Morristown National Historical Park

Wild Land Fire Management Plan 2005

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Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown, New Jersey

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

**Prepared by: Deb Nordeen Date: 5/18/2005**

**Park Ranger, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area**

**Reviewed by: Cliff Lively Date: 4/20/2005**

**Area Fire Management Officer, Mid-Atlantic Fire Management Area**

**Doug Wallner Date: 5/18/2005**

**Regional** **Fire Management Office, Northeast Region**

**Approved by: Randy W. Turner Date: 5/182005**

**Superintendent, Morristown National Historical Park**

# Executive Summary {#executive-summary .unnumbered}

The wildland fire management policies of the National Park Service (NPS)
support Morristown National Historical Park's resource management goals.
The overriding goal is:

> *The significant landscapes, structures, features, archeological
> resources, and collections of Morristown NHP are protected, preserved,
> and maintained in good condition. They are managed within their broad
> cultural and ecological contexts. (reference: GMP, page 27, Resource
> Preservation).*

Also important are providing for firefighter and public safety and
protection of natural and cultural resources, and protection of human
developments from unwanted wildland fire.

This Wildland Fire Management Plan contains the following program
direction:

-   To guide the decision-making process where safety, social,
    political, and resource values are evaluated, and appropriate
    management response strategies are identified for wildland fires.

-   To provide a framework for fuels management strategies through the
    use of prescribed fire and mechanical treatments.

-   To provide a basis from which to cooperate more fully in planning
    and implementing a wildland fire program across agency boundaries.

Program operations included in the plan are:

1.  preparedness

2.  prevention

3.  suppression

4.  fuels management.

Applicable resource goals and objectives are derived from approved
agency resource and general management plans.

The plan is organized to combine the latest scientific knowledge,
including regional and local studies, with policy direction from the
National Park Service, the Departmental of the Interior, the Federal
Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Policy and Program Review
(USDI/USDA 1995), and other Federal Government level wildland fire
policies to accomplish resource and fire management goals and
objectives. The intent of the plan is primarily operational in nature.

This plan complies with the requirements found in the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These requirements ensure a prudent
assessment and balance between a federal action and any potential
effects of that action, leading to consensus between fire managers,
agency resource specialists, and the public. Any constraints or
limitations imposed on the fire management program are also included.

.

# Contents {#contents .unnumbered}

**I. Introduction** **1**

A. The Fire Management Plan 1

B. Collaborative Processes Used to Develop

> the Plan 1

C. Implementation of Federal Fire

> Management Policy 1

D. Environmental and Cultural Compliance 2

E. Authorities for Implementing the Plan 2

**II. Land Management**

**Planning and Fire Policy 3**

A. NPS Management Policies as Related to Fire Management 3

B. Morristown NHP Enabling Legislation 4

C. Morristown NHP General Management

> Plan 5

D. Morristown NHP Resource

Management Plan 6

E.  Meeting GMP and RMP Goals

> through the Plan 6

**III. Wildland Fire**

**Management Strategies** **6**

A. General Management Considerations 7

B. Wildland Fire Management Goals 8

C. Wildland Fire Management Options 8

D. Description of Wildland Fire Management

Strategies by Fire Management Unit 10

**IV. Wildland Fire Management**

**Program Components 18**

A. General Implementation Procedures 18

B. Wildland Fire Suppression 19

C. Wildland Fire Use 25

D. Prescribed Fire 25

E. Non-Fire Fuel Treatment Applications 29

F. Emergency Rehabilitation and Restoration 30

**V. Organizational and Budgetary**

**Parameters 30**

A. Organizational Structure

> of the Fire Management Program30

B. FIREPRO Funding 34

C. Fire Management Organization34

D. Wildland Fire Use Certification 35

E. Interagency Coordination 35

**VI. Monitoring and Evaluation 36**

A. Monitoring Programs 36

B. NPS Fire Monitoring Handbook 36

C. Fire Monitoring Plan 36

**VII. Fire Research 36**

**VIII. Public Safety 37**

A. Public Safety Issues and Concerns 37

B. Mitigating Safety Issues 37

**IX. Public Information and**

**Education 37**

A. Public Information Capabilities and Needs 37

B. Step-Up Public Information Activities 37

**X. Protection of Sensitive**

**Resources 38**

A. Cultural and Historic Resources

Needing Protection 38

B. Natural Resources Needing Protection 38

C. Developments, Infrastructure, and

> Improvements Needing Protection 39

**XI. Fire Critiques and Annual**

**Plan Review 40**

**XII. Consultation and**

**Coordination 41**

**XIII. Appendices 42**

Appendix A: References Cited A1

Appendix B: 2001 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy compliance B1

Appendix C: Definition of TermsC1

Appendix D: Species Lists D1

Appendix E: Categorical ExclusionE1

Appendix F: Supplemental Information

> 1.Fire Call-Up List F1
>
> 2.Organization Chart F2
>
> 3.Fire Equipment Inventory F3
>
> 4.Cooperative Agreements F5
>
> 5.Tables F6

Appendix G: Wildland Fire Implementation Plan - Stage 1 G1

Appendix H: Fire Prevention Plan H1

Appendix I: Maps

> 1\. Vegetation Map I1
>
> 2\. Water Resources I2
>
> 3.Archeological Resources Map \[Park copy only\] I3

Appendix J: Lists of Park Structures J1

# Introduction

## The Fire Management Plan

National Park Service (NPS) wildland fire management activities are
essential to the protection of human life and property, the protection
and management of irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, and to
the accomplishment of the NPS mission. The Morristown National
Historical Park (Morristown) Wildland Fire Management Plan (FMP) is the
primary planning document directing park wildland fire management
activities at Morristown. These activities include preparedness planning
and activities, fire staffing and training, prevention, suppression, and
the use of mechanical fuel treatments to achieve management and resource
management objectives.

The FMP meets the requirement of Director\'s Order-18 (DO-18) that all
NPS park units with burnable vegetation have a wildland fire management
plan approved by the superintendent.

Morristown will review and update the fire management plan annually.
Annual review is essential to ensure that the plan continues to conform
to current laws, objectives, procedures and strategies. A comprehensive
plan revision, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance
review, is required every five years. Morristown NHP will provide a
digital copy of each approved Fire Management Plan and all subsequent
amendments to the NPS Fire Management Program Center (FMPC), located at
the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho.

## Collaborative Processes Used to Develop the Plan

The Morristown NHP General Management Plan (2003), Resource Management
Plan (1999), and the Fire Management Plan are all developed with input
from neighboring communities and other NPS program management areas. The
activities covered by the FMP have been given due consideration in
balance with other NPS unit management activities.

The superintendent is responsible for assuring policy compliance and the
technical and operational soundness of the wildland fire management plan
before he or she approves it. Before approving the plan, the
superintendent sought the review and advice of park staff, area and
regional staff, and other fire professionals.

## Implementation of Federal Fire Management Policy

This Fire Management Plan will implement fire management policies and
help achieve resource management and fire management goals as defined
in:

1.  2001 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review
    (USDA/USDI 2001)

2.  Managing Impacts of Wildfires on Communities and the Environment,
    and Protecting People and Sustaining Resources in Fire Adapted
    Ecosystems-A Cohesive Strategy (USDI/USDA, 2002)

3.  A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to
    Communities and the Environment: 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy
    Implementation Plan (2001)

4.  The Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Policy: Implementation
    Procedures and Reference Guide (USDI, 1998)

5.  National Fire Plan (2001)

6.  National Park Service Management Policies (2001)

7.  Morristown National Historical Park General Management Plan (2003)

8.  Morristown National Historical Park Resource Management Plan (1999)

## Environmental and Cultural Compliance

Wildland fire suppression is conducted within Morristown NHP as an
emergency action (fire preparedness and suppression actions are
generally exempt from the regulatory requirements of the National
Environmental Protection Act \[NEPA\]).Other elements of this plan
associated with wildland fire management (prescribed fire, fuel
management, burned area rehabilitation, etc.) are non-emergency actions.
These activities are subject to the requirements of NEPA, the National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other applicable regulations.

