      |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Unde    | -   Discuss proposed action      |          |   | N/A         |
| rtaking |     within park (fire and        |          |   |             |
| info    |     cultural resource managers). |          |   |             |
| rmation |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Communicate survey needs in  |          |   |             |
|         |     writing.                     |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Use matrix to predict direct |          |   |             |
|         |     (within project boundary)    |          |   |             |
|         |     and indirect (outside        |          |   |             |
|         |     project boundary) effects.   |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Records | -   When more information is     |          |   | N/A         |
| and     |     needed beyond that provided  |          |   |             |
| lit     |     in the CRC, consult park,    |          |   |             |
| erature |     local, and agency records    |          |   |             |
| search  |     and experts.                 |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Consu   | -   Identify associated tribes.  | Allow at |   | Keep a      |
| ltation |                                  | least 30 |   | draft       |
| with    | -   Notify tribes and public by  | days for |   | letter on   |
| Indian  |     letter of action.            | response |   | file and    |
| tribes  |                                  | to       |   | notify      |
| and the | -   Address concerns raised by   | letter.  |   | neighbors,  |
| public  |     tribes and public.           | Schedule |   | tribes,     |
|         |                                  | public   |   | city of     |
|         |                                  | meeting  |   | Sierra      |
|         |                                  | if       |   | Vista, and  |
|         |                                  | ne       |   | other       |
|         |                                  | cessary. |   | interested  |
|         |                                  |          |   | parties in  |
|         |                                  |          |   | a timely    |
|         |                                  |          |   | manner.     |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Iden    | -   Use cultural resources       |          |   |             |
| tifying |     matrix in this document.     |          |   |             |
| and     |                                  |          |   |             |
| eva     | -   Determine area of effect.    |          |   |             |
| luating |                                  |          |   |             |
| c       | -   Review survey results.       |          |   |             |
| ultural |                                  |          |   |             |
| re      |                                  |          |   |             |
| sources |                                  |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Dete    | -   Determine direct effects     |          |   |             |
| rmining |     prior to initiating project. |          |   |             |
| effects |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Determine indirect effects.  |          |   |             |
| (see    |                                  |          |   |             |
| matrix, | -   Decide acceptable impacts.   |          |   |             |
| Table   |                                  |          |   |             |
| C-1)    | -   Implement pre-project        |          |   |             |
|         |     protection measures.         |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Assess actual impacts after  |          |   |             |
|         |     project completion.          |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Tr      | -   Identify treatments that     | Superi   | S |             |
| eatment |     avoid, minimize, and         | ntendent | u |             |
| m       |     mitigate unacceptable        | id       | p |             |
| easures |     impacts.                     | entifies | e |             |
|         |                                  | proper   | r |             |
| (see    | -   Justify treatments relative  | profe    | i |             |
| matrix, |     to the state of the art.     | ssionals | n |             |
| Table   |                                  | when     | t |             |
| C-1)    | -   Ensure that the cure is not  | outside  | e |             |
|         |     worse than the disease.      | as       | n |             |
|         |                                  | sistance | d |             |
|         |                                  | needed.  | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | f |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | f |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | w |             |
|         |                                  |          | h |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | u |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | . |             |
|         |                                  |          | . |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Mon     | -   Define resources to monitor. | Duration | D |             |
| itoring |                                  | and      | u |             |
| (when   | -   Determine duration and       | f        | r |             |
| needed) |     frequency of monitoring.     | requency | a |             |
|         |                                  | will     | t |             |
|         | -   Determine appropriate        | vary     | i |             |
|         |     professionals to complete    | with     | o |             |
|         |     monitoring.                  | resource | n |             |
|         |                                  | type,    | a |             |
|         |                                  | l        | n |             |
|         |                                  | ocation, | d |             |
|         |                                  | and      | f |             |
|         |                                  | i        | r |             |
|         |                                  | ntensity | e |             |
|         |                                  | of burn. | q |             |
|         |                                  |          | u |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | y |             |
|         |                                  |          | w |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | v |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | y |             |
