Lewis & Clark National Historical Park

Fort Clatsop

Fire Management Plan

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Proposed by

The National Park Service

September 2004

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR-NATIONAL PARK SERVICE-PACIFIC WEST
REGION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

I. INTRODUCTION

Reasons for Developing this Plan

Summary of Collaboration

Plan Will Implement Fire Management Policies

Plan Meets NEPA and NHPA Requirements

Authorities

II\. RELATIONSHIP TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND

FIRE POLICY

NPS Management Policies for Fire

Significance and Purpose of Fort Clatsop NM

Objectives from the General Management Plan (GMP)

Objectives in Resources Management Plan (RMP)

Fire Management Plan Meets GMP and RMP Objectives

III\. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

General Management Considerations

Wildland Fire Management Goals

Wildland Fire Management Options

Fire Management Strategies by Fire Management Unit (FMU)

Description

Fire Management goals and objectives for the FMU

Management Considerations and Fire Complexity

Historic Role of Fire

Weather, Fire Season, and Fuel

IV\. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMPONENTS

General Implementation Procedures

Wildland Fire Suppression

Wildland Fire Use

Prescribed Fire

Non-Fire Fuel Treatment Applications

Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration

V. ORGANIZATIONAL AND BUDGETARY PARAMETERS

Organization

FIREPRO Funding

Fire Management Organization for Fort Clatsop NM

Statement of park Superintendent's Responsibility

Interagency Coordination

Key Interagency Contacts

Fire-related Agreements

VI\. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Fire Research and Monitoring

Short-term Monitoring

Long-term Monitoring

VII\. FIRE RESEARCH

VIII\. PUBLIC SAFETY

IX\. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

X. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE RESOURCES

Cultural Resources

Natural Resources

Developed Features, infrastructure

XI\. FIRE CRITIQUES AND ANNUAL PLAN REVIEW

XII\. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

XIII\. APPENDICES

A.  ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSEMENT

B.  FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**

When approved, this document will become the fire management plan for
Fort Clatsop National Memorial. Major components include:

-   implementation of current Director\'s Order \# 18 Wildland Fire
    Management (NPS 1998).

-   format changes under the direction of RM‑ 18 (NPS 1999 and 2002).

-   reinforces updated 1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and
    Review.

-   establishes a Fire Analysis Committee consisting of the FMO, Chief
    of Visitor Services, Chief of Resource Management, Cultural
    Resources Specialist, and Chief of Maintenance. The Fire Analysis
    Committee will meet as needed to review wildland fires, develop
    alternatives and present them to the Superintendent for approval,
    following the guidelines established for the Wildland Fire Situation
    Analysis.

This plan is written to provide guidelines for appropriate suppression
and potential prescribed fire programs at Fort Clatsop National
Memorial. Prescribed fires may be used to reduce hazard fuels, restore
the natural processes and vitality of ecosystems, remove or reduce
non‑native species, and/or conduct research into fire effects.

**I.** **INTRODUCTION**

A. Reasons for Developing this Plan

This plan is written as an operational guide for managing the site\'s
wildland fire and prescribed fire programs. It defines levels of
protection needed to ensure safety, protect facilities and resources,
and restore and perpetuate natural processes, given current
understanding of the complex relationships in natural ecosystems. It is
written to comply with a service‑wide requirement that parks with
vegetation that can support fire develop a fire management plan and a
fire management program reflecting local ecology (Director\'s Order \#
18, Wildland Fire Management, 1 l/ 17/98).

B. Summary of Collaboration

With the help of the Pacific West Region Office, Fort Clatsop began a
draft Fire Management Plan in February 2004. Fort Clatsop's General
Management Plan (1995), as well as the Resource Management Plan (1995)
provided the general direction for the park as well as the fire
management program. The Resource Management Specialist will meet
annually or as needed with representatives from the Oregon Department of
Forestry to discuss cooperative agreements. This document also addresses
primary issues of concern raised during a series of internal and public
scoping sessions.

C. Plan Will Implement Fire Management Policies

The Fort Clatsop Fire Management Plan follows and fulfills provisions of
the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review. Fort
Clatsop has burnable vegetation and this fire management plan is based
upon resource management plans and decisions that flow from the
long-range General Management Plan for the park.

The park partnerships with Oregon Department of Forestry and with the
Lewis and Clark Rural Fire Protection District are the cornerstones of
Fort Clatsop's fire management program. Their advice and assistance
allows the park to achieve the goals of the 10-Year Comprehensive
Strategy to 1)improve prevention and suppression, 2) reduce hazardous
fuels, 3) restore fire adapted ecosystems, and 4) promote community
assistance.

D. Plan Meets NEPA and NHPA Requirements

This plan will establish a Fire Management Plan for Fort Clatsop
National Memorial. It implements the approved course of action described
in the General Management Plan. An Environmental Assessment for this
plan is attached in the Appendix. The Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) fulfilled the requirements of the National Environmental
Protection Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

E. Authorities

Authority for fire management is found in 16 USC Sec. I (August 25,
1916), which states that the agency\'s purpose:

> ".. is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects
> and the wild life therein and provide for the enjoyment of the same in
> such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the
> enjoyment of future generations.\"

This authority was clarified in the National Parks and Recreation Act of
1978:

\"Congress declares that \... these areas, though distinct in character,
are united \... into one national park system \.... The authorization of
activities shall be construed and the protection, management, and
administration of these areas shall be conducted in light of the high
public value and integrity of the National Park System and shall not be
exercised in derogation of the values and purposes for which these
various areas have been established, except as may have been or shall be
directly and specifically provided by Congress.\"

The authority for FIREPRO funding (normal fire year programming) and all
emergency fire accounts is found in the following authorities:

Section 102 of the General Provisions of the Department of Interior\'s
annual Appropriations Bill provides the authority under which
appropriated monies can be expended or transferred to fund expenditures
arising from the emergency prevention and suppression of wildland fire.

P.L. 101‑121, Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriation Act of 1990, established the funding mechanism for normal
year expenditures of funds for fire management purposes.

31 US Code 665(E)(1)(B) provides the authority to exceed appropriations
due to wildland fire management activities involving the safety of human
life and protection of property.

Authorities for procurement and administrative activities necessary to
support wildland fire suppression missions are contained in the
Interagency Fire Business Management Handbook. Authorities to enter into
agreements with other Federal bureaus and agencies; with state, county,
and municipal governments; and with private companies, groups,
corporations, and individuals are cited in NPS‑20 (Federal Assistance
and Interagency Agreements). These include the Reciprocal Fire
Protection Act of May 27, 1955 (42 USC 815a; 69Stat 66).

Authority for interagency agreements is found in \"Interagency Agreement
between the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service of the United States
Department of the Interior and the Forest Service of the United States
Department of Agriculture\" (1996). Authority for rendering emergency
fire or rescue assistance outside the National Park System is the Act of
August 8, 1953 (16 USC lb(l)) and the Departmental Manual (910 DM).

**II. RELATIONSHIP TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND FIRE POLICY**

A. NPS Management Policies for Fire

Direction for management of the park system comes from the National Park
Service Organic Act of 1916 (Title 16 USC, Section 1):

\"The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the
Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations to
conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the
wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such
manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment
of future generations.\"

NPS fire management policy is expressed in RM‑ 18, Wildland Fire
Management Guidelines (NPS 1999) and Director\'s Order #18, Wildland
Fire Management (NPS 1998). The NPS has taken a lead role in considering
fire as a fundamental force in perpetuating natural ecosystems, as
stated in Director\'s Order \# 18, \"All wildfires may be managed to
accomplish resource management goals providing they do not compromise
firefighter and public safety.\"

The Department Manual, DM 9 10 (USDI 1997) states the following
regarding wildland fires:

\"Wildfires may result in loss of life, have detrimental impacts upon
natural resources, and damage to or destruction of man‑made
developments. However, the use of fire under carefully defined
conditions is to be a valuable tool in wildland management. Therefore,
all wildfires within the Department will be classified either as
wildfire or as prescribed fires.