This plan meets National Environmental Policy Act and National
Historical Preservation Act requirements for all activities described in
the plan. The FMP incorporated a programmatic approach to the National
Environmental Policy Act that covers all activities described in the
fire management plan.

Because the Morristown staff has chosen a suppression-only policy for
the park, it has been determined that this policy meets the requirements
for a categorical exclusion. This categorical exclusion (MORR CE. \#
04-02) is included in Appendix E.

## Authorities for Implementation of Fire Management Plan

The authority for fire management is found in the National Park Service
Organic Act (Act of 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 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.\"*

This authority was further 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.\"*

Additional statutory authorities are:

-   The General Authorities Act of 1970

-   Public Law P.L. 72-409, 47 Stat. 1421 (Morristown NHP Enabling
    Legislation, 1933)

-   The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act

-   The Endangered Species Act of 1973

-   The Antiquities Act (1906).

# Land Management Planning and Fire Policy

## NPS Management Policies as Related to Fire Management

The *National Park Service Management Policies (2001)* is the basic
Service-wide policy document of the National Park Service. It is the
highest of three levels of guidance documents in the NPS Directives
System. *National Park Service Management Policies* is designed to
provide NPS management and staff with clear information on NPS policy,
required and/or recommended actions, and other information to help them
manage parks and programs effectively. Appendix B contains a summary of
elements relating to compliance with the 2001 Federal Wildland
Management Policy.

*National Park Service Management Policies* includes the following
guidance related to the preparation of fire management plans and the
management of fire on national park sites:

> *Park fire management programs will be designed to meet park resource
> management objectives while ensuring that firefighter and public
> safety are not compromised. (NPS Management Policies, 2001, Chapter
> 4.5).*

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. Preparation of the plan will include collaboration with
adjacent communities, interest groups, state and federal agencies, and
tribal governments. (NPS Management Policies, 2001, Chapter 4.5).

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. Prescribed fires
are those fires ignited by park managers to achieve resource management
and fuel treatment objectives. Prescribed fire activities will include
monitoring programs that record fire behavior, smoke behavior, fire
decisions, and fire effects to provide information on whether specific
objectives are met. All parks will use a systematic decision-making
process to determine the most appropriate management strategies for all
unplanned ignitions, and for any prescribed fires that are no longer
meeting resource management objectives. (NPS Management Policies, 2001,
Chapter 4.5)

There may be situations in which an area may be closed to visitor use to
protect the natural resources (for example, during an animal breeding
season) or for reasons of public safety (for example, during a wildland
fire). Such closures may be accomplished under the superintendent's
discretionary authority and will comply with applicable regulations (36
CFR 1.5 and 1.7). (NPS Management Policies, 2001, Chapter 4.1)

The second level of NPS guidance documents (under *NPS Management
Policies*) are Director's Orders. Director's Orders provide operational
policies and procedures that support and supplement Management Policies.
Director's Orders are often further supported with a third level of
guidance consisting of reference manuals or handbooks. Specific guidance
to the NPS on wildland fire is contained in Directors Orders (DO-18) and
attendant Reference Manual (RM-18), and "The Wildland and Prescribed
Fire Management Policy: Implementation and Reference Guide" (1998).

*Director's Order 18 -- Wildland Fire Management* *(1998)* and
*Reference Manual 18 -- Wildland Fire Management* are the documents that
provide National Park Service units with specific guidance on the
preparation of wildland fire management plans and on wildland fire and
prescribed fire management. DO-18 states:

> *Wildland fire may contribute to or hinder the achievement of park
> management objectives. Therefore, park fire management programs will
> be designed to meet resource management objectives prescribed for the
> various areas of the park and to ensure that firefighter and public
> safety are not compromised. Each park with vegetation capable of
> burning will prepare a fire management plan to guide a fire management
> program that is responsive to the park\'s natural and cultural
> resource objectives and to safety considerations for park visitors,
> employees, and developed facilities.*
>
> *The NPS is committed to protecting park resources and natural
> ecological processes; but firefighter and public safety must be first
> priority in all fire management activities.*

RM-18 states that the paramount considerations of each park fire
management program will be:

1.  Protection of life, both employee and public

2.  Protection of facilities and cultural resources

3.  Perpetuation of natural resources and their associated processes

4.  Perpetuation of cultural and historic scenes.

These priorities are further emphasized in RM-18 (chapter 3, page 1)
with the following language:

> *Safety is the responsibility of everyone assigned to a wildland or
> prescribed fire incident. The safety of employees and visitors alike
> must be of prime concern during fires. Agency administrators at all
> levels need to stress that firefighter and visitor safety always takes
> precedence over property and resource loss.*

## Morristown NHP Enabling Legislation

Morristown National Historical Park was established by an act of the
72^nd^ Congress via Public Law P.L. 72-409 Stat. 1421 in 1933.

Morristown National Historical Park, the first national historical park
in the national park system, was established to preserve the lands and
features associated with the 1777 and 1779-80 winter encampments of the
Continental Army during the War for Independence. Morristown is
significant because:

-   General George Washington chose Morristown for the main quarters for
    his troops because of its strategic advantages, including its
    location between Philadelphia and New York.

-   At Morristown, Washington demonstrated his superb leadership, by
    holding the army together despite seemingly insurmountable
    difficulties, and his officers and men demonstrated their fortitude
    and dedication.

-   Morristown NHP provides an early example of the nation's historic
    preservation movement in the 19^th^ century. It encompasses a large
    assemblage of historic structures, landscapes, archeological
    resources, artifacts, and archives associated with the activities of
    General Washington and the Continental Army at Morristown.

-   The creation of the park was important in the National Park
    Service's development as an agency with equal responsibility in
    administering the nation's scenic and historic treasures.

![](media/image1.png){width="7.268055555555556in" height="4.95625in"}

## Morristown NHP General Management Plan 

The main function of a General Management Plan (GMP) is to identify
desired resource conditions and visitor experiences to be achieved by
the park over a 10 to 20 year period. The desired resource conditions
and visitor experiences ultimately determine the strategies, programs
and actions the park will utilize.

All parks within the National Park System are required by law to operate
under approved general management plans. This ensures that park managers
carry out the mission of the NPS and the individual park unit as
effectively and efficiently as possible.

The GMP provides a foundation to guide and coordinate all subsequent
park planning and management. Other park planning documents, including
fire management plans and resource management plans, must follow the
management direction of the GMP.

The decisions made when controlling any fire on the site must not
contradict Morristown's purposes and goals as stated in the GMP. The
important purposes of Morristown National Historical Park, as described
in its enabling legislation and reflected in the GMP, which direct the
Morristown FMP are:

> *"Morristown NHP preserves, protects, and maintains the landscapes,
> structures, features, archeological resources, and collections of the
> Continental Army winter encampments, the headquarters of General
> George Washington, and related Revolutionary War sites at Morristown
> for the benefit and inspiration of the public."*

Morristown NHP's present policy, as articulated in the General
Management Plan (2003), is to suppress all fires due to concerns for
visitor safety and the proximity of adjacent homes.

## Morristown NHP Resource Management Plan

Morristown NHP has a Resource Management Plan, which was finalized in
1999. The Resource Management Plan makes no direct references to
wildland fire or fire suppression; however, it does emphasize the
following critical needs:

-   Preserve the integrity of park resources

-   Perpetuate the natural and ecological conditions through management
    planning to restore to the degree possible and 18^th^ century
    forested landscape

-   Develop and maintain an understanding of the status and trends of
    populations, communities and ecosystems.

The National Park Service is in the final stages of developing a new
resource activity management software system called RAMS. RAMS will
assist parks in tracking park resource management from planning stages
through the budget process, through work and compliance scheduling,
execution and performance to accomplishments. It is a joint effort
between Cultural Resources and Natural Resources directorates designed
for parks to provide full accountability for park resource management.