|         |                                  |          | w |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | h |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | u |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | y |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | , |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | , |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | y |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | f |             |
|         |                                  |          | b |             |
|         |                                  |          | u |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | . |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| E       | -   Determine opportunities to   | Can      | C |             |
| xperime |     test and compare cultural    | compare  | a |             |
| ntation |     resource protection methods. | effec    | n |             |
| (when   |                                  | tiveness | c |             |
| fe      | -   Inform interested            | of       | o |             |
| asible) |     professionals.               | t        | m |             |
|         |                                  | hinning, | p |             |
|         | -   Review results.              | fire     | a |             |
|         |                                  | lines,   | r |             |
|         |                                  | d        | e |             |
|         |                                  | ifferent | e |             |
|         |                                  | burn     | f |             |
|         |                                  | seasons. | f |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | v |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | f |             |
|         |                                  |          | f |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | , |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | . |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Unanti  | -   Superintendent contact       |          |   |             |
| cipated |     professionals from WACC and  |          |   |             |
| effects |     SOAR.                        |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Determine impacts.           |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Minimize continued impacts.  |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Predict future impacts and   |          |   |             |
|         |     recommend minimization       |          |   |             |
|         |     measures.                    |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Implement minimization       |          |   |             |
|         |     measures.                    |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Disc    | -   Arrange to survey previously | Follow   | U |             |
| overies |     unidentified cultural        | Sections | s |             |
|         |     resources                    | 106 and  | e |             |
|         |                                  | 110 of   | m |             |
|         | -   Superintendent report        | NHPA.    | a |             |
|         |     discoveries to WACC and      |          | t |             |
|         |     SOAR.                        |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | x |             |
|         |                                  |          | ( |             |
|         |                                  |          | T |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | b |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | C |             |
|         |                                  |          | - |             |
|         |                                  |          | 1 |             |
|         |                                  |          | ) |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | o |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | m |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | c |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | m |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | s |             |
|         |                                  |          | . |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| BAR     | -   Superintendent contact WACC  |          |   |             |
|         |     and SOAR if external         |          |   |             |
|         |     assistance is needed.        |          |   |             |
|         |                                  |          |   |             |
|         | -   Submit funding proposal to   |          |   |             |
|         |     Burned Area Rehabilitation   |          |   |             |
|         |     program through IMRO if      |          |   |             |
|         |     necessary.                   |          |   |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+
| Agency  | Agency review (internal and      | Consult  | C |             |
| review  | external) is interwoven into all | as early | o |             |
| process | project planning areas and       | as       | n |             |
|         | steps.                           | possible | s |             |
|         |                                  | when     | u |             |
|         |                                  | needed   | l |             |
|         |                                  | during   | t |             |
|         |                                  | planning | a |             |
|         |                                  | stages.  | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | u |             |
|         |                                  |          | p |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | t |             |
|         |                                  |          | i |             |
|         |                                  |          | m |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | l |             |
|         |                                  |          | y |             |
|         |                                  |          | m |             |
|         |                                  |          | a |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | r |             |
|         |                                  |          | w |             |
|         |                                  |          | h |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | n |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | e |             |
|         |                                  |          | d |             |
|         |                                  |          | . |             |
+---------+----------------------------------+----------+---+-------------+