> Wildfires, whether on lands administered by the Department or adjacent
> thereto, which threaten life, man‑made structures, or are determined
> to be a threat to the natural resources or the facilities under the
> Department\'s jurisdiction, will be considered emergencies and their
> suppression given priority over normal Departmental programs.
>
> Bureaus will give the highest priority to preventing the disaster fire
> ‑ the situation in which a wildfire causes damage of such magnitude as
> to impact management objectives and/or socio­economic conditions of an
> area. However, no wildfire situation, with the possible exception of
> threat to human survival, requires the exposure of firefighters to
> life threatening situations.
>
> Within the framework of management objective and plans, overall
> wildfire damage will be held to the minimum possible giving full
> consideration to (1) an aggressive fire prevention program; (2) the
> least expenditure of public funds for effective suppression; (3) the
> methods of suppression least damaging to resources and the
> environment; and (4) the integration of cooperative suppression
> actions by agencies of the Department among themselves or with other
> qualified suppression organizations.

B. Significance and Purpose of Fort Clatsop National Memorial

Fort Clatsop's General Management Plan contains a discussion of the
park's enabling legislation and the purpose of the park. The enabling
Act of 1958 identified the purpose of the memorial \"For the purpose of
commemorating the culmination, and the winter encampment, of the Lewis
and Clark expedition following its successful crossing of the North
American continent." The Act further added that development was to
include "...land and improvements thereon located in Clatsop County,
Oregon, which are associated with the winter encampment of the Lewis and
Clark expedition, known as Fort Clatsop, and also, adjacent portions of
the old trail which led overland from the fort to the coast."
Additionally, the National Park Service 1916 Organic Act provides a
basis for public use and enjoyment as a component of the park's purpose.

C. Objectives from the General Management Plan

The park's General Management Plan was completed in 1995. It will guide
park management for the next fifteen or more years in efforts to
preserve and protect the historic and cultural resources while providing
for the use prescribed by enabling legislation, planning documents and
Park Service policy. One effort by all of the park staff is to maintain,
as nearly as possible, the visual aspect of the historic period
commemorated (1805-1806).

The General Management States:

> A fire management plan is needed to acknowledge the potential of
> wildfire and identify means to deal with it.

D. Objectives in Resources Management Plan

Every unit of the National Park Service that contains vegetation capable
of sustaining a fire is required to have a fire management plan. Fort
Clatsop National Memorial has a variety of vegetation types capable of
sustaining a fire. Resource management objectives are to develop a fire
management plan that would allow for limited, special purpose prescribed
fire, such as for wetland restoration, brush pile disposal, etc.

E. Fire Management Plan Meets GMP and Resource Management Objectives

Principal factors used to determine the proposed action include
providing for a commemorative trail between the Fort and the Ocean,
protecting a forested setting surrounding the Fort area, and
articulating the role of the National Memorial within a broader regional
historic, conservation, and tourism context. Resources within the
Memorial are managed to provide a reestablished historical setting
focused on the Fort. For example, the Fort Clatsop Resource Management
Plan defines the primary natural resources management objective as one
of restoring and maintaining the historic native plant communities of
the Lewis and Clark period where ecologically feasible.

Current fire management activities include fire suppression only.
Management of natural ignitions for resource benefit is not feasible on
the NM because of the small size of the site and the number of sensitive
resources. The park has the responsibility for fire suppression but
carries it out through agreements with the Lewis and Clark Fire
Protection District and Oregon Department of Forestry.

**III. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES**

A. General Management Considerations

The *Fort Clatsop National Memorial Fire Management Plan* was last
updated in 1995. Current fire management activities include fire
suppression only. Management of natural ignitions for resource benefit
is not feasible on the NM because of the small size of the site and the
number of sensitive resources. It would be difficult to contain a
natural fire within the boundaries of the NM. All unplanned ignitions,
both lightning-caused and human-caused, are suppressed in the site to
protect sensitive park resources, as well as to prevent damage to
neighboring private lands. The park has the responsibility for fire
suppression but carries it out through agreements with the Lewis and
Clark Fire Protection District and Oregon Department of Forestry.

B. Wildland Fire Management Goals

The overall objectives for fire management are to promote a program to
ensure firefighter and public safety, aimed at reducing human‑caused
fires and to ensure appropriate suppression response capability to meet
expected wildland fire complexity. Specific fire management objectives
are:

> 1\. Protect human life, property, and the cultural resources of the
> Park from wildfire.

2.  Employ strategies to suppress all wildland fires, which minimize
    costs and resource damage, consistent with values at risk.

3.  Prevent unplanned human‑caused ignitions.

> 4\. Promote public understanding of fire management programs and
> objectives.

5\. Provide for continuation of the natural role of fire in the
ecosystem to the extent

possible consistent with the protection of life, property, cultural
resources, adjacent

land values, and air quality.

> 6\. Preserve and restore the historic scene.
>
> 7\. Protect natural and cultural resources and intrinsic values from
> unacceptable impacts attributable to fire and fire management
> activities.
>
> 8\. Prevent all fires from burning onto adjacent land unless there is
> an agreement with the managing property owners to accept the fire.
>
> 10\. Conduct fire management programs in a manner consistent with
> applicable laws, policies and regulations.

These goals are consistent with regional and national strategic plans
such as the 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy and National Park Service
Strategic Plan, as well as wildland fire policy.

C. Wildland Fire Management Options

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is best characterized by an infrequent
high severity fire regime. Generally, the fire season runs from June 1
through mid‑September. During drier years, the fire season may last from
early May until early October. Strong winds are common in all months.
During April through August, prevailing winds come from the
north-northwest and in the remainder of the year winds are out of the
southwest.

Wildland Fire

All unplanned wildland fires will be suppressed in a prompt, safe,
aggressive, and cost‑effective manner to produce fast, efficient action
with minimum damage to resources.

Although resource impacts of suppression alternatives must always be
considered in selecting a fire management strategy, resource benefits
will not be the primary consideration at Fort Clatsop National Memorial.
Appropriate suppression action will be taken to ensure firefighter
safety, public safety, and protection of the resources.

Critical protection areas, such as historic structures, site facilities,
and private residences near boundaries will receive priority
consideration in fire control planning efforts. In all cases, the
primary concerns of fire suppression personnel shall be firefighter
safety, and if needed, all individuals not involved in the suppression
effort may be evacuated.

Suppression strategies should be applied so that the equipment and tools
used to meet the desired objectives are those that inflict the least
impacts upon the site resources. The fire suppression strategy by its
very nature is a response to an emergency situation. It is in these
situations that an Incident Commander\'s decisions can have long‑term
negative implications on natural and cultural resources.

Minimum impact suppression strategies will be employed to protect all
resources. 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 long‑term impacts to site
resources.

Vehicle access to normally closed areas of the site will be made using
existing fire roads when possible. Heavy equipment such as crawlers,
tractors, dozers, or graders will not be used in the site unless their
use is necessary to prevent a fire from destroying privately‑owned
and/or government buildings and historic resources and will be allowed
to operate only after approval of the Supt or Acting Supt has been
given.

Sites impacted by fire suppression activities or by the fire will be
rehabilitated as necessary, based on an approved course of action for
each incident.

D. Wildland Fire Management Strategies by Fire Management Unit

1\. FMU Identifier

a\. Description

Fort Clatsop is comprised of approximately 125 acres surrounding the
Fort replica and associated with the historic use and occupation of the
site between 1805 and 1806. The Salt Works in Seaside is an additional
half-acre site comprising the monument itself, fencing and plant
materials defining the boundaries of the site, and a variety of
small-scale features that contribute to the commemorative nature of the
monument.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is located six miles southwest of
Astoria. The Salt Works site is located approximately fifteen miles
southwest of the Memorial in Seaside, Oregon. Elevation ranges from sea
level to approximately 60 feet. Topography of the main unit of Fort
Clatsop National Memorial varies from the relatively flat mudflats and
estuaries of the Lewis and Clark valley to the steeper forested slopes
and benches of the eastern toe-slope of Clatsop Ridge, the northernmost
portion of the Oregon Coast Range. Climate consists of relatively warm
and dry summers and fall with cool and wet winter and spring. Rainfall
averages approximately 70 inches per year at the Astoria airport. Due to
the relatively high rainfall coupled with the large amount of moisture
from frequent fog, there are many surface streams and springs within
this borderline temperate rainforest.