## Meeting GMP and RMP Goals through the Plan

The Fire Management Plan is a detailed program of action to implement
fire management policies and objectives. Implementation of the
Morristown National Historical Park Fire Management Plan will help meet
the objectives of the General Management Plan and Resource Management
Plan by:

-   Contributing to the protection, preservation, and maintenance, and
    rehabilitation of historic landscapes;

-   Protecting historic, cultural, and natural resources; and

-   Ensuring human health and safety throughout fire management programs
    and activities

# Wildland Fire Management Strategies

All fires that are not ignited by park managers for specific purposes
are defined as wildland fires. All wildland fires will receive
management actions appropriate to the safety of firefighters and the
public, the resources and values to be protected, the condition of
fuels, current and predicted fire behavior, weather, and topography to
accomplish the specific objectives for that individual fire. These
management actions, termed "appropriate management responses," will vary
from fire to fire and may vary within an individual fire.

## General Management Considerations

The primary goals of the wildland fire management program at Morristown
are to protect human health and safety, protect property, enhance
community protection, diminish risk and consequences of severe wildland
fires, and to the extent possible, increase (improve), the health of the
ecosystem.

To accomplish these goals, wildland fires at Morristown will normally be
managed through suppression strategies. Fire managers will balance the
potential impacts of wildland fire with the potential impacts of fire
suppression activities in choosing the appropriate management response.

Important values to be protected at Morristown include:

-   Many unique and valuable cultural resources; those dating to the
    period of the Continental Army encampments are outstanding. These
    resources include:

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-   Structures, such as the Ford Mansion and Wick House, which are
    directly associated with the Continental Army at Morristown.

-   Archeological resources, including the remnants of log huts, are
    present in the Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade units.

-   The museum collection of 350,000 objects related to the encampments,
    George Washington, the War for Independence, and other themes is
    particularly valuable.

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-   Robust natural resources of considerable diversity. These resources
    include:

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-   Mature forest stands, somewhat similar in appearance to the 18^th^
    century forest encountered by the Continental Army, are present in
    the Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade units

-   Surface waters of remarkably high quality are represented in the
    Passaic River and Primrose Brook.

-   Good air quality in the Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade units.

-   A variety of wildlife -birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and
    fish -are present.

Values to be protected, and their susceptibility to damage or loss by
fire, are discussed in more depth in the description of the Fire
Management Unit (section III.D. of this plan).

Preplanned decisions based on historical fire behavior indices will be
considered in selecting appropriate management responses for
suppression. The park will not use wildland fire for resource benefit.
The park's use of wildland fire as a management tool is prohibited by
the lack of fire management staff, the small size of the park, the
adjacent wildland/urban interface, and the insignificant role that fire
has historically had in the park's natural resources.

Wildland fires at Morristown NHP are managed with the support of local
community fire departments. This community-based approach to wildland
fire management involves partnership, cooperation, and collaboration
between the Bernardsville Fire Department (volunteer), New Vernon
Volunteer Fire Department, Morristown Fire Bureau, and the New Jersey
Forest Fire Service.

Additional fire planning support and collaboration is provided by the
Mid-Atlantic Fire Management Area Fire Management Officer (Area FMO)
located at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The Area FMO
provides technical assistance to the park on all fire management
matters, including fire management programs such as the Weather
Information Management System (WIMS), the NPS Wildland Fire Computer
System, the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), the resource
ordering system (ROSS), the Incident Qualification and Certification
System (IQCS), Fire Program Analysis (FPA), and FIREPRO budgeting. The
Area FMO also assists with the park's wildland fire qualification and
certification program, coordination of fire training and mobilizations,
development of cooperative agreements with local and state agencies,
administration of Rural Fire Assistance Program grants to local fire
departments, and developing fire prevention, preparedness, and
suppression operational plans.

The park, in accordance with NPS policy, uses Minimum Impact Suppression
Tactics (MIST) in all fire suppression activities. MIST is defined as
the application of techniques that effectively accomplish wildland fire
management objectives while minimizing the impacts to cultural and
natural resources commensurate with ensuring public and firefighter
safety and effective wildland fire control. Examples of MIST include
using existing natural or constructed barriers to contain wildland
fires, mowing firebreaks in grassland, and using pumps and hoses to
apply water to suppress fire activity and reduce fire spread.

## Wildland Fire Management Goals

These goals provide the programmatic direction for the wildland fire
program. They are intended to provide safe and effective implementation
of the fire management plan. The goals are derived from direction in the
Morristown General Management Plan and the Morristown Resource
Management Plan. They reflect federal fire policy and contribute to
accomplishing the *10-YearComprehensive Strategy Implementation Plan
(2001)*, which outlines goals and actions in four fire management
program areas: oversight and accountability, wildland fire preparedness,
wildland fire operations, and fire protection capabilities of rural fire
districts.

-   **Goal 1:** Make firefighter and public safety the highest priority
    of every fire management activity.

-   **Goal 2:** Suppress all wildland fires, regardless of ignition
    source, to protect the public, private property, and natural and
    cultural resources of Morristown National Historical Park.

-   **Goal 3:** Manage wildland fires in concert with federal, state,
    and local air quality regulations.

-   **Goal 4:** Facilitate reciprocal fire management activities through
    the development and maintenance of cooperative agreements and
    working relationships with pertinent fire management entities.

-   **Goal 5:** Reduce wildland fire hazard around developed areas and
    areas adjacent to cultural and historic sites.

-   **Goal 6:** Educate employees and the public about the scope and
    effects of wildland fire and wildland fire management.

## Wildland Fire Management Options

The following wildland fire management options are available for use at
Morristown:

-   **Wildland Fire Suppression:** Historically, all wildland fires have
    been suppressed at Morristown. Under this plan, the park will
    continue to suppress all wildland fires using the most appropriate
    management action. Determination of the most appropriate management
    action will consider human safety, threat and potential damage to
    property, resources, and cost effectiveness. Suppression will assist
    in the preservation of the park's cultural and natural resources.

-   **Prescribed Fire:** Though a program of using prescribed fire at
    Morristown is not fully considered in this plan, individual burns
    may be used in the future for protection of cultural resources,
    especially historic scene restoration and maintenance, hazard fuel
    reduction, and natural resource objectives. If a determination is
    made that a specific prescribed fire is required, that prescribed
    fire will be subject to the requirements of NEPA, the NHPA and other
    applicable regulations.

> Fire may be used to dispose of natural vegetative debris deemed
> infeasible or impractical to remove mechanically in a non-wildland
> fuel environment (parking lot, storage yard, gravel pit, snow-covered
> area, etc.). The debris may be generated from routine maintenance
> activities, piled debris generated from construction activities, and
> removal of hazard trees. Debris burned in a non-wildland environment
> does not require a prescribed fire burn plan. Debris burned in a
> wildland environment (including on snow-covered ground) requires a
> prescribed fire burn plan. Any material being burned for debris
> disposal must be classified as permissible to burn under applicable
> Federal, State, Tribal, and Local regulations.
>
> The park will follow all applicable guidance and regulations when
> using fire for debris disposal. NPS guidance on debris burning is
> found in RM-18.

-   **Wildland Fire Use:** Wildland fire use will not be used at
    Morristown. This option was rejected due to the small size of the
    park, the significant degree of wildland urban interface along the
    park boundary, and the lack of available qualified fire personnel
    required to manage these fires.

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-   **Non-Fire Applications:** The reduction or removal of fuels by
    mechanical means is an option that may be used for objectives such
    as protection of resources, historic scene restoration and
    maintenance, protection of private property located in the
    wildland/urban interface, invasive species control, or other natural
    resource objectives.

## Description of Wildland Fire Management Strategies by Fire Management Unit

Morristown National Historical Park encompasses 1,697.55 acres in north
central New Jersey, approximately 30 miles west of New York City. The
park contains four geographically separate units; each is associated
with the 1777 and/or 1779-80 winter encampments of the Continental Army.

-   ***Washington's Headquarters*** (10 acres), located in the town of
    Morristown, contains the Ford Mansion (1772), which served as
    General George Washington's headquarters during the winter of
    1779-80, and the separate park museum building.