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656111 .anchor}Appendix D. Categorical
Exclusion Decision Memo

Decision Memorandum on the Action

and for the Application of Categorical Exclusions 1.12 and 1.13

Implementation of a Fire Management Program at

Coronado National Memorial

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Coronado National Memorial

Cochise County, Arizona

**Purpose and Need for the Action**

Coronado National Memorial (memorial) is located in southeastern
Arizona, approximately 75 miles southeast of Tucson and 20 miles south
of Sierra Vista, in Cochise County. Congress established the memorial in
1952 to permanently commemorate and interpret the significance of the
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542 and the resulting
cultural influences of 16^th^ Century Spanish colonial exploration in
the Americas. The creation of the memorial does not protect any tangible
artifacts related to the expedition. It was created to give visitors an
opportunity to reflect upon the impact the Coronado Entrada had in
shaping the history, culture, and environment of the southwestern United
States and its lasting ties to Mexico and Spain.

Ground surveys of the vegetation in the memorial indicate that there are
some areas that show a high departure from the natural regime, while the
majority of vegetation at Coronado National Memorial shows a moderate
departure from the natural regime. Obtaining new information such as the
fire regime condition class and carrying out the objectives of the fire
management program in the memorial are desired results from cooperation
with other parks and agencies. The goal of the fire management program
is to effectively manage wildland fire and provide for the protection of
life, property, and cultural resources, while ensuring the perpetuation
of memorial ecosystems and natural resources by:

-   Giving primary consideration to firefighter, employee, and public
    safety;

-   Managing fire to minimize threats of unacceptable effects of fire to
    property outside the memorial and sensitive cultural and natural
    resources;

-   Implementing a program to use prescribed burning and hazard fuels
    reduction to restore natural fuel loadings; and

-   Utilizing research and monitoring to improve our understanding of
    the role of fire in the memorial's vegetative communities.

This plan meets the requirements of the National Park Service (NPS)
Director's Order 18, which states that "each park with vegetation
capable of burning will prepare a wildland fire management plan to guide
a fire management program that is responsible to the Park's natural and
cultural resource objectives and to safety considerations for Park
visitors, employees, and developed facilities." The completion of this
fire management plan will satisfy these requirements. This plan and
associated categorical exclusion (CE) will establish future management
direction for fire-related activities at the memorial to protect
resources and values.

**Plan Conformance**

The proposed action is consistent with the Coronado National Memorial
General Management Plan (2004) and Natural and Cultural Resources
Management Plan (1998). The Proposed Action was designed to conform to
all NPS standards, and it incorporates the appropriate guides for the
required and desired conditions relevant to the project activities.

**Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act**

The proposed action is categorically excluded from further documentation
under NEPA in accordance with 516 DM 2, Appendix 1, 1.12 and 1.13
because it meets all the specified criteria for the use of these
categorical exclusions as described in the *Federal Register* (Vol 68,
No. 108, pages 33814-33824). Hazardous fuels reduction activities using
prescribed fire will not exceed 4,500 acres and mechanical methods for
crushing, piling, thinning, pruning, cutting, chipping, mulching, and
mowing will not exceed 1,000 acres. Activities will be identified
through a collaborative framework and be conducted consistent with
agency and Departmental procedures and applicable land and resource
management plans. Coronado National Memorial does not contain
wilderness. Additionally, the fire management program will not include
the use of herbicides or pesticides or the construction of new permanent
roads or any other new permanent infrastructure. There will be no sale
of vegetative material. Suppression activities, if needed, would be
considered emergency actions and not subject to NEPA requirements.

The application of these categorical exclusions is appropriate in this
situation because there are no extraordinary circumstances that
potentially have effects that may significantly affect the environment.
None of the exceptions to categorical exclusions (Director's Order-12,
*Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and
Decision-Making Handbook*, §3.5) or other cautions found in §3.6 of the
DO-12 Handbook apply.

I considered the level of effects of the proposed action as described in
the Methodology of Assessing the Levels of Effects. Based upon the
analysis in that document, the potential for significant effects does
not exist.

**Persons and Agencies Consulted**

An Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) made up of NPS staff, the Fire
Management Officer and District Ranger from the Coronado National Forest
Sierra Vista Ranger District, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
biologist, and cooperators from the University of Arizona (UA) School of
Natural Resources met on May 7, 2003, to discuss program procedures,
potential impacts, consultations, and implementation strategies. In July
2003, a newsletter announcing our intention to develop a fire management
plan, including an environmental assessment, was mailed to park partners
including volunteers, neighbors, affiliated tribes, and other land
management agencies and organizations. One comment was received in
support of the proposed fire program in the memorial.

On April 15, 2004, NPS staff met with UA cooperators to discuss the
memorial's ability to use wildland fire safely given the memorial's
location, size, and topography, the limited evacuation routes, and the
location of private residences and park headquarters structures. The NPS
staff decided that the park would suppress all wildland fires and use
primarily mechanical methods and prescribed burning to meet the plan's
objectives. In addition, the park would continue the planning process
using a categorical exclusion rather than environmental assessment for
the fire management plan.