Cultural Resources

To summarize, Fort Clatsop National Memorial was set aside by Congress
to recognize the important scientific contributions and cultural
contacts Lewis and Clark made during their exploratory journey to the
Pacific Ocean and specifically to relate to the nation the story of
their winter encampment of 1805-1806.

The replica Fort is the central focal point for a variety of
interpretive and living history programs throughout the year. Other
physical features of Fort Clatsop include the clearing immediately
around the Fort, the spring site, Canoe Landing, view sheds from the
Fort site and the Canoe Landing, the trails linking these resources, and
the forest defining/surrounding the development.

Natural Resources

Fort Clatsop is located on the Lewis and Clark River, two miles upstream
from Young's Bay. Extensive tidal and freshwater wetlands along the
river provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species,
including beaver, muskrat, and waterfowl. As the surrounding area is
developed, these wetland habitats are an increasingly vital component of
the Lower Columbia River estuarine system.

Vegetation

The Fort was previously in an area of old growth coastal forest,
dominated by a mixture of western hemlock and Sitka spruce that has
since been removed. A program of vegetative restoration was initiated
after the establishment of the Memorial. Sitka spruce, western hemlock,
and some Douglas fir were replanted. Continued restoration work includes
planting and thinning programs. Currently, approximately 50 acres of the
park is covered by conifer forests, composed of approximately 20 acres
of older forests and 30 acres of younger forests. The 75 remaining acres
are primarily wetlands and developed lands.

At the Salt Works site, native dune communities have been modified by
residential development. Currently, shrub vegetation dominated by salal
is found on the site. No state or federally listed threatened or
endangered species are known to occur within the Memorial, on the
proposed routes of trail to the coast, or at the Salt Works.

Wildlife

Roosevelt elk were a significant food source for members of the
Expedition during their winter camp. Elk populations in western Oregon
were severely depleted by 1900 and as a result, hunting seasons were
closed and the state began an active restoration and protection program.
Elk populations have since increased and are currently stable in number
and hunting was re-established in 1938. Forest management and
agricultural practices enhance habitat for elk on lands surrounding the
Memorial. Wetland areas are also important elk habitat. Four bat species
designated as Species of Concern have been documented in the park during
surveys in 1995 and 2001. They include the fringed, long-legged and
long-eared and Yuma myotis. The white-footed vole was historically
documented within Fort Clatsop in 1940, but has not been found in more
recent park mammal surveys (1993, 2001).

Bird species designated as sensitive by the Oregon Department of Fish
and Wildlife that have been sighted at the park include pileated
woodpeckers, Barrow's goldeneye, Olive-sided flycatcher and bufflehead.
Bald eagles, another sensitive bird species, are regularly observed
within the park, and an established nest is located about one-half mile
from the Netul Landing. The Western snowy plover has been Federally
listed as a threatened species; its habitat occurs in the dunes and sand
flats south of Camp Rilea.

Sensitive amphibian species within the park include the northern
re-legged frog and Columbia torrent salamander. No state or federally
listed species of reptiles are known to occur in the park. Two salmonid
fish documented within the par, Chinook and coho salmon, are federally
listed threatened species. Cutthroat trout, a proposed threatened
species, has also been found in park streams.

The Oregon silverspot butterfly, a federally listed threatened species,
is found in the dune areas along the coast. The butterflies occur in the
open grasslands, salt spray meadows and adjacent forest fringe areas
along the Oregon coast. Critical habitat is found within the trail study
area.

Description of Project Boundaries:

Fort Clatsop National Memorial consists of three separate units: main
unit surrounding the Fort is 108 acres, the Salt Works site is another
half an acre, and a 17 acre parcel of land located along the east shore
of the Lewis and Clark River opposite the main unit.

Lands surrounding Fort Clatsop and the study area of the proposed trail
are bordered by the Lewis and Clark River on the east and US Highway
101, the Pacific Coast Highway, on the west. US 101 is the major
north-south connector along the Oregon coast. The Highway is a raised
four lane entering the study area from the north that narrows to two
lanes and limited shoulders at Sunset Beach Road. Access to 101 is
provided from Del Ray/Ridge Road, Perkins Road, Camp Rilea entry road, a
narrow unpaved road at Glenwood, Sunset Beach Road, and private
driveways.

Most of the land surrounding the Fort and proposed trail corridor is
privately owned and zoned residential, farm or forest use. Much of it
(30-35% of the entire County) is undeveloped large tracts held by The
Weyerhaeuser Company, for timber harvest. Remaining private properties
include residential subdivisions, ranches and mobile home courts
bordering the east and west sides of Highway 101, Del Ray, and Sunset
Beach Roads. Public properties include Camp Rilea, a 2000-acre National
Guard multi-service training center, several State and County parks,
beach or water access sites, and isolated vacant County/City parcels
east of Highway 101.

All of the land within the National Memorial and the lands proposed for
addition to the Memorial are within Clatsop County. Within the County's
Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Fort itself is designated
Conservation-Other Resources, and is in the Open Space, Parks and
Recreation Zone. Lands just south of Alternate US 101 are zoned RA-1,
which accommodates low density rural residential development, with a one
acre minimum lot size for home construction. The lands owned by the Fort
Clatsop Historical Association are designated for Conservation-Forest
Land Use, and are zoned AF-20. This zone provides for small scale forest
management and agricultural uses. Forest lands to the north and west of
Fort Clatsop are designated as rural lands, and are zoned F-80. The
purpose of the F-80 zoning designation is to conserve forest lands and
to protect the County's forest economy.

b.  Fire Management goals and objectives for the FMU

All unplanned ignitions, both lightning-caused and human-caused, will be
suppressed in the site to protect sensitive park resources, as well as
to prevent damage to neighboring private lands.

c\. Management Considerations and Fire Complexity

Because the management of natural ignitions for resource benefit is not
feasible on the National Memorial due to its small size and number of
sensitive resources, fire management activities will include fire
suppression only.

d\. Historic Role of Fire

There is limited evidence available with which to reconstruct fire
history at Fort Clatsop. The presence of buried charcoal at Fort Clatsop
suggests that fire did occur there at one time. Though fire does play an
important role in this system, it is believed to be infrequent.
Fahnestock and Agee (1983) calculated a fire return interval for the
Sitka spruce type in western Washington at over 1,100 years. When fire
does occur in the "Sitka Spruce Zone", it burns under unusual weather
conditions and has generally severe effects on the stand.

Evidence suggests that there has been one stand-replacement fire at Fort
Clatsop, occurring approximately several to many hundred years ago. The
fire most likely covered an area much larger than Fort Clatsop.
Observations by Lewis and Clark of many large trees further support the
hypothesis that the fire occurred many centuries prior to their visit.

e\. Weather, Fire Season, and Fuel

Basic weather data is collected by the National Weather Service at the
Port of Astoria Airport located 1.5 miles north of the park. The park
receives monthly summaries from the weather station on rainfall amounts,
time and duration, temperature, humidity, dew point, barometric
pressure, visibility observations, hourly wind speed and direction,
freezing levels, and recording of regional air traffic advisories. There
is a site specific weather station at the park, it measures
temperatures, highs and lows, rain and R H's. Certain site-specific
conditions exist within the parks that are not represented at the
airport. For example, the available moisture from fog within the park is
greatly increased due to the spruce/hemlock forest.

Generally, the fire season runs from June 1 through mid‑September.
During drier years, the fire season may last from early May until early
October. Strong winds are common in all months. During April through
August, prevailing winds come from the north-northwest and in the
remainder of the year winds are out of the southwest.

Because of the moist, mild environment in the Sitka spruce zone, fine
fuels decompose quickly. Larger fuels are conifer species that also tend
to decompose quickly. Wind is the primary disturbance factor at this
site and as a result, there may be frequent input of coarse woody debris
from windthrown trees. Fine fuels occur in the beachgrass area at the
Salt Works site. Exotic grasses that have invaded this site can tend to
promote fire in this area.