-   ***Fort Nonsense*** (35 acres) is located on a prominent hill
    approximately one mile west of Washington's Headquarters overlooking
    the town of Morristown. In 1777, on the orders of George Washington,
    soldiers dug trenches and raised embankments to fortify this
    strategic site.

-   ***Jockey Hollow*** (1,320 acres) lies approximately three miles
    southwest of Fort Nonsense. It was the site of more than 1,000 log
    huts occupied by soldiers during the winter of 1779-80. Other
    features of the unit include the Grand Parade field, the Wick House,
    visitor center, loop tour road, and numerous hiking trails. The
    landscape consists of rolling hills covered with mature second
    growth deciduous forests.

-   ***New Jersey Brigade*** (321 acres) preserves the archeological
    sites of the New Jersey Brigade's 1779-80 encampments. Located about
    one mile southwest of Jockey Hollow, the landscape in this unit is
    principally rolling hills supporting a mature hardwood forest.

### Morristown National Historical Park Fire Management Unit

Morristown is divided into the units for administrative purposes. Due to
their relatively small size, similar characteristics, and identical fire
management strategies, these four units will be considered a single fire
management unit (FMU).

#### Physical and Biotic Characteristics

-   ***Topography/Geology/Soils:*** The park straddles two of the four
    geological provinces found in New Jersey. Most of the park lies in
    the Highlands Physiographic Province, with the transition to the
    Piedmont Physiographic Province occurring abruptly along the
    southeast boundary of the Jockey Hollow Unit. The Jockey Hollow and
    New Jersey Brigade Units of the park consist of several broad,
    rounded or flat-topped ridges that border generally narrow valleys.
    The valleys are mostly long and narrow, but a few broad, flat places
    along the streams exist. The Mount Kemble ridge runs from the Jockey
    Hollow Unit approximately three miles northeast to the Fort Nonsense
    Unit

> Four soil series are represented in the park; are all derived from
> granitic gneiss bedrock. Soil scientists (Eby 1976; Kirkham 1976) have
> classified soils in the area of Morristown National Historical Park as
> the following:

-   *Edneyville-Parker-Meckesville:* Deep, moderately well drained to
    somewhat excessively well drained, gently sloping to very steep,
    gravelly, stony and rocky soil. These soils are formed on bedrock
    uplands in the western part of the New Jersey Brigade Unit.

-   *Edneyville-Parker-Califon:* Deep, excessively drained to somewhat
    poorly drained, gently sloping to steep, gravelly, and stony sandy
    loams. These soils formed over granitic gneiss on uplands that are
    glacial deposits or weathered bedrock in the central and northern
    part of the Jockey Hollow Unit.

-   *Parker-Edneyville:* Deep, excessively drained and well drained,
    steep to very steep, gravelly and sandy loams. These soils also
    formed over granitic gneiss on uplands of glacial material or
    weathered bedrock in the western, southern, and eastern parts of the
    Jockey Hollow Unit, as well as in the eastern portion of the New
    Jersey Brigade Unit and the western portion of the Fort Nonsense
    Unit.

-   *Riverhead-Urban:* Deep, well drained to somewhat poorly drained,
    nearly level to strongly sloping, gravelly and sandy loams formed on
    outwash plains and terraces. These soils include all of the
    Washington's Headquarters Unit, and the eastern part of the Fort
    Nonsense Unit.

    -   ***Elevation:*** The hills in the park are generally between 580
        and 700 feet (175- 215 meters) in elevation. The lowest
        elevations, approximately 360 feet (110 meters) are along Indian
        Grove Brook and the Passaic River. Elevations range from 375
        feet at the Washington's Headquarters Unit to 595 feet in the
        Fort Nonsense, Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade Units.

    -   ***Hydrology:*** The Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade units
        of the park are largely located within the upper reaches of the
        55.6 square-mile Great Swamp Watershed (a sub unit of the Upper
        Passaic River Basin). The park protects the headwaters of the
        Primrose Brook as its feeder springs surface within the park.
        The headwaters of the Jersey Brook are also located within the
        park\'s boundaries. Portions of Indian Grave Brook and the Upper
        Passaic River flow through the park and are designated as \"Wild
        Trout Streams\" by the State of New Jersey. Upon leaving the
        park, the waterways eventually flow into the Great Swamp
        National Wildlife Refuge. The swamp woodlands, hardwood ridges,
        cattail marshes and grasslands of Great Swamp NWR provide for
        diverse and extensive wildlife habitat. The park monitors water
        quality on a monthly basis at eleven locations.

    -   ***Vegetation:*** Morristown National Historical Park contains
        many different plant communities, including mature and
        successional forests, open fields, cultivated sites and wetland
        vegetation. A 1995 inventory identified 291 species of
        herbaceous plants, as well as 22 species of ferns.

> The forests within the park consist primarily of native hardwood
> species, with a lesser number of introduced species. The most abundant
> canopy species include yellow poplar, black birch and beech. Up to 100
> acres of secondary, old growth tulip trees, ranging in age from 150 to
> 220 years, are located in the Jockey Hollow unit. Other common canopy
> species are hickories, yellow birch, red, white, black and chestnut
> oak, white ash and red maple. Flowering dogwood is the most common
> understory species. Invasive nonnative plants have begun to dominate
> the forest understory in all of the parks units. Prevalent invasive
> species include Siebold\'s viburnum (*Viburnum sieboldii*), Japanese
> wiregrass (*Microstegium vimineum),* Japanese barberry (*Berberis
> thunbergii*), and oriental bittersweet vine (*Celasrus orbiculatus.*
> Refer to Appendix D for more complete vegetation list.
>
> Fifteen fields totaling 122 acres within the park. These fields were
> originally used for agricultural purposes, but now serve to retain a
> historic appearance. Field vegetation includes grasses and herbaceous
> and woody plants that attract numerous species of birds, insects, and
> other animals. The fields are currently maintained through mowing.
> There may be potential for the use of prescribed fire in the park's
> fields, however, research is needed to determine whether any
> ecological and appearance benefits would be an improvement over
> mowing.
>
> Three hundred years of human and natural disturbance have altered
> plant communities throughout the park and adjacent landscapes.
> Cultivated communities include:

-   The Wick Orchard: contains apple trees that are a mixture of modern
    and heirloom varieties.

-   The Landscaped Grounds: informal plantings of trees, shrubs and
    lawns common throughout the park along walkway and around buildings.

-   The Gardens: two formal gardens are in the park. The herb garden at
    the Wick Farm contains a collection of annuals and perennials from
    the colonial period and the Cross Estate Garden is a walled garden
    containing ornamental and native plants.

    -   ***Wildlife:*** Morristown NHP supports a wide variety of animal
        life. White-tailed deer are abundant in the park. Common smaller
        mammals include red and gray squirrel, rabbit, skunk, raccoons
        and several species of bats including the big brown bat, red
        bat, little brown bat and northern long-eared bat. Coyote, black
        bear, and red fox are seen occasionally.

> The park is home to more than 120 bird species at various times of the
> year and contains important breeding habitat for a variety of species.
> Commonly found birds include the turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk,
> Pileated woodpecker, mourning dove, downy woodpecker, hairy
> woodpecker, northern flicker, black-capped chickadee, white-breasted
> nuthatch, Northern mockingbird, yell0w-rumped warbler, scarlet
> tanager, chipping sparrow, song sparrow, common grackle, and American
> goldfinch.
>
> A reptile and amphibian inventory, conducted in 2000, identified seven
> salamander species, six frog species, four species of snakes, and five
> species of turtles.
>
> Park waters support a diverse and balanced fish community. Eleven fish
> species have been documented, including slimy sculpin, blacknose dace,
> tessellated darter, creek chub, brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow
> trout. Brown and rainbow trout are considered invasive, non-native
> species.
>
> Refer to Appendix D for a more complete list of wildlife species.

-   ***Species of Special Concern:*** Several species may be expected to
    utilize areas around or within the park are on the New Jersey State
    list or the federal list of threatened or endangered species.