During discussions with USFWS on March 2 and June 13, 2005, it was
decided that the memorial will do emergency consultation on suppression
activities when wildland fire incidents occur. When long-term plans for
fuel reduction and prescribed burn projects (Appendix H) are developed,
the memorial will do programmatic consultation at that time. For any
other fire management activities, project-specific consultation would
take place prior to implementation and we would design projects and
apply conservation measures so that no adverse effects to sensitive
species would occur. If projects are proposed that may adversely affect
sensitive species, they would be covered under a separate NEPA process
and documentation. The memorial would consult with USFWS during the NEPA
process for those projects. Consultation would include, on a project by
project basis, identifying if the project is in potential habitat for
sensitive species, surveying for those species, and notifying the USFWS
of project design, location, and proposed conservation measures to
support our determinations.

The cultural resource component of the fire management plan was signed
by the State Historic Preservation Officer on June 17, 2005 indicating
their concurrence with the NPS staff's identification of cultural
resources at risk from fire program activities and the strategies that
will be used to fulfill the fire management objectives for preserving,
maintaining, or minimizing loss of those resources.

**Decision and Rationale on Action**

I have decided to implement the fire management program at Coronado
National Memorial. The Coronado National Memorial Fire Management Plan
contains consideration for the use of suppression, prescribed fire, and
manual/mechanical treatments as components for fire management in the
memorial. The plan establishes fire management units that are based upon
fire danger, unit location, natural barriers to fire spread, safety of
suppression forces, and adjacent land ownership. Wildland fire use is
not a viable option for fire management at Coronado National Memorial
and is not addressed in the fire management plan. Most, if not all,
suppression, prescribed fire, and mechanical activities in the memorial
will be done in close coordination with the Huachuca Area Fire Partners,
Saguaro National Park, and the Sierra Vista Ranger District.

[Suppression]{.underline}

All wildland fire suppression activities provide for firefighter and
public safety as the highest consideration, but also minimize the loss
of resource values, economic expenditures, and/or the use of critical
firefighting resources. The appropriate management response would be
used to curtail fire spread and eliminate all identified fire threats.
Appropriate management response could include: full suppression,
aggressive suppression, or confine and contain strategies. For
suppression actions, holding actions could be implemented to prohibit
the fire from crossing containment boundaries. Holding actions could
include the construction of fire lines, reduction of excessive fuel
concentrations, and creation of fuel breaks or barriers around critical
or sensitive sites or resources.

Full suppression actions would include all available tools and tactics
to suppress the fire. This could include the use of fire retardant and
any aviation resources that could be used in an appropriate situation.
Fire retardant will not be used within 200 feet of mines and natural
caves in order to minimize the amount of retardant seeping into those
underground resources. In rare situations or events the use of
bulldozers, graders, tractors or other heavy equipment could be used,
but only after approval on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent.

To create a fuel break around the fire, a confine/contain strategy could
be used. This break could include natural barriers or manually and/or
mechanically constructed lines. Active fire suppression actions would
probably not be implemented in areas where the fire could be confined or
contained. Aircraft could be used for fire management activities
including: reconnaissance, fire control, or retardant drops.

[Prescribed Fire]{.underline}

Prescribed fires are any fire ignited by management to meet specific
objectives. Prescribed fire could be used to reduce hazardous fuels,
remove/reduce non-native plant species, or restore vegetative
compositions to natural levels. Prescribed fire would use prescriptions
that define conditions (wind speed and direction, relative humidity, dew
point, temperature, rate of fire spread, and flame length) under which
the fire could be ignited. These measurable conditions would be
monitored to ensure that prescribed conditions are met.

Prescribed fire units would be established so that treatment boundaries
are in logical places where the fire could be contained or controlled.
These boundaries would use natural fuel breaks or mechanically treated
perimeter lines. Each prescribed fire would be managed and monitored by
qualified personnel prior, during, and after the fire. Prescribed fire
would be carried out to minimize local effects to visibility and air
quality from smoke production.

Prescribed fire could be used to research or investigate the effects of
prescribed fire treatments and studied to replicate sustainable
ecological conditions. Long-term data collection could be associated
with these treatments. Many of the suppression strategies that are
described above could be used to manage prescribed fire.

[Mechanical Treatment]{.underline}

Mechanical equipment could be used as a stand-alone method to reduce
fuels, to allow for prescribed fire, or to construct a fire line during
a wildland fire.