**IV. WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMPONENTS**

A. General Implementation Procedures

All unplanned wildland fires will be suppressed in a prompt, safe,
aggressive, and cost‑effective manner to produce fast, efficient action
with minimum damage to resources. This plan does not currently recommend
wildland fire managed for resource benefit as an option for any of the
units. Wildland fires will be suppressed using the appropriate
suppression response.

B. Wildland Fire Suppression

1\. Range of Potential Fire Behavior

Fire program management describes the operational procedures necessary
to implement fire management at Fort Clatsop National Memorial. Program
management includes: fire prevention, preparedness, emergency
preparedness, fire behavior predictions, step‑up staffing plan, fire
detection, fire suppression, minimum impact suppression, minimum impact
rehabilitation, and documentation. All fires not classified as
prescribed fires are wildland fires and will be appropriately
suppressed.

Records show that the fire season is from early June through
mid‑September, peaking in late summer when fuel moisture conditions are
extremely dry. Slight amounts of fire activity occur at the ends of this
period, extending the season from mid‑May to early October. Depending on
the specific weather of any particular year the seasons may be shorter
or longer and, therefore, may start earlier or last longer.

Climatic conditions limit the frequency and intensity of naturally
occurring fires in the Sitka spruce zone. Lightning is uncommon and
under most conditions, a wildfire could not be ignited. Typical severity
level of fire is high, usually resulting in stand replacement because of
the fire-sensitive nature of the major tree species. Fires are only
likely to occur under severe fire weather in late summer and fall,
driven by a strong east wind.

Fast moving fires could occur in the beach grasses at the Salt Works
site, especially under the influence of wind, as topography is not an
influence. The invasion of exotic grasses in particular may promote the
occurrence of fire on this site.

2\. Preparedness Actions

Preparedness is the work accomplished prior to fire occurrence to ensure
that the appropriate response, as directed by the Fire Management Plan,
can be carried out. Preparedness activities include budget planning,
equipment acquisition, equipment maintenance, equipment inventory,
personnel qualifications, and training. The preparedness objective is to
have a well-trained and equipped fire management organization to manage
all fire situations within the site.

Preparedness activities are outlined in RM‑ 18 and are covered by normal
site operating funds and FIREPRO funding. Preparedness efforts are to be
accomplished in the periods outside the normal fire season dates. When
periods of high fire danger occur outside the normal fire season dates,
the appropriate action will be taken, severity funding may be requested
and the Regional FMO will be notified by telephone for approval of the
preparedness actions.

The following preparedness actions will be taken to ensure adequate fire
preparedness.

a\. Fire Prevention Program/Education and Information

An active fire prevention program will be conducted in conjunction with
other agencies to protect human life and property, and prevent damage to
cultural resources or physical facilities.

A program of public education regarding potential fire danger will be
implemented. Visitor contacts, bulletin board materials, handouts and
interpretive programs will be utilized to increase visitor and neighbor
awareness of fire hazards.

It is essential that employees be well informed about fire prevention
and the objectives of the site\'s fire management program. Further,
employees must be kept informed about changes in existing conditions
throughout the fire season.

Trained employees need to relate information to the public essential to
understanding the potential severity of human‑caused wildland fires and
how to prevent them.

During periods of extreme or prolonged fire danger, fire prevention
messages will be included in interpretive programs. Emergency
restrictions regarding fires or area closures may become necessary. Such
restrictions, when imposed, will usually be consistent with those
implemented by cooperators. It is recommended that a Fire Analysis
Committee is formed to recommend to the Superintendent when such
restrictions are necessary. Closures will be authorized by the
Superintendent.

b\. Training

Departmental policy requires that all personnel engaged in suppression
and prescribed fire duties meet the standards set by the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The National Park Service wildland
fire qualification system meets or exceeds all NWCG standards. Fort
Clatsop National Memorial will conform strictly to the requirements of
the NPS wildland fire management qualification and certification system.

The park Collateral Fire Management Officer will maintain a list of all
employees who are qualified for fire duties. The list will include the
date of the most recent pack test, the score, and the jobs for which
they are qualified. Updated fire training, experience, and physical
fitness records will be input annually.

Fire suppression is an arduous duty. On prescribed fires, personnel may
be required to shift from monitoring activities to suppression. Poor
physical condition of crewmembers can endanger safety and lives during
critical situations. Personnel performing fire management duties will
maintain a high level of physical fitness. This may require successful
completion of a fitness pack test as outlined in NPS‑57 (Health fitness
guidelines).

c\. Supplies and Equipment

A fire cache capable of supplying a minimum for initial attack forces
will be maintained. The park Collateral FMO will be responsible for the
cache.

Additional equipment and supplies are available through cooperators and
the interagency cache system. Requests for additional personnel and
equipment are made through the Dispatch for the area. The contact list
can be found in the Appendix.

d\. Fire Weather and Fire Danger

Weather data is obtained from the National Weather Service at the Port
of Astoria Airport located 1.5 miles north of the park. Fire Weather is
obtained from Portland Fire Weather Station.

e\. Staffing Priority Levels

This staffing assessment will be used in the event of any fire. The
ICS‑214 Unit Log or Case Incident Report will serve as record of
decision for documenting appropriate action taken on fires. Available
personnel/resources, fire situation, and predicted fire behavior will
determine the response level to maintaining, or curtailing normal Park
operations. Minimum staffing levels will be considered annually in the
Fire Management Plan. Table I identifies the Readiness Class levels.

Table 1:Readiness Class levels for Fort Clatsop National Memorial.

I. No activity necessary. Normal eight (8) hour tours of duty. The Park
tries to maintain at a minimum of two red-carded employees.

II\. Normal eight (8) hour tours of duty. Fire equipment and supplies
serviced and prepared for use.

III\. Normal eight (8) hour tours of duty. Site is totally prepared to
respond to a fire. If the park has Red-carded wildland firefighters the
locations of red‑carded personnel are known to all relevant personnel.
Red‑carded personnel have fire tools and personal protective equipment
immediately available in their work vehicles or at their worksite. Park
will continue to work with other agency firefighting cooperators to
provide wildland firefighting coverage to the park.

IV\. All activities in Readiness Class III are continued. Approval for
expenditure of PWE‑381 funds is obtained from the PWR FMO. The
Superintendent is notified of fire potential conditions. In the event
that the park has Red-carded wildland fire fighters on staff, tours of
duty for Fort Clatsop employees who are red‑carded may be extended to 7
days per week, ten (10) hours per day with the Superintendent\'s
approval. Increased prevention and detection patrols are conducted.
Cooperators are contacted and activities coordinated in an effort to
have a minimum of two engines available for dispatch to a park fire
during the burning period (to at least 1800 hours). Longer hours of
coverage may be initiated for certain key positions (park Collateral
FMO, prescribed fire specialist). Lieu days and leave may be canceled
for any red‑carded firefighters that are park employees. Cooperators are
contacted and activities coordinated (federal, state and county fire
departments) in an effort to provide consistent information to the
public and site neighbors. High Fire Danger notices will be posted in
the Visitor Center and at site bulletin boards.

V. All activities in Readiness Class IV are continued. All fires are
prohibited including the use of fire grates, grills, and stoves.
Restrictions and closures of site areas may be deemed necessary.
Interpretive activities will include a fire safety message.

Cooperators

Fort Clatsop National Memorial currently benefits from the Cooperative
Fire Protection Agreement signed between the Lewis and Clark Fire
Protection District. These cooperative relationships are fundamental to
the success of the fire program and must continue to receive emphasis.

3\. Pre-Attack Plan

Initial attack on site fires may be provided by NPS, Lewis and Clark
Rural Fire Protection District or Oregon Department of Forestry
depending on size and location of the fire. Qualified fire personnel
within the site are limited and initial and extended attacks on a fire
may be impractical by site employees. The NPS subscribes to the
\"closest forces concept\", and all contingency plans are jointly
formulated at the regional level. The park Collateral FMO is responsible
for ensuring that interagency agreements are reviewed annually and will
schedule preseason meetings with cooperators as required.

Detection

The site relies on fire reports from visitors, employees, neighbors, and
other agencies. Visitors, adjacent landowners, and permittees may notify
local agencies with fire suppression responsibilities through the 911
system.