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-   The bog turtle *(Clemmys muhlenbergii)* is federally listed as
    threatened and is known to have been observed within 1.5 miles of
    the park. The bog turtle has not been observed in the park possibly
    due to a lack of suitable habitat.

-   The Indiana bat *(Myotis sodalis)* is federally listed as endangered
    and is known to inhabit Morris County. The closest known hibernacula
    are located within approximately 10 miles of the park. No bats have
    been observed in the park but the park's large expanse of contiguous
    forested upland habitat, traversed by forested wetland stream
    corridors, is highly suitable habitat for foraging and roosting
    bats.

-   The bald eagle *(Haliaeetus leucophalus)* is federally listed as
    threatened and has occasionally been observed within the vicinity of
    the park.

-   State of New Jersey birds of special concern observed in the park
    during an inventory conducted in the park in 2002 and 2003 include
    the veery (*Catharus fuscescens)*, gray-cheeked thrush (*Catharus
    minimus),* black-throated green warbler (*Dendroica virens)*,
    cerulean warbler (*Dendroica cerulea)*, Kentucky warbler (*Oporonis
    formosus,* and Canada warbler (*Wilsonia canadensis*).

-   The wood turtle (*Clemmys insculpta),* a state-listed threatened
    species has been observed on several occasions in the park around
    the Passaic River within the last few years.

-   State of New Jersey threatened plants recorded in the park by
    Rutgers University in 1995 included rattlesnake plantain (*Goodyera
    repens*), twinleaf (*Jeffersonia diphylla),* slender pinweed
    (*Lechea tenuifolia)* , strict blue-eyed grass (*Sisyrinchium
    montanum)*, and oak fern (*Gymnocapium dryopteris).* A more recent
    study conducted by Rutgers did not verify the presence of these
    state listed species in the park

    -   ***Air Quality:*** Morristown National Historical Park is
        located approximately 30 miles from New York City in one of the
        most densely populated areas in the country. High levels of
        ozone are frequent during the summer months. The air quality
        standard for the park is designated as Class 2, and moderate
        increases in air pollution are allowed. Vegetation has been
        cleared from the Fort Nonsense Unit to create historic vistas.
        Poor visibility at the overlook during certain weather
        conditions may be related to regional haze, automobile and truck
        emissions and industrial sources.

    -   ***Cultural Resources:*** The historic structures, archeological
        resources, museum collections and archives, and the historic and
        designed landscapes comprise Morristown's most vital resources.

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-   **Historic:** The primary historic structures relating to the park's
    18^th^ century historical themes are the Ford Mansion, Wick House
    and Guerin House, all of which are on the National Register of
    Historic Places. The park's structural inventory lists 71 buildings,
    of which 38 meet the criteria of historical significance and
    eligibility to the National Register.

-   **Archeological:** Archeological research from the 1930s through the
    1980s concentrated on locating or confirming the location of sites
    associated with the encampment period. There are 15 major
    archeological sites in the park. The sites of some documented
    Continental Army encampments have not yet been identified. A number
    of archeological sites exist reflecting the later 19^th^ and 20^th^
    century land use of the park, although these have never been
    formally surveyed or assessed. In the process of locating encampment
    period sites, several Native American sites have been found in the
    park, but they have not been systematically investigated.

-   **Historic Landscapes:** All four units at Morristown NHP contain
    significant historic landscape resources. While all four of the
    units have a primary goal of landscape preservation based on the
    appearance of the Revolutionary War period, each unit also includes
    historic landscape elements reflecting later periods of land use and
    site history. These historic landscapes consist of both natural and
    human-altered or design features. The park identifies three historic
    landscapes: Washington's Headquarters, Fort Nonsense, and Jockey
    Hollow/New Jersey Brigade. The Wick Farm and Cross Estate are
    component landscapes of Jockey Hollow/New Jersey Brigade. In
    addition, the contiguous lands and view sheds outside of the park
    contribute to and sometimes detract from the historic scene

#### Strategic and Measurable Fire Management Objectives

> The entire park is designated as a single fire management unit (FMU)
> with a single set of management goals and objectives applying to the
> entire park. These goals and objectives are listed below:

-   **Goal 1:** Maintain firefighter and public safety. Firefighter and
    public safety is the highest priority of every fire management
    activity.

    -   *Objective: 100 percent of wildland fire operations are
        conducted so that they cause no injuries to the public and no
        serious preventable injuries to firefighters.*

-   **Goal 2:** Suppress all wildland fires regardless of ignition
    source to protect public health and safety, real property, and the
    natural, cultural, and historic resources of the park.

    -   *Objective: 100 percent of wildland fires are controlled within
        24 hours and wildland fires are limited to less than 5 acres.*

    -   *Objective: Protection of park resources is actively considered
        in 100 percent of all wildland fire planning and fire management
        activities.*

    -   *Objective: Consideration of resource protection will be
        described in 100 percent of all wildland fire planning and
        management documents (FMP, WFIP WFSA, BAER Plan, etc.).*

    -   *Objective: 100 percent of all wildland fire suppression actions
        will be managed so that rehabilitation costs are less than 25%
        of suppression costs.*

        -   **Goal 3:** Manage wildland fires in concert with federal,
            state, and local air quality regulations.

            -   *Objective: 100 percent of all wildland fires,
                prescribed fires, and debris burning will be conducted
                consistent with all Federal, State, and local smoke
                management regulations.*

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-   **Goal 4:** Facilitate reciprocal fire management activities through
    the development and maintenance of cooperative agreements and
    working relationships with pertinent fire management entities.

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-   *Objective: Cooperative agreements will be developed and maintained
    with all appropriate local, regional, and national fire management
    organizations.*

-   *Objective: All cooperative agreements will be reviewed annually to
    ensure that they are consistent with management and resource
    management goals.*

    -   **Goal 5:** Reduce wildland fire hazard around developed areas
        and areas adjacent to cultural and historic sites.

        -   *Objective: 100 percent of known hazardous fuel accumulation
            that could contribute to the damage of primary park
            resources or the properties of neighboring landowners will
            be reduced by mechanical treatment or prescribed fire.*

            -   **Goal 6:** Educate employees and the public about the
                scope and effects of wildland fire and wildland fire
                management.

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        -   *Objective: All* Morristown NHP *employees will be able to
            provide basic fire information to visitors or direct them to
            a park employee who is able to provide it.*

        -   *Objective: All park staff with fire management
            responsibilities will receive sufficient training to bring
            them to the appropriate level of knowledge, skill, and
            certification and to maintain that certification.*

        -   *Objective: When fire danger is very high or extreme, park
            staff will contact at least 70% of park visitors with a fire
            prevention message through signage, handouts, interpretive
            activities, or personal contact*

        -   *Objective: 95% of property owners immediately adjacent to
            the park will be informed of the threat posed by living in
            the wildland urban interface and the steps that can be taken
            to minimize those risks.*

#### Management Considerations

> These constraints, considerations, or decision criteria will influence
> all fire management activities within the fire management unit.

-   **Health and safety**

> All fire management actions will have firefighter and public safety as
> its top priority. All park firefighters will adhere to applicable NPS
> policy relating the training, certification, and performance of NPS
> wildland firefighters.

-   **No unacceptable impacts to cultural resources.**

> All appropriate steps necessary to protect the park's cultural
> resources will be taken as long as those steps do not endanger
> firefighter and public safety.

-   **Ensure socio-political economic impacts, including those involving
    the wildland urban interface (WUI), are considered in developing
    implementation plans.**

> The effects of any fire management activity on the neighboring
> communities, with emphasis on the wildland/urban interface component
> of those communities will be considered during planning and
> implementation of those activities.

-   **Ensure that the public, organizations, and cooperating agencies
    are aware of any fire management operation that may have an impact
    on them.**

> To ensure good relations with park neighbors, local organizations and
> governments, cooperating agencies and the public, every effort will be
> made to keep these parties informed about significant fire management
> actions that might affect them or their interests.