Mechanical methods could include:

-   non-mechanized handheld tools used in suppression activities (e.g.,
    shovels, saws, axes, Pulaski's),

-   mechanized handheld tools (e.g., chainsaws, brush cutters, weed
    trimmers), or

-   mechanized wheeled or track equipment (e.g., bulldozers, tractors,
    loaders, mowers, or other similar equipment that are designed for
    large fuel removal) could be used in wildland urban interface areas,
    and in developed infrastructure areas within the memorial.

Heavy equipment with large tires or tracks designed to have less ground
disturbances would be the first choice for use. The use of any heavy
ground disturbing equipment would need to be approved by the
Superintendent.

I have determined that the proposed action is in conformance with the
approved plans. The Coronado National Memorial General Management Plan
(GMP) states that the "fire management programs in the memorial will be
designed to meet resource management objectives prescribed for various
areas of the memorial and to ensure that firefighter and public safety
are not compromised." All fire management activities will take place in
accordance with the GMP.

Both the GMP and Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan
emphasize the protection and preservation of the memorial's resources.
The overriding concerns are to ensure that fire management activities do
not threaten those resources, but instead are used to ensure their
continued protection. The fire management program will also ensure that
ecological processes, including fire, shape vegetative patterns and
conditions. The provisions included in the fire management plan and the
management considerations that affect operational implementation are
consistent with addressing these concerns.

I have determined that no further environmental analysis is required.

**Implementation Date**

This project will be implemented after the approval of the Fire
Management Plan.

[/s/ Kym Hall 28 June 2005]{.underline}

Kym Hall, Superintendent Date

**Administrative Review or Appeal Opportunities**

This action is not subject to administrative appeal because the NPS does
not have a formal appeal process. Concerns about this action should be
directed to the Intermountain Regional Director, National Park Service,
P.O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado, 80225-0287.

**Contact Person**

For additional information concerning this decision, contact the
Superintendent at Coronado National Memorial, 4101 East Montezuma Canyon
Road, Hereford, Arizona, 85615 or call (520) 366-5515.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656112 .anchor}Appendix E. Cooperative
agreements

FS Agreement No. [05-IA-110305-11-013]{.underline}

NPS Tax ID No. [53-0197094]{.underline}

NPS Agreement No. [F8601050088]{.underline}

**INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT**

**BETWEEN**

**NATIONAL PARK SERVICE**

**SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK, CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT,**

**FORT BOWIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, CORONADO NATIONAL MONUMENT,**

**TUMACACORI NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK AND**

**ORGAN PIPE CACTUS NATIONAL MONUMENT**

**AND**

**UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE**

**CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST**

**ARTICLE I: Background and Objectives**

1\. The National Park Service - Saguaro National Park, Chiricahua
National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Coronado National
Monument, Tumacacori National Historic Park and Organ Pipe Cactus
National Monument, hereinafter \"NPS\", and the United States Forest
Service, Coronado National Forest, hereinafter \"Forest\", wish to carry
out mutually beneficial wildland fire management actions on those lands
near their common boundary, share administrative and emergency dispatch
services, and share non-emergency helicopter services.

2\. This Agreement is entered into under the authority of the Reciprocal
Fire Protection Act, 42 U.S.C. 1856a and the Economy Act of 1932, 31
U.S.C. 1535.

**ARTICLE II: Statement of Work**

The parties agree as follows:

1\. That any fire occurring within one mile of their common boundary
will be considered as influencing the lands of the other.

2\. That they will cooperate to the fullest extent possible in the
management of all fires on both Forest and NPS lands and especially
within the confines of the area described in paragraph 1 of Article II.
Qualified personnel from either organization will be available for
assignment as members of fire suppression crews/teams on Forest or NPS
lands.

3\. That they will take appropriate suppression action (based on area
Fire Management Plans, DO and RM-18 (Wildland Fire Management
Guidelines), Section 5100 of the Forest Service Manual, and existing
conditions in the area of the fire)) on all fires occurring within their
jurisdictions as rapidly as possible. When location is in doubt or when
requested by the other agency, the suppression action will be made by
the agency with the closest available force.

4\. That the Initial Attack Incident Commander will remain in charge of
the fire until properly relieved by a fully qualified Incident Commander
of the same level or higher, as determined by incident qualification
card status.

If the relieving Incident Commander is from a different agency than the
fire location, the Agency Administrator with jurisdictional authority
will issue a *Delegation of Authority* and appoint an Agency
Representative to make agency related decisions/recommendations to the
Incident Commander.