Upon detection of a fire, the following steps will be taken:

> 1\. Employee will notify the Collateral Fire Management Officer who
> will notify the Superintendent and the Resource Management Specialist.
>
> 2\. Dispatch an observer to determine the cause and exact location of
> the fire.
>
> 3\. Provide for public safety.
>
> 4\. Start suppression action immediately.
>
> 5\. Notify cooperating dispatch offices of decision and resources
> committed/needed.
>
> 6\. In the event the fire has the potential for spreading onto
> neighboring private lands, landowners will be notified of the Park\'s
> fire suppression activity by the Superintendent or person designated.

The Fire Management Plan does not discriminate between human‑caused and
lightning caused fire. All wildland fires will be suppressed. However,
detection shall include a determination of fire cause. Moreover,
human‑caused fires will require an investigation and report by law
enforcement personnel. For serious human‑caused fires, including those
involving loss of life, a qualified arson investigator will be
requested.

Communications

The Administration Office is the center for all in‑park communications.
An emergency 911 telephone exchange is operational for alerting
cooperating fire suppression agencies, local county fire departments,
police, and emergency medical services.

All fires will be reported to the park Collateral FMO, who will maintain
a radio log of the fire, begin a fire report, and handle requests for
outside assistance and resource order forms. The park Collateral FMO
will assure that a daily situation report is posted on the WFMCS system
at the regional office (telephone notification to the PWR FMO is
acceptable); that fire weather data is entered; and that the national
situation report and fire weather forecasts are collected.

If the fire can be controlled by personnel on the scene, they will be
dispatched and the park Collateral FMO notified. Initial attack
assistance can be requested from local county fire departments. In
brief, the principal of closest forces will guide dispatching, both
within the site and in its relationship to cooperators.

The park Collateral FMO will maintain a roster of employees with
red‑cards. During Readiness Class IV the Resource Management Specialist
will know the whereabouts of red‑carded employees for possible call‑out.
The Appendix lists the site's personnel fire qualifications.

4\. Initial Attack

Upon discovery of a fire, all subsequent actions will be based on the
following:

> a\. The Incident Commander (IC) will locate, size‑up, and coordinate
> suppression actions. The IC will complete the pre‑attack planning
> checklist as listed in the Appendix.
>
> b\. Provide for public safety.
>
> c\. Considering the current and predicted fire conditions, the
> Incident Commander will assess the need for additional suppression
> resources and estimate the final size of the fire. The potential for
> spread outside of the site should be predicted, as well as the total
> suppression force required to initiate effective containment action at
> the beginning of each burning period.
>
> d\. The Incident Commander will assess the need for law enforcement
> personnel for traffic control, investigations, evacuations, etc. and
> make the request to the park Collateral FMO.
>
> e\. Document decisions and complete the fire report (DI‑ 1202).
>
> f\. Should a wildland fire move into an extended attack, a Delegation
> of Authority would be invoked. Once a Delegation of Authority has been
> authorized, the Incident Commander will make the final decisions
> pertaining to the fire. A copy of Delegation of Authority follows.

In accordance with RM‑ 18, wildland fires will be suppressed in a
prompt, safe, aggressive, and cost­ effective manner to produce fast,
efficient action with minimum damage to resources. Suppression involves
a range of possible actions from initial attack to final suppression.
All wildland fires will be suppressed.

Personnel and equipment must be efficiently organized to suppress fire
effectively and safely. To this end, the park Collateral FMO assists the
delegated command function on major or multiple fire situations,
assisting in setting priorities for the use of available resources and
establishing a suppression organization.

There will be only one Incident Commander responsible through the park
Collateral FMO to the Superintendent. The Incident Commander will
designate all overhead positions on fires requiring extended attack.
Reference should be made to a Delegation of Authority required by RM‑18
a copy of which is included in the Appendix.

5 and 6. Extended Attack and Wildland Fire Situation Analysis

For fires that resist initial suppression action or resist an extended
attack, a WFSA must be prepared. In most cases, the park Collateral FMO
will be responsible for submitting the WFSA. In the case of a wildland
fire, the Incident Commander, in conjunction with the park Collateral
FMO, will prepare the WFSA. Approval of the WFSA resides with the
Superintendent.

Public safety will require coordination between the park Collateral FMO,
Superintendent, Chief of Resources Management, Chief of Maintenance and
Visitor Services. Notices should be posted to warn visitors, trails
might be closed, traffic control will be necessary where smoke crosses
roads, etc. Where wildland fires cross roads, the burned area adjacent
to the road should be mopped up and dangerous snags felled. Every
attempt will be made to utilize natural and constructed barriers,
including changing fuel complexes, in the control of wildland fire.
Rehabilitation efforts will concentrate on the damages done by
suppression activities rather than on the burned area itself.

Aircraft Operations

Aircraft may be used in all phases of fire management operations. All
aircraft must be Office of Aircraft Services (OAS) or Forest Service
approved. A complete list of OAS approved aircraft will be supplied by
the PWR FMO. An OAS Aviation Policy Department Manual will be provided
by OAS.

As in all fire management activities, safety is a primary consideration.
Qualified aviation personnel will be assigned to all flight operations.

7\. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics

Minimum impact suppression strategies will be employed to protect all
resources. Natural and artificial barriers will be used as much as
possible for containment. Fuel conditions, fast burning grasses, and
cultural resources of the site are concerns, which increase the
difficulty of suppressing fires in the site. Ground forces with hand
tools and engines are the primary suppression method.

Portable pumps, backpack pumps, flappers, rakes, leaf blowers, shovels,
pulaskis, and chainsaws may be used with due consideration for cultural
resource values. Limitations have been placed on the types of mechanized
equipment, which may be used in the site. Dozers shall not be used
within the site boundaries, unless authorized by the Superintendent.

Portable pumps and hose lays can be used in lieu of or to supplement
constructed firelines. Engines are utilized where roads currently exist;
no off‑road driving will be permitted unless approved by the
Superintendent or Acting Superintendent. These engines are designed to
be self‑contained and can supply water.

Mop‑up and patrol should be methodically planned and executed in control
situations. Fires can burn into the duff. Reburn following containment
to the extent that firelines are threatened is possible.

8\. Rehabilitation

When suppression action is taken, rehabilitation is appropriate. The
most effective rehabilitation measure is prevention of impacts through
careful planning and the use of minimum impact suppression techniques.

Rehabilitation will be initiated by the Incident Commander or the park
Collateral FMO with assistance and direction from the Chief of Resources
Management. Rehabilitation will be directed toward minimizing or
eliminating the effects of the suppression effort and reducing the
potential hazards caused by the fire. These actions may include:

> 1\. Backfill control lines, scarify, and seed.
>
> 2\. Install water bars and construct drain dips on control lines to
> prevent erosion.
>
> 3\. Install check dams to reduce erosion potential in drainages.
>
> 4\. Restore natural ground contours.
>
> 5\. Remove all flagging, equipment and litter.
>
> 6\. Completely restore camping areas and improved helispots.
>
> 7\. Consider and plan more extensive rehabilitation or revegetation to
> restore sensitive impacted areas.

If revegetation or seeding is necessary, only native plant species will
be used. If emergency rehabilitation measures are needed or if
rehabilitation is needed to reduce the effects of a wildland fire then
the site can request appropriate funding by referring to the Wildland
Fire Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Policy and Procedures.

A Fire Analysis Committee may be formed to review rehabilitation plans
for each fire. A final plan will be submitted to the Pacific West Region
Office for establishing an account. Rehabilitation should be initiated
prior to complete demobilization or early the following season.

9\. Records and Reports

The IC will be responsible for documenting decisions and completing the
fire report (DI‑ 1202). The Case Incident Report, 10‑343, is also the
responsibility of the IC and documents all personnel and equipment costs
involved in the burn. The park Collateral FMO will be responsible for
any additional required reports.

Fire Investigation

Fire management personnel will attempt to locate and protect the
probable point of origin and record pertinent information required to
determine fire cause. They will be alert for possible evidence, protect
the scene and report findings to the fireline supervisor.

Prompt and efficient investigation of all suspicious fires will be
carried out. However, fire management personnel should not question
suspects or pursue the fire investigation unless they are currently law
enforcement commission qualified.