#### Historic Role of Fire

> There is no record of a major forest fire in the region for the past
> 70 years. Since 1950, there have been 31 fires in the park, 19 of them
> occurring in or on the boundary of the Jockey Hollow unit, 11 of them
> occurring in or on the boundary of the Fort Nonsense unit, and one
> occurring in the New Jersey Brigade unit. Of these fires, 20 have been
> under 0.5 acre - many were small spots, and 11 have been up to 10
> acres in size. Only one of the fires was caused by lightning, while
> the remaining fires were either human caused or unknown. At present,
> due to concerns for visitor safety and the proximity of adjacent
> homes, it is the policy of the park to suppress all fires. See Table
> 1, Appendix H.
>
> The park's Eastern deciduous forests typically have a relatively low
> fuel load. However, downed trees are prevalent in many areas of the
> park. Damage from wind and ice storms contribute to the fuel load. The
> oaks that dominate the park's forests are naturally fire resistant.
> Other tree species commonly found in the park, such as red maple, are
> very fire-sensitive and would have been eliminated if fires were
> common.
>
> Historical evidence indicates that, after the Wisconsin Ice Age, the
> area in which Morristown NHP is now located was characterized by a
> boreal forest. Approximately 9,000 years ago, as the post-glacial
> climate extended southward, the central hardwood forest became
> established and gradually became the dominant vegetation of the
> region. Prior to the arrival of the Native Americans, natural fires
> undoubtedly played a variety of roles in the natural ecosystems that
> existed within both the boreal forest type and the central hardwood
> forest type. Native American fire use and land cultivation practices,
> which continued for thousands of years, had a major affect on species
> composition and forest structure within the central hardwood forest,
> and the natural fire regime was supplanted by an anthropogenic fire
> regime. Unlike the earlier Natural Fire Regime in which
> lightning-caused fires were infrequent and of low intensity the Native
> American anthropogenic fire regime resulted in frequent fires of low
> intensity. Anthropogenic fire regime peaked about the time that
> European settlement of the New World began, and was replaced by a
> Euro-American anthropogenic fire regime. This latter anthropogenic
> fire regime evolved to meet the land-clearing needs of subsistence
> farming.
>
> Natural and anthropogenic fire once played a significant role in
> maintaining the northern New Jersey central hardwood oak-hickory
> forest type that is found in this area. However, years of fire
> prevention and fire control have radically changed the composition of
> this forest type. As has been previously noted in this document, in
> the absence of fire the rapid proliferation of shade-tolerant and
> fire-intolerant tree species interfere with the oak regeneration
> process. Human impacts on the second growth forest that have affected
> fire management include land development, fire prevention and fire
> control, wildlife management, and the introduction of non-native
> insect , disease organisms, and plant species such as the gypsy moth,
> chestnut blight, and Japanese Barberry.
>
> There is still much to be learned about the fire regimes that are
> currently found in the central hardwood forest. Much of the existing
> data is incomplete, and requires additional research on the timing,
> intensity, and frequency of the wildland fires, which occur in the
> various ecosystems, and their effects on these ecosystems.

#### Wildland Fire Management Situation

-   **Historic Weather Analysis**

> The climate in Morristown NHP is characterized by the cool
> temperatures of northern New Jersey, but also by higher rainfall than
> any other part of northern or central New Jersey. The park is
> dominated by air masses moving down from the northwest during winter,
> and up from the southwest during summer. The winter air is mostly cold
> and dry, while the summer air alters between cold, dry polar air and
> warm, wet tropical air. The northeast trending ridges permit some
> microclimate differentiation, but because the prevailing winds
> parallel the ridges, and because there are few north-south facing
> slopes, there is less climatic variability than might otherwise be
> expected in such hilly terrain.
>
> The average temperature in January ranges from 24 to26 degrees
> Fahrenheit. The average temperature in July ranges from 72-74 degrees.
> Morristown NHP receives an average of 46-48 inches of annual
> precipitation.

-   **Fire Season**

> The park is divided into a split fire season. The spring season
> usually runs from March through May; the fall season runs through
> October and November. Fires may occur at other times during drought
> conditions.

-   **Fuel Characteristics**

> There are two basic fuel types within the park:
>
> 1\. "Typical" Eastern Hardwood Forest (FBFM^1^ 8/9)
>
> 2\. Open fields consisting primarily of perennial grasses (FBFM 1)
> without mowing.
>
> Within these fuel types, we would expect the following range of fire
> behavior according to conditions present:
>
> 1\. "Typical" Eastern Hardwood Forest (FBFM^1^ 8/9)

-   During the fire season (FBFM 9) in a normal fire conditions, average
    rates of spread of approximately 7-8 cph^2^, with average flame
    lengths of 2-3 feet, would be anticipated.

-   During the fire season (FBFM 9) in an extreme fire conditions,
    average rates of spread in excess of 10 cph, with average flame
    lengths in excess of 4 feet, would be anticipated.

> 2\. Open fields consisting primarily of perennial grasses (FBFM 1)
> without mowing.

-   During the fire season (FBFM 9) in a normal fire conditions, we
    would anticipate average rates of spread of approximately 75-85 cph,
    with average flame lengths of 3-4 feet.

-   During the fire season (FBFM 9) in an extreme fire conditions, we
    would anticipate average rates of spread in excess of 90 cph, with
    average flame lengths in excess of 5 feet.

> ^1^ FBFM= Fire Behavior Fuel Model
>
> ^2^ cph: chains per hour

-   **Fire Regime Alteration and Condition Class**

> The park and surrounding areas have been found to be in condition
> class 2. The park has a historic fire return interval of low severity
> fires with a frequency of 0 to 35 years (GTR-RMRS-87). Fire regimes on
> these lands have been moderately altered from their historical return
> level by either increased or decreased fire frequency. A moderate risk
> of losing key ecosystem components has been identified on these lands.
> To restore historical fire regime these lands may require restoration
> by prescribed fire, mechanical, or chemical treatments and the
> subsequent reintroduction of native plants.

-   **Control Problems & Dominant Topographic Features**

> Individual houses and roads in a semi-rural setting surround the park.
> While these developments are good access for suppression resources,
> they also increase the values at risk and the probability of an
> ignition.
>
> Control problems could range from low to extreme depending on site
> specifics and burning conditions. Under normal fire season conditions
> control problems could be expected to be low to moderate.
>
> The general topography of the park is a sequence of hills and valleys.
> Some developments whose boundary is adjacent to the park slope
> downhill, others are situated on flat terrain, but none are uphill
> from the park. Most neighboring landowners have the park's forests
> adjacent to their property.

-   **Other Management Considerations**

> Because the purpose of Morristown is to preserve the lands and
> features associated with the 1777 and 1779-80 winter encampments of
> the Continental Army during the War for Independence, all wildland
> fire management actions will emphasis the preservation of the historic
> structures and landscapes on the site. Other considerations are the
> wildland urban interface, as well as developing and maintaining good
> relations with assisting agencies, the community and with park
> neighbors.

# Wildland Fire Management Program Components

## General Implementation Procedures

Implementation of the components of the wildland fire management program
at Morristown NHP will be consistent with the park's fire management
capabilities and will consider the current and predicted conditions
affecting fire behavior. When possible, preplanned decisions, based on
historical fire behavior indices will be considered in *Stage I Wildland
Fire Implementation Plan* development to select an appropriate
management response.

A Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP) will be initiated for all
wildland fires. This plan will provide the framework for determining the
appropriate management response. The WFIP [Stage I: Initial Fire
Assessment]{.underline} will be the responsibility of the Incident
Commander or Morristown NHP's Wildland Fire Management Coordinator.
Since the Fire Management Plan requires suppression of all wildland
fires, the requirement for a decision checklist as a part of the Stage I
analysis can be considered met. Subsequently, Stage I analysis may be
satisfied at the programmatic level in the Fire Management Plan through
determinations made by combinations of values to be protected and/or
fire behavior thresholds. A copy of the WFIP Stage I form can be found
in Appendix G.

## Wildland Fire Suppression

### Range of Potential Behavior

Morristown NHP has a low incidence of wildland fire. Since 1950, there
have been 31 reported wildland fires. Of these fires, 21 have been under
0.25 acre -- many were small spots, and 10 of them have been up to 10
acres in size.