5\. That a unified command will be established for large fires which
cross their common boundaries.

6\. That fires originating on the lands of one agency and discovered by
personnel from the other agency will be reported immediately to the
Southeast Arizona Zone Coordinator Center. The Center will notify
appropriate personnel for action.

7\. That daily fire weather stations will be maintained by both
agencies. These weather stations will be in locations and numbers
determined by individual agency needs. Weather data will be available on
request from either agency. This data may be provided as general weather
forecasts, fire weather forecasts (normally broadcast daily by Zone
Coordination Center), spot weather forecasts, and general weather
records. Requests will be made through dispatchers, incident commanders,
prescribed burn bosses, fire behavior officers or those delegated by the
preceding individuals.

8\. That they will advise each other when aerial detection patrols are
ordered for Forest or NPS lands.

9\. That fires managed under a Wildland Fire for Resource Benefit
Implementation Plan may be allowed on both Forest and NPS lands as
specified in Joint Wildland Fire Implementation Plans (WFIP) for
specific areas during single incidents.

10\. That fires which originate on one agency\'s land and meet the
conditions of that agency will be allowed to burn on the other\'s land,
provided the conditions outlined in the WFIP of that agency are also
met.

11\. That when fires are burning on lands managed by both agencies, the
agencies will assign monitors, as defined by WFIP or other local
guidelines, to monitor the portion of the fire burning on their
respective lands. The Agencies may, after review of individual
qualifications, allow a monitor from one agency to monitor fire(s) on
the other.

12\. They will make available personnel and equipment to assist with
training and execution of prescribed burning projects on each other\'s
lands in accordance with the National Fire Plan, local agreements,
and/or guidelines, provided such resources are available.

13\. That the Southeast Arizona Zone Coordinator Center will provide the
Southeastern Arizona NPS Areas with services including, but not limited
to: initial attack dispatching, extended attack dispatching, processing
weather data and providing fire danger rating indices, weather reports
(spot, extended, watches and warnings), aircraft flight following,
situation reporting, tracking of crew, engine and overhead resources
during mobilizations, and other support as identified and agreed to.

14\. That the Forest may provide non-fire, non-emergency helicopter
support for trail work and other types of projects, as needed.

15\. That they will meet on an annual basis to discuss and exchange
information, data and plans regarding common management strategies for
the contiguous wilderness areas of the Forest and NPS. The NPS and
Forest shall develop an annual operating plan outlining specific
activities such as pack test administration, issuance of supplies and
materials from agency caches, and non-emergency helicopter support, if
needed. This annual operating plan will become a part of this agreement,
and will be in place no later than March 31st of each year.

16\. That the Forest will provide all administrative dispatching
services for Saguaro National Park from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.,
excluding law enforcement dispatch services. Law enforcement dispatch
support will be provided through the Phoenix Bureau of Land Management
Dispatcher.

**ARTICLE III: Term of Agreement**

1\. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for **five (5)
years** from the date of the last signature below. Annual meetings will
be held to discuss and resolve any problems that may have arisen
concerning implementation of this Agreement.

2\. Any of the parties, in writing, may terminate the instrument in
whole, or in part, at any time before the date of expiration. Neither
party shall incur any new obligations for the terminated portion of the
instrument after the effective date and shall cancel as many obligations
as possible. Full credit shall be allowed for each Party's expenses and
all non-cancelable obligations properly incurred up to the effective
date of termination.

3\. Modifications within the scope of the instrument shall be made by
mutual consent of the parties, by the issuance of a written
modification, signed and dated by all parties, prior to any changes
being performed.

The Forest Service is not obligated to fund any changes not properly
approved in advance.

**ARTICLE IV: Key Officials**

The Superintendents of Saguaro National Park, Chiricahua National
Monument, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Coronado National Monument,
Tumacacori National Monument and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and
Coronado National Forest Supervisor shall be the key official for the
purposes of this Agreement.