Personnel and services of other agencies may be utilized to investigate
wildland fire arson or fire incidents involving structures.

Information obtained will be documented on a Case Incident form 10‑343.
Evidence discovered will be protected and left in place until an
investigator can collect it properly.

C. Wildland Fire Use

All unplanned wildland fires will be suppressed in a prompt, safe,
aggressive, and cost‑effective manner to produce fast, efficient action
with minimum damage to resources.

D. Prescribed Fire

At this time, the park does not plan an active prescribed burn program.
There will be further analysis of the role that prescribed fire can play
within park boundaries. Future analysis may show that prescribed fire
may be used for restoring and maintaining natural conditions, cultural
landscapes and natural processes at Fort Clatsop National Memorial.
National Park Service policy permits the use of prescribed fire to
attain specified resource management objectives.

Prescribed Burn Plans

All prescribed fires will have prescribed burn plans. The prescribed
burn plan is a site specific action plan describing the purpose,
objectives, prescription, and operational procedures needed to prepare
and safely conduct the burn. The treatment area, objectives,
constraints, and alternatives will be clearly outlined. No burn will be
initiated unless all prescriptions of the plans are met. Fires not
within these parameters will be suppressed. Execution of the prescribed
burns will be by qualified personnel.

Prescribed Burn Management Unit Objectives

Future analysis may show objectives of prescribed burning at Fort
Clatsop National Memorial will be to manage vegetation/wildlife habitat
and reduce fuel loading while protecting and preserving the cultural
resources and historic landscapes at the park. The purpose of fuels
management is to complement the fire management program by reducing fire
hazards, decreasing the potential damage to park resources and outside
lands, and minimizing risks to employees, residents, and visitors.

General prescribed fire objectives will be to:

1)  Reduce fuel accumulations

2)  Manage vegetation to promote the growth of native species and
    control encroachment of exotic species.

3)  Assist with the maintenance of the historic scene.

Debris Disposal

Fire may be used to eliminate various types of debris generated from
resource management or maintenance activities, such as brush clipping,
pruning, and hazard tree removal, according to the guidelines
established in RM‑ 18.

All debris burning activities will be reviewed by the park Collateral
FMO and Chief of Resources Management. If it is determined that a burn
has virtually no chance to exceed the planned perimeter, will not damage
surrounding natural or cultural resources, does not present a safety
threat to crew members, will not require curtailment during the burning
operation, and is an established rather than a new practice, a
prescribed fire burn boss, fire qualified personnel, a formal prescribed
fire burn plan, and a monitoring plan are not needed. Otherwise, it will
constitute a prescribed fire and must comply with all requirements.

For debris burns, all personnel will wear appropriate personal
protective equipment (hard hat, eye protection, leather gloves, nomex
shirt and pants, leather boots). The supervisor of the burn will notify
appropriate agencies (e.g., air quality, local fire departments) and
neighbors and obtain all needed permits, and will develop an appropriate
safety and evacuation plan in case of injuries or other emergencies. The
crew should include someone who has previously conducted a similar burn
at the site or a similar site.

The Fire Management Plan calls for full suppression of all wildland
fires, both natural and human-caused. Any prescribed fire outside
prescription will be designated a wildland fire and will be immediately
suppressed.

Prescribed Burn Strategies

Upon initiating a prescribed burn program the park will execute all
current policy direction concerning prescribed fire. If a Fire Analysis
Committee is formed, the committee will be responsible for designating a
qualified Prescribed Burn Boss and other necessary burn team members,
depending upon complexity, to conduct the prescribed burn. In the
absence of a Fire Analysis Committee, the Superintendent will assume
this responsibility. The Prescribed Burn Boss will fill all required
positions to conduct the burn with qualified personnel including Firing
Boss, Holding Boss, and Ignition Boss. All personnel listed in the burn
plan must be available for the duration of the burn or the burn will not
be initiated.

Weather and fuel moisture conditions must be monitored closely in
planned burn units to determine when the prescription criteria are met.
When all prescription criteria are within the acceptable range, the
Prescribed Burn Boss will select an ignition date based on current and
predicted weather forecasts. All personnel and equipment will be
assembled one day prior to the planned ignition date. The Prescribed
Burn Boss will give a thorough briefing and specific assignments and
placement of personnel will be discussed. An updated spot weather
forecast will be obtained on the day of ignition and all prescription
elements will be rechecked to determine if all elements are still within
the approved ranges. If conditions are satisfactory the burn will
continue as planned.

In the event of an escaped prescribed burn, all further ignitions will
be halted and suppression efforts as discussed in the preburn briefing
will be initiated. If the burn exceeds the initial suppression efforts,
the burn will be declared a wildland fire and completely suppressed
using appropriate suppression techniques. A WFSA will be completed and
additional personnel and resources ordered as determined. If the fire
continues to burn out of control, additional resources will be called
from the local cooperating agencies. A management overhead team may be
requested to assume command of the fire.

Documentation and Reporting

All prescribed burn forms will be completed as outlined by the
Prescribed Burn Boss. A fire monitor will be assigned to collect all
predetermined information and complete all necessary forms prior to,
during, and after the burn. All records will be archived in the site\'s
fire records for future use and reference.

The Prescribed Burn Boss will prepare a final report on the prescribed
burn for the Fire Analysis Committee. Information will include a
narrative of the burn 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.

The forms necessary for documenting prescribed burn activities are
outlined in RM‑ 18 (Wildland Fire Management Guideline). The Individual
Fire Report, Dl‑ 1202, is the responsibility of the Prescribed Burn
Boss. The Case Incident Report, 10‑343, is also the responsibility of
the Prescribed Burn Boss and documents all personnel and equipment costs
involved in the burn.

Prescribed Burn Critique

The Fire Analysis Committee will critique each prescribed burn. A report
detailing the actual burn will accompany any recommendations or changes
deemed necessary in the program. This report will be submitted to the
Superintendent. A post‑season critique of the fire management program,
including the prescribed burn program, will be held each year by the
Fire Analysis Committee at the conclusion of the fall fire season.

Air Quality and Smoke Management

The Fire Management Plan will comply with the Clean Air Act, Oregon
State Smoke Management Plan, and the Oregon Visibility Protection Plan.
National Park Service Management Policies state:

\"The National Park Service will seek to perpetuate the best possible
air quality in parks because of its critical importance to visitor
enjoyment, human health, scenic vistas, and the preservation of natural
systems and cultural resources \... The Park Service will assume an
aggressive role in promoting and pursuing measures to safeguard (air
quality related values) from the adverse impacts of air pollution. In
cases of doubt as to the impacts of existing or potential air pollution
on park resources, the Park Service will err on the side of protecting
air quality and related values for future generations.\" (Chapter 4:17
December 1988)

Public opinion regarding smoke levels will also be considered.
Complaints regarding smoke will be documented and communicated daily to
the Collateral Fire Management Officer for consideration and inclusion
into the fire package. Signs will be posted in the Visitor Center
warning visitors of prescribed fire activities and possible smoke
impacts. Every attempt will be made to burn during periods when winds
are favorable for associated smoke dispersion.

E. Non-Fire Fuel Treatment Applications

Several areas at Fort Clatsop have been thinned in the past to reduce
stocking. These thinning removed the smallest, most suppressed stems
from the stand which speeds up the natural thinning process by removing
those stems most likely to be crowded out anyway. There is potential for
further thinning with chainsaws or mechanized machinery. Spraying with
herbicides to control exotic species are also potential future projects.

F. Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration

When suppression action is taken, rehabilitation is appropriate. The
most effective rehabilitation measure is prevention of impacts through
careful planning and the use of minimum impact suppression techniques.

Rehabilitation will be initiated by the Incident Commander or the park
Collateral FMO with direction from the Chief of Resources Management.
Rehabilitation will be directed toward minimizing or eliminating the
effects of the suppression effort and reducing the potential hazards
caused by the fire. These actions may include:

> 1\. Backfill control lines, scarify, and seed.
>
> 2\. Install water bars and construct drain dips on control lines to
> prevent erosion.
>
> 3\. Install check dams to reduce erosion potential in drainages.
>
> 4\. Restore natural ground contours.
>
> 5\. Remove all flagging, equipment and litter.
>
> 6\. Completely restore camping areas and improved helispots.
>
> 7\. Consider and plan more extensive rehabilitation or revegetation to
> restore sensitive impacted areas.