Wildland fires most often occur during the normal fire season of March 1
to May 31 and October 1 to November 30. Fire Behavior Fuel Models 1
(grass), and 8/9 (hardwood forest) are present at Morristown. Fuel Model
1 probably poses the greatest threat for intense fire behavior, but it
is found infrequently in the park landscape. An evenly distributed
average rainfall of about 48 inches, couple with a relatively high water
table throughout two units of the park, further discourages the threat
of extreme fire behavior. Wildland fires would not likely travel far
before reaching barriers such as roads, trails, wetlands, or rivers.

In Fire Behavior Fuel Model 9 (leaf-off hardwoods), fires run through
the surface litter faster than Model 8 (Leaf-on hardwoods) at a rate of
spread of 7.5 chains/hour as opposed to 1.6 chains per hour and have
longer flame lengths, averaging 2.6 feet as opposed to 1.0 feet. Fall
fires in hardwoods are predictable, but high winds can actually cause
higher rates of spread than predicted because of spotting caused by
rolling and blowing leaves. Concentrations of dead-down woody material
will contribute to possible torching out of trees, spotting, and
crowning.

### Preparedness Actions

Preparedness\" refers to 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.
Preparedness includes planned activities for the development and
implementation of the wildland fire management program. These activities
include staffing, training, fire prevention activities, education,
provision and maintenance of support facilities, purchase of and
contracting for equipment, supplies, support, planning and coordination,
policy development and oversight, research, and interagency
coordination.\"

Departmental policy requires that all personnel engaged in wildland fire
suppression and prescribed fire duties meet the standards set by the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG, *PMS-310-1*). Morristown NHP
will conform strictly to the requirements of the NPS wildland fire
management qualification and certification system.

Although Morristown NHP has no specific wildland firefighter positions,
employees will be encouraged to become qualified as wildland
firefighters in order to support the park's fire management program. The
park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator (WFMC) will be responsible for
obtaining the training required to meet park needs for qualified
wildland firefighters. When advanced or specialized training is
necessary, the park WFMC will work through the Area Fire Management
Officer to obtain funding and enrollment. The park WFMC will coordinate
the park\'s fire training needs with those of other nearby parks,
cooperating agencies, and the region. Park wildland firefighters will
attend an annual wildland firefighter safety refresher.

#### Fire Prevention, Education, and Community Assistance

> The park will use a number of strategies, including environmental
> education and interpretation, to reduce the occurrence of preventable
> wildland fire.

-   ***Fire Prevention Plan:*** Morristown is committed to preventing
    human-caused fires through information and education. A fire
    prevention assessment of the park was conducted in order to create
    an effective fire prevention plan. The Fire Prevention Assessment
    and Action Plan is attached to this plan as Appendix I. This
    appendix contains detailed prevention actions for the park. It will
    be reviewed annually and updated if changes occur which alter the
    identified Risks, Hazards, or Values.

-   ***Education:*** Park staff will be familiar with the park's Fire
    Prevention Assessment and Action Plan and will be able to explain it
    to other interested parties.

> Fire prevention is a major focus of the park Safety Committee,
> especially when conducting building and other site inspections.
>
> Interpretation programs will include a fire prevention component
> during times of very high to extreme fire danger. Camp or cooking
> fires are not permitted in the park, except by the interpretive staff
> for special cooking demonstrations. These demonstrations will be at a
> minimum during times of very high to extreme fire danger.

-   ***Community Assistance:*** Morristown's fire prevention and
    education program may be implemented in conjunction with other fire
    management and public safety agencies to increase awareness of fire
    prevention, develop understanding of the dangers and benefits of
    fire, protect human life and property, and prevent damage to
    cultural resources, real property, and natural resources.

> The program of public education regarding wildland fire prevention,
> potential fire benefits and dangers will be conducted as appropriate
> to help support FMP goals. Visitor contacts, bulletin board materials,
> handouts, and interpretive programs may be used to increase visitor
> and park neighbor awareness of fire hazards and benefits. The Regional
> Fire Prevention and Education Specialist may provide assistance to the
> park for its fire prevention, education and community assistance
> programs.
>
> Park employees will be provided with information about fire
> prevention, the wildland/urban interface, the objectives of the fire
> management program, and the dangers and benefits of prescribed fire
> and wildland fire. Employees will be kept informed about changes in
> the fire situation throughout the fire season.
>
> Park staff will work with the local fire departments and other
> agencies with fire management and public safety responsibilities to
> establish common protocols and procedures, identify training needs,
> conduct joint training, and develop strategies for safer and more
> efficient fire management operations.

#### Annual Training Activities

> Department of the Interior and National Park Service policies require
> that all personnel engaged in fire suppression duties meet the
> standards set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). All
> employees dispatched or assigned to wildland fires will be qualified,
> unless assigned as trainees.
>
> Annual training activities consist of a needs determination for
> fire-qualified personnel, completion of an annual 8-hour fire safety
> refresher, and work capacity test for all firefighters. As needs
> determine and funding allows personnel may attend other regional and
> national training sessions to maintain or improve their fire
> qualifications.

#### Presuppression Readiness 

March 1: Complete annual wildland fire fighter safety refresher and
fitness testing for red cards.

> April 15: Schedule seasonal firefighter training.

Report personnel qualifications to Regional FMO.

> May 30: Complete inventory of all fire equipment.

Update call-out list and distribute to all participants.

Issue fire packs to employees for out-of-park fires assignments.

Fire tools and equipment are ready; chain saws operational.

Fresh fuel mixed and labeled.

> August 20: Training requests for in-park fire courses due in the
> regional office.
>
> November 15: Note equipment deficiencies and prepare requisitions for
> replacement equipment.
>
> Review and, if necessary, revise Fire Management Plan.

#### Fire Weather and Fire Danger 

> Morristown has an established fire weather station (#280501). Weather
> observations, when they are made, are used to confirm observations
> taken at the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Graystone Fire Tower.
>
> Fire weather forecasts are generated by the National Weather Service
> s' Mount Holly Office. Weather data can be found at
> **http//:www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/fir.html**.
>
> A specific daily fire danger rating is not generated for the park. The
> park will utilize the fire danger rating generated by the New Jersey
> Forest Fire Service for the region in which the park is located. This
> rating can be obtained at
> **http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/fire/firedanger.htm**l**.**

#### Step-Up Staffing Plan

> The burning index determines the park's fire pre-suppression staffing
> and equipment level on a given day. Because Morristown NHP is not in
> an area of high, historical wildland fire occurrence a very simple
> step-up plan is employed. The step-up plan (Table 1) is based on the
> National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) Burning Index, computed in
> 1982 from a Fire Family Report. The following actions will be taken to
> ensure adequate fire preparedness based upon the daily fire danger
> rating for the general area surrounding the park. Actions are
> progressive and include those in previous classes.

+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| **Table   |         |         |                                      |
| 1:        |         |         |                                      |
| Step-Up   |         |         |                                      |
| Staffing  |         |         |                                      |
| Plan**    |         |         |                                      |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| *         | **Fire  | **      | **Step-Up Action**                   |
| *Staffing | Danger  | Burning |                                      |
| Class**   | R       | Index** |                                      |
|           | ating** |         |                                      |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| 1         | Low     | 0-11    | -   Normal tour of duty for          |
|           |         |         |     protection personnel.            |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| 2         | M       | 12-23   | -   Normal tour of duty for          |
|           | oderate |         |     protection personnel.            |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| 3         | High    | 24-47   | -   Normal tour of duty for          |
|           |         |         |     protection personnel.            |
|           |         |         |                                      |
|           |         |         | -   Increase the number of vehicle,  |
|           |         |         |     foot, and horse patrols.         |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| 4         | Very    | 48-58   | -   Post notice of high fire danger  |
|           | High    |         |     at the visitor center and        |
|           |         |         |     museum.                          |
|           |         |         |                                      |
|           |         |         | -   Protection personnel must be in  |
|           |         |         |     a response ready mode and may be |
|           |         |         |     called in for extended hours.    |
|           |         |         |                                      |
|           |         |         | -   Suspend all black powder         |
|           |         |         |     demonstrations.                  |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+
| 5         | Extreme | 59+     | -   One additional red-carded        |
|           |         |         |     firefighter on duty between      |
|           |         |         |     1300-1900 hours.                 |
|           |         |         |                                      |
|           |         |         | -   Suspend all black powder and     |
|           |         |         |     cooking demonstrations.          |
+-----------+---------+---------+--------------------------------------+

### Pre-Attack Plan

No written or formal pre-attack plan exists for Morristown. Volunteer
fire departments have developed their own protocols and procedures for
initial attack of fires within the park. Historic structures receive the
highest priority with regard to any suppression action. The measures
currently being taken to prevent the damage or destruction of these
structures by fire include keeping the grass mowed in at least a
four-foot radius around each of these structures.

### Initial Attack

#### Priority setting during fire occurrences

-   Protecting historic structures

-   Vegetative cover

#### Criteria for appropriate initial attack response consistent with GMP/RMP objectives

-   Public and firefighter safety.

-   Protection of cultural, historic, and natural resources.

-   Protection of improvements and private property.

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

-   Available suppression resources and response times.

-   Fire behavior as determined by fuels, weather, and topography.

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

#### Confinement as a Strategy

-   Confinement may be used to minimize resource damage and to provide
    for firefighter safety.

-   A confinement strategy may be selected for initial attack as long as
    it is not being used 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 and to provide for
    firefighter safety.

#### Response Times

> Response time for initial attack ground resources is approximately
> fifteen minutes or less depending on proximity, accessibility, and
> other such variables. Extended attack resources should be able to
> respond in two to six hours, again depending on proximity and
> availability.

#### Restrictions and Special Concerns

> These general constraints apply to all fire operations in the park
> unless specifically excepted:

-   Dozers and other soil moving heavy equipment will not be used
    without the expressed written approval of the Superintendent,
    designated acting, or the Chief of Protection.

-   Use of vehicles off established paved roads, fire roads/trails, and
    firebreaks will be subject to approval by the Chief of Protection on
    a case-by-case basis.

-   Clearing of vegetation for helispots will be kept to a minimum.

-   Suppression actions, such as line construction will be conducted in
    such a way as to minimize long-term environmental impacts.

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

#### Local Issues

> Morristown depends on local volunteer fire departments for initial and
> extended attack. This close alliance requires that Morristown work
> closely with these agencies in planning, training, preparedness, and
> other fire management issues.
>
> Municipal fires departments from Morristown, Bernardsville, and New
> Vernon respond to wildland and structural fire in the park. A
> cooperative agreement is in place with the State of New Jersey Forest
> Fire Service for responses to fires in the park and mutual aid for
> fires outside of park boundaries.

### Extended Attack and Large Fire Suppression

#### Extended Attack Needs:

> Extended attack needs will be determined by considering the following:

-   Threats to life, property, and park resources

-   Availability of suppression forces

#### Implementation Plan Requirements -- Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) Development:

> 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.
>
> The WFSA is a decision process that employs a systematic and
> reasonable approach to determine the most appropriate management
> strategy for a particular situation. Reasonable management
> alternatives are identified, analyzed, and evaluated, and are
> consistent with the expected probability of success /consequences of
> failure. The Superintendent shall approve the WFSA and any revisions.
> Evaluation criteria include firefighter safety, anticipated costs,
> resource impacts, and social, political, and environmental
> considerations. The evaluation of alternatives becomes the triggering
> mechanism for re-evaluation of the WFSA. An electronic version of a
> WFSA can be found at the U. S. Forest Service website at
> [**http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/wfsa/**](http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/wfsa/).

#### Incident Management Transition:

> Transition to an incident management team requires a briefing by the
> Superintendent and a limited delegation of authority for the
> suppression of the fire(s). The briefing should address agency
> specific concerns, priorities, firefighter and public safety, economic
> and resource concerns, and other topics or issues of importance and
> relevance to the suppression effort.

### Exceeding WFIP and New Strategy Selection

A WFIP has been exceeded when a fire cannot be suppressed during initial
attack suppression actions, or when a prescribed fire becomes an escaped
fire. Then, a Wildland Fire Situation Analysis must be developed. When
completed, the WFSA will develop a new strategy by which the fire should
be managed.

### Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics

-   All fire management activities in Morristown NHP will rely on
    tactics, which do a minimum amount of resource damage while
    maintaining the safety of firefighters, personnel, and the public as
    the highest priority.

-   Fireline construction will be minimized by taking advantage of
    natural barriers, rock outcrops, trails, roads, streams, and other
    existing fuel breaks.

-   Limbing along the fireline will be done only as essential for the
    suppression effort and for safety.

-   Unburned material may be left within the final line.

-   Clearing and scraping will be minimized.

-   Snags or trees will be felled only when essential for control of the
    fire or for safety of personnel.

### 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 minimum impact suppression tactics. The
Incident Commander will initiate immediate rehabilitation actions.
Rehabilitation will be directed toward minimizing or eliminating the
effects of the suppression effort and reducing the potential damage and
hazards caused by the fire.

These actions may include:

-   Construct waterbars to prevent erosion.

-   Place "boneyards" of cut vegetation in a natural or random
    arrangement.

-   Position cut ends of logs to be inconspicuous to visitors and
    camouflage where possible.

-   Flush cut stumps, camouflage with soil and moss.

-   Restoration of natural ground contours.

-   Remove handline berms.

If revegetation or seeding is necessary, only native plant species will
be utilized, and the Natural Resource Specialist will be consulted for
approval of the species chosen. Rehabilitation efforts should be
initiated as soon as they can be safely implemented, which may be before
the fire is declared controlled.

If extensive emergency rehabilitation is needed or if rehabilitation is
needed to reduce the effects of a wildland fire then the park can
request appropriate funding through the Burned Area Emergency
Rehabilitation (BAER) fund. The BAER fund is administered through the
NPS Branch of Fire and Aviation Management at the National Interagency
Fire Center. The specifics of the policy can be found in 620 DM 3 DOI
BAER Policy (2001). BAER project requests totaling \$300,000 or less can
be approved by the Regional BAER Coordinator. Submissions over this
amount are reviewed at the regional level, and forwarded to the Fire
Management Program Center for approval. Requests for BAER funding must
be made to the Area Fire Management Officer within 72 hours of control
of the fire.

### Records and Reports

The park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator is responsible for all
fire related records and reports except the WFIP. This responsibility
may be delegated to an incoming Incident Commander for any fire within
the park. An Individual Fire Report DI-1202 will be completed and
entered into SACS within 10 days of the fire being declared out. The
Area Fire Management Office will be given timely notice of the fire
occurrence.

The park maintains a record for each fire incident on file in the
protection office and forwards these reports to the Area Fire Management
Office. These records and all weather data are critical elements of the
park's historical database and will be maintained permanently.

## Wildland Fire Use

This option was rejected due to the smaller size of the park, the
significant degree of wildland urban interface along the park boundary,
and the lack of available qualified personnel required for managing
these fires. All unscheduled wildland fires in Morristown will be
suppressed using the most appropriate management action.

## Prescribed Fire

Currently no prescribed fires are planned in the park. Though a program
of using prescribed fire at Morristown is not fully considered in this
plan, individual burns may be used in the future for protection of
cultural resources, especially historic scene restoration and
maintenance, hazard fuel reduction, and natural resource objectives. If
a determination is made that a specific prescribed fire is required,
that prescribed fire will be are 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.

### Planning and Documentation

#### Annual Activities.

> In the event that a prescribed fire is to be implemented, the
> following actions will occur. If no burn is planned, then there will
> be no annual activities. An approved burn plan will identify need
> resources, individual responsibilities, and timelines. All planning
> will be coordinated through the Area Fire Management Office. These
> activities include scheduling of resources, coordination with
> neighboring agencies and communities, obtaining necessary permits, and
> completion and approval of the burn plans.

#### Long-Term Prescribed Fire