The principal contacts for this instrument are:

+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Forest Service Project Contact         | Cooperator Project        |
|                                          | Contact                   |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Dean McAlister                         | Kevin Parrish             |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > 300 W. Congress                        | 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Tucson AZ 85701                        | Tucson AZ 85730-5699      |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Phone: 520.388.8460                    | Phone: 520.733.5130       |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > FAX: 520.388.8476                      | FAX: 520.722.3216         |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > E-Mail:                                | E-Mail:                   |
| > [dmcalister@fs.fed.us]{.underline}     | [kevin_par                |
|                                          | rish@nps.gov]{.underline} |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
|                                          |                           |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+

Forest Service Administrative ContactCooperator Administrative Contact

+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Norene Norris                          | Patricia Wands            |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > 300 W. Congress                        | 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Tucson AZ 85701                        | Tucson AZ 85730-5699      |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > Phone: 520.388.8325                    | Phone: 520.733.5131       |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > FAX: 520.388.8331                      | FAX: 520.722.3216         |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| > E-Mail:                                | E-Mail:                   |
| > [nnorris@fs.fed.us]{.underline}        | [pat_haddad-w             |
|                                          | ands@nps.gov]{.underline} |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
|                                          |                           |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+

**ARTICLE V: Award**

Each fiscal year, Saguaro National Park shall fund \$8,500 of the
contract cost for the Forest Service helicopter (Tucson) for
availability for fire management operations. Additionally, Saguaro
National Park will fund \$8,500 for management and operations of the
Southeast Arizona Zone Coordination Center, Tucson, Arizona. Overhead
will be assessed at the current year's rate. The FY05 rate is 17.8%. The
Park Service's obligation for performance of this instrument is
contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which
payment can be made. Fund transfer will be initiated by the Forest using
form AD 672 USDA (revised 9/86) no later than May 1st of each year
during the term of this Agreement. Saguaro National Park will establish
a Miscellaneous Transaction Document to transfer the funds from a NPS
FIREPRO account via IPAC.

**ARTICLE VI: Billing (1)**

Transfer of funds to the Forest Service will be through an
Intragovernmental Payment and Collection System (IPAC) billing. The IPAC
billing document which the Forest Service will prepare shall contain the
following information as the first line of the description or the
reference section:

> FY 2005:
>
> Agency Agreement or Instrument No. -- F8601050088
>
> Agency Cost Account Data -- 8677-0503-P11 - \$17,000
>
> 8677-0500-P11 - \$3,026
>
> Agency Location Code -- 14-10-0099
>
> Budget Object Code -- 253H

A detailed list of charges incurred will be made available upon request.

**ARTICLE VII: Billing (2)**

Transfer of funds to the NPS will be through the Intragovernmental
Payment and Collection System (IPAC) billing. The IPAC billing document
which the NPS prepares shall contain the following information as the
first line of the description or the reference section:

FS Agency Location Code - 12-40-1100

> FS Reference Document No. (MO) - (provided by FS Financial Mgmt)

FS Agreement No. - 05-IA-110305-11-013

*[Internal Accounting Information Only]{.underline}*

FS Accounting Station - 0305

Job Code - WFEXH9 05

Budget Object Code - 2559

Performing Agency Location Code - 12-40-1100

> Send copy of bill to: USDA Forest Service
>
> Coronado National Forest
>
> Attn: Norene Norris
>
> 300 W. Congress
>
> Tucson AZ 85601

A detailed list of charges incurred by the cooperator will be made
available upon request.

**ARTICLE VIII: Authorized Representatives**

By signature below, the NPS certifies that the individuals listed in
this document as representatives of the NPS are authorized to act in
their respective areas for matters related to this agreement.

**ARTICLE IX: Signatures**

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

[/s/ Dixie Buehler]{.underline} [13 April 2005]{.underline}

Agreement Officer Date

National Park Service

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

[/s/ Jeanine Derby]{.underline} [08 April 2005]{.underline}

Forest Supervisor Date

Coronado National Forest

The authority and format of this instrument has been reviewed and
approved for signature.

[/s/ Noreen Norris]{.underline}

FS Agreements Coordinator Date

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656113 .anchor}Appendix F. Delegation of
Authority

**Coronado National Memorial**

Hereford, Arizona

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

As of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, I have delegated authority to
manage the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Fire to Incident Commander
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and his/her
Incident Management Team.

My considerations for management of this fire are:

1.  Provide for firefighter, visitor, and employee safety.

2.  Manage the fire in such a manner that suppression actions will cause
    as little environmental damage as possible. A list of minimum impact
    suppression tactics is attached.