If revegetation or seeding is necessary, only native plant species will
be used. If emergency rehabilitation measures are needed or if
rehabilitation is needed to reduce the effects of a wildland fire then
the site can request appropriate funding by referring to the Wildland
Fire Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Policy and Procedures.

**V. ORGANIZATIONAL AND BUDGETARY PARAMETERS**

A. Organization

The Fire Analysis Committee consisting of the Collateral Fire Management
Officer. Chief of Resources Management, Cultural Resources Specialist,
Chief of Maintenance and Chief of Visitor Services will meet as needed
to review wildland fires, coordinate actions, develop alternatives,
perform annual reviews of the fire management program and Fire
Management Plan, and present them to the Superintendent for approval.
Guidelines for their work are those established for the Wildland Fire
Situation Analysis (WFSA).

B. FIREPRO Funding

The park Collateral FMO manages budgets for both allocated and emergency
fire accounts. The park Collateral FMO also consults with Regional fire
management staff on FIREPRO funding. Fort Clatsop National Memorial does
not submit an individual FIREPRO funding request due to the lack of
wildland fire activity.

C. Fire Management Organization for Fort Clatsop

Acting Superintendent

An Acting Superintendent is delegated all decision making responsibility
when the Superintendent is absent from the site and unavailable for
contact.

Collateral Fire Management Officer

Oversees the fire management program and ensures its coordination with
emergency services and the Chief of Resources Management. Has direct
responsibility to plan and implement the site\'s suppression and
preparedness plans.

Provide for development of fire qualifications for selected employees
and make them available during on‑going fires.

Also has responsibility to advise the Fort Clatsop Chief of Resources
Management in all planning and implementation of the site\'s fire
activities.

Major duties related to wildland fire include:

> 1\. Develop, update and/or review fire plans, including implementation
> or assistance in prescribed burn plans.
>
> 2\. Chair the Fire Analysis Committee, to review fire management
> situations as needed.
>
> 3\. Approve and implement any fire‑related use restrictions.
>
> 4\. Conduct reviews of fires as specified in this plan.
>
> 5\. Manage budgets for both allocated and emergency fire accounts.
>
> 6\. Ensure fire equipment readiness during fire season.
>
> 7\. Oversee initial attack fire operations and within delegated
> authority arrange for additional equipment, personnel and logistical
> support as needed.
>
> 8\. Call Fire Analysis Committee to meet as needed. Prepare WFSA after
> developing alternatives and estimating probability of success.
>
> 9\. Provides for development of fire qualifications for selected
> employees and make them available during on‑going fires. Coordinate
> off‑park dispatches of personnel
>
> 10\. Inform and consult with Pacific West Region (PWR) FMO when a fire
> reaches 10 acres.
>
> 11\. Monitor fire danger conditions, implement step‑up plan
> activities, and recommend appropriate use restrictions.
>
> 12\. Ensure completion of fire reports and other administrative
> records.
>
> 13\. Serve as liaison with other agencies regarding wildland fire
> activities.
>
> 14\. Prepare fire reports, route for signature and maintain fire
> records, including fire reports, dispatch fire reports, weather
> information, resource orders, and situation and fire reports as
> needed.
>
> 15\. Prior to fire season, update lists of contact phone numbers.
>
> 16\. Assist the Chief of Resources Management with the development and
> review of prescribed burn objectives and monitor post‑burn fire
> effects. Identify areas of potential benefit from prescribed fire

Administrative Officer

The Administration Officer manages administrative functions including
personnel, procurement, budget, and phone and computer support. The main
duties of the position related to fire management are:

> 1\. Provides emergency procurement assistance for on‑going fires.
>
> 2\. Provides services in timekeeper, travel, and budget clerks for
> fire management.
>
> 3\. Assist in gathering and displaying information regarding site
> resources for fire management activities.
>
> 4\. Provide communications with field fire personnel as needed.

D. Statement of Park Superintendent's Responsibility

The Superintendent is responsible for managing wildland fire programs
according to Department policy, RM‑18, and policy updates. Major
wildland fire duties include:

> 1\. Approves the Fire Management Plan and any revisions.
>
> 2\. Sole authority to approve prescribed burn plans.
>
> 3\. Select and approve action alternatives from among those developed
> by the Fire Analysis Committee when needed (i.e., WFSA process).
>
> 4\. Provide direction directly to Type I and Type 2 incident
> commanders working in a park area, or designate a representative to do
> so, as needed.
>
> 5\. Delegates specific authority to the park Collateral FMO for
> mobilizing equipment and personnel.
>
> 6\. When needed, coordinate with adjacent land managers to establish a
> Multi‑Agency Coordination Group to develop objectives and priorities
> on fires involving multiple ownership or jurisdiction.

An Acting Superintendent is delegated all decision making responsibility
when the Superintendent is absent from the site and unavailable for
contact.

E. Interagency Coordination

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is developing good working relationships
with local land management agencies, the park Collateral FMO being the
primary liaison for wildland fire. Cooperative agreements with various
federal, state and local agencies (included in the Appendix) generally
provide that resources of each agency are available to assist in initial
attack efforts.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial will use the Incident Command System
(ICS) as a guide for fireline organization. Qualifications for
individuals is per NPS Wildland Fire Qualifications and Certification
System, part of NIIMS and the National Wildland fire Coordination Group
(NWCG) Prescribed Fire Qualification Guide. Depending on fire
complexity, some positions may be filled by the same person.

F. Key Interagency Contacts

Chip Jenkins, Superintendent, Fort Clatsop National Memorial

Scott Stonum, Chief of Resources Management, Fort Clatsop National
Memorial

Ronnie Tyson, Collateral FMO, Fort Clatsop National Memorial

Sue Husari, Regional Fire Management Officer, National Park Service,
Pacific West Region Office, Oakland CA

John Kraushaar, Deputy Fire Management Officer, National Park Service,
Pacific West Region Office, Oakland CA

Richard Smedley, Regional Fire Planner, PWR -- Vancouver Office,
National Park Service, Portland, OR

Jere Strizek, Chief of Lewis and Clark Fire Protection District, Astoria
Oregon

Protection Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry, Astoria District

Weyerhaeuser Corporation, Seaside Oregon Office

Warrenton Fire Protection District, Warrenton Oregon

G. Fire-related Agreements

The following fire-related agreements that involve Fort Clatsop NM are
included in the appendix.

Cooperative Agreement \# H9420040011 between Fort Clatsop National
Memorial and the Lewis and Clark Rural Fire Protection District.

**VI & VII. FIRE RESEARCH AND MONITORING**

The main goal of fire research and monitoring at Fort Clatsop National
Memorial is to provide information for making fire management decisions.
Fire research will be coordinated through the Resource Management staff
in the park. Fire effects research will be conducted regarding
vegetation, soil, and plant succession in conjunction with a hazard fuel
removal project. This research will be analyzed and used in the decision
making process regarding fire management.

As the Fire Management Plan is implemented and tested, additional
research will inevitably be identified for such purposes as refining
prescriptions, improving the understanding of fire behavior and fire
effects, refining monitoring protocols, defining fire return cycles,
describing fuels dynamics, describing the impacts on cultural resources,
and other information needed for operational fire and resource
management.

Monitoring will be a part of all prescribed burns conducted at Fort
Clatsop National Memorial. Monitoring programs will be designed to
define the effectiveness of the fire management program by assessing
fire effects on site vegetation. Post‑fire effects monitoring will use
sampling techniques described in the Western Region Fire Monitoring
Handbook (1992).

This level of monitoring permits a quantitative evaluation of whether a
stated objective was achieved.

**VIII. PUBLIC SAFETY**

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is dedicated to ensuring the safety of
each visitor and to all residents and property adjacent to the site\'s
boundary. The Superintendent may close all or a portion of a park unit
(including roads and trails) when wildland fire or a prescribed burn
pose an imminent threat to public safety. A prescribed burn that exceeds
prescription or extends beyond the predetermined area will be
immediately suppressed. Any prescribed burn that is determined to pose a
threat after ignition will be immediately suppressed.