3.  Protect key cultural features identified by the resource advisor.

4.  Protect key development areas: visitor center, maintenance facility,
    and residences.

5.  Restrictions for suppression actions are: no off-road equipment
    without prior authorization.

6.  Manage the fire cost effectively for the values at risk.

7.  Disruption of visitor access to the memorial road will be kept to a
    minimum unless public safety is threatened.

8.  My agency advisors will be Resource Manager or Chief Ranger.

9.  My resource advisors are the Resource Manager, Exhibit Specialist,
    or Park Ranger.

11\. Minimum disruption of residential access and visitor use consistent
with public safety.

Superintendent

######## Coronado National Memorial 

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656114 .anchor}Appendix G. Coronado National
Memorial Recorded Fire History

*[Date Number/Name Class/Cause\* Location]{.underline}*

07/13/59 01/Coronado B/L Coronado

06/24/61 01/Sonora#1/Coronado #1 E/L\*\* Out-Mexico

07/16/61 02/Border A/L\*\* Out-Mexico

07/16/61 03/Border #2 A/L Coronado

08/22/62 01/Ridge Number One A/L Coronado

07/16/63 01/Lone Pinyon A/L Coronado

05/25/66 01/Coronado Peak E/H\*\* Coronado/Mexico

07/03/66 02/Coronado Picnic Area A/H Coronado

07/07/66 03/Smugglers Ridge #1 A/L Coronado

06/06/69 01/Mexico #1 ?/H\*\* Out-Mexico

08/20/69 02/Water Tank B/L Coronado

07/08/70 01/Joe\'s Canyon C/L Coronado

06/13/71 01/Picnic #1 C/H Coronado

07/02/73 01/Windmill A/L Coronado

07/05/73 02/Montezuma B/L Coronado

08/27/73 03/Smuggler\'s Fire D/L Coronado

11/12/73 04/Quarter\'s #16 A/H Coronado

12/20/73 05/Residence #1 A/H Coronado

12/20/73 06/Coronado Peak B/H Coronado

06/09/74 01/State of Texas #1 ?/H Coronado

06/13/74 02/State of Texas #2 ?/H Coronado

06/20/78 01/Coronado Peak A/H Coronado

07/08/78 02/Rattlesnake C-D/L Coronado/Mexico

10/06/78 03/Spring C/L Out-USFS

06/10/80 01/Joe B/L Coronado

07/06/83 01/Stallion B/L Coronado

07/15/84 01/Snag 1 A/L Coronado

04/20/86 01/Festival A/H Coronado

05/10/87 01/Brown A/L Coronado

06/10/88 01/Peak G/H\*\* Coronado/Multi

06/23/89 01/Cat B/H Coronado

03/26/93 01/Montezuma C/L Coronado/State

06/24/93 02/Brown-1 D/H Out-State

07/03/94 01/Lightning-1 A/L Coronado

08/07/94 02/Boundary-E A/L Out-State

05/22/96 01/Newspaper B/H Out-State

06/14/03 Lawnmower B/H Out-private

06/21/04 Ash E/H USFS/CORO

06/02/04 Montezuma D/H CORO

06/02/04 Montezuma/Mexico C/H Mexico

\*Class: \*Cause: \*\*Started in Mexico

A = 0 - .25 acres L = Lightning

B = .26 - 9.9 acres H = Human

C = 10 - 99.9 acres P = Prescribed Burn

D = 100 - 299.9 acres Ln = Wildland Fire Use

E = 300 - 999.9 acres

F = 1000 - 4999.9 acres

G = 5000 + acres

Out = fires within 1 mile of current Memorial boundary

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc107656115 .anchor}Appendix H. Long-Term Prescribed
Fire and Hazard Fuel Reduction Plan

The memorial will develop a 5-year plan for prescribed fire and hazard
fuel reduction projects in conjunction with the Huachuca Area Fire
Partners (HAFP). At that time, those projects will be listed in NFPORS
and appropriate other documentation will be added to this plan such as
fire callout phone lists, preparedness inventories and checklists, and
monitoring plans. NEPA and NHPA consultation will also take place at
that time for projects developed as part of the 5-year plan.