In case of a wildfire, park staff will notify the county dispatcher
through a 911 telephone call and Lewis and Clark RFD and Oregon
Department of Forestry will respond and suppress the fire. The park
Collateral FMO the Superintendent designates would act as a resource
advisor to the local Fire District personnel at the park. Park staff
would clear any visitors on trails near the fire and conduct them into
the Visitor Center building. Park staff would conduct any necessary
traffic control in the Visitor Center parking lot to ensure unimpeded
access by the local Fire District's equipment, and park staff may
conduct traffic control on the entrance road during periods of dense
smoke across the road. The Visitor Center building will be the
designated safe zone for visitors and staff.

During a prescribed fire, park interpreters will post signs in the
Visitor Center, per the Prescribed Fire Plan, that informs visitors
about a prescribed fire in progress and about smoke in the area. Other
information, brochures, knowledgeable staff, etc. will be in the Visitor
Center for public information. No person will go into the burn area
without personal protective equipment. No visitor will be allowed in the
burn area without the permission of the Superintendent, Chief of
Resources Management, park Collateral FMO and the Burn Boss. Park staff
would clear any visitors on trails near the prescribed fire and conduct
them into other parts of the park, or into the Visitor Center building.
Park staff would conduct any necessary traffic control in the Visitor
Center parking lot or on the entrance road during periods of dense
smoke. The Superintendent may direct staff to close portions of the park
trail system during a prescribed fire to ensure visitor safety.

Areas of fire activity will be clearly designated at the visitor center.
Residents adjacent to the site will be notified in advance of any
prescribed burn and if any fire poses a threat to burn outside the
site\'s boundaries.

During prescribed burns, at least one burn team member will have first
aid training. A first aid kit will be on‑site for prescribed burns as
well as wildland fires. The local police, fire, and emergency medical
services will be notified prior to the ignition of any prescribed burn.
They will also be notified of the location of any wildland fires.

**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 fire
management program. The interpretation division, in coordination with
resource and fire staff, has the primary responsibility for providing
this education. The U.S. Forest Service, National Interagency Fire
Center, and National Park Service fire information-related web sites
have a wealth of information about fire and its role as a natural agent.

The site 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 deemed
necessary, interpretive presentations will address the fire management
program and explain the role of fire in the environment. During periods
of High Fire Danger, notices will be posted in the Visitor Center and at
site bulletin boards. During Extreme Fire Danger periods, all fires are
prohibited, including the use of fire grates, grills, and stoves.
Restrictions and closures of site areas may be deemed necessary.
Interpretive activities will include a fire safety message.

Material from public displays used at past county fairs, and other
material developed to document the park's use of prescribed fires will
continue to be saved, improved, and developed.

Prior to the lighting of any planned ignition, the Superintendent will
make information available to visitors, local residents, and the press
about what is scheduled to happen in the site and why. On‑site
information will be provided to alleviate visitor concern about the
apparent destruction of site resources by fire or the impairment of
views due to temporary smoke. This information will include prescribed
burn objectives and control techniques, current fire location and
behavior, effects caused by the fire, impacts on private and public
facilities and services, and restrictions and closures within the site.

As outlined in the prevention section, emergency closures or
restrictions may become necessary during periods of extreme or extended
fire danger. The Superintendent has authority under Title 36 of the Code
of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5 to restrict or temporarily close
parts of the park.

**X. PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE RESOURCES**

A.  Cultural Resources

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. The entire park is treated as an archeological site,
and any ground disturbance or alteration of the landscape must have a
completed assessment of effect completed in order to comply with the
National Historic Preservation Act. Compliance with Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, as amended), was accomplished
years earlier and will be reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure
that the burn will have no adverse effect on the park. Cultural
resources requiring protection from fire and related management
activities will be identified on a project map and will be located in
the compliance and project files.

The park resource manager is responsible for ensuring that all
compliance measures are completed before ignition. A list of specific
resources and concerns regarding them is in the Cultural Sites Inventory
in the Appendix. To prevent needless or excessive damage, historians may
be consulted during the early planning stages of prescribed fires, where
appropriate.

B.  Natural Resources

Natural resource compliance is completed before the ignition of any
project. Qualified staff has conducted appropriate review and survey of
the project area for plant and animal species of concern prior to
ignitions in the project area. An Environmental Assessment has been
prepared and the Deputy Regional Director has approved a Finding of No
Significant Impact. Vegetation surveys --baseline and non-native
inventory---have not found any T & E species on the park.

C.  Developed features, infrastructure

The park has five major structures including the Visitor Center, the
Fort Replica, Maintenance Facility, Headquarters building and Resources
Management office. The "Mission 66" Visitor Center, built in 1962,
comprises a museum, multi-purpose room/theater with 88 moveable seats, a
theater seating 44, and a lobby with an integral cooperating association
sales area. The remaining area contains staff offices, a library,
kitchen, dressing rooms, restrooms, and storage and utility areas.

The Fort replica, maintained by the park, was built in 1955 and consists
of two rectangular wood structures connected by vertical log stockades.
The overall dimensions are approximately 50 feet by 50 feet. Although
the Fort does not meet the age requirement (50 years or older), this
building is considered eligible and is listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. Any maintenance work completed on the structure must
undergo review for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act.

The park Maintenance Facility was built in the early 1996. The building
is divided into four sections including equipment storage, offices,
multi-purpose work areas and a restroom/tool storage area.

The Administration Offices are located by the employee parking lot
behind the Visitor Center. It was built in 1950 for private use before
the area was a park..

Resources Management Offices are located across from the maintenance
shop. It is a "Mission 66" house, built in the 1960s, It was remodeled
from a private residence to its current use.

A few other small structures are located in the park, including a black
powder shed, and two storage sheds (one wood, one metal).

The park also has a picnic area with three shelters and 12 picnic
tables. The picnic clearing is surrounded by trees in an area of
approximately 5,100 square feet accessible by trails and near the
parking lots.

**XI. FIRE CRITIQUES AND ANNUAL PLAN REVIEW**

FIRE CRITIQUES

Fire reviews will be conducted in accordance with RM‑ 18. Each review
will be documented and filed with the final fire report. The Resource
Management Specialist will retain a copy for the site\'s files.

ANNUAL FIRE SUMMARY REPORT

The park Collateral FMO will be responsible for completing an annual
fire summary report. The report will contain the number of fires by
type, acres burned by fuel type, cost summary (prescribed burns and
wildland fires), personnel utilized, and fire effects.

ANNUAL FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

The Fire Management Plan will be reviewed annually by the [Fire Analysis
Committee]{.mark}. Necessary updates or changes will be accomplished
prior to the next fire season. Any additions, deletions, or changes will
be reviewed by the Superintendent to determine if such alterations
warrant a re‑approval of the plan.

**XII. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION**

The park will consult with regional Fire Staff or other resource
management specialists within the NPS or other agencies to obtain advice
on the role of prescribed burns in the park vegetation management
program.

Reviewers of this plan include:

Richard Smedley, Regional Fire Planner, Pacific West Region, National
Park Service, Vancouver WA

Sue Husari, Regional Fire Management Officer, Pacific West Region
Office, National Park Service, Oakland CA

Paul Reeburg, Fire Monitoring Program Specialist, Pacific West Regional
Office, National Park Service, Oakland, CA

Corky Conover, Fuels Specialist, Pacific West Region, National Park
Service, Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP

John Kraushaar, Deputy Regional Fire Management Officer, Pacific West
Region Office, Oakland CA

Bob Appling, Wildland Fire Specialist, Pacific West Region, National
Park Service, Vancouver WA

Mary Beth Keifer, Fire Effects Monitoring Program, Pacific West Region
Office, National Park Servcie, Oakland CA

Nelson Siefkin, Regional Fire Archaeologist, Pacific West Regional
Office, National Park Service, Oakland CA

Robin Wills, Regional Fire Ecologist, Pacific West Region Office,
National Park Service, Oakland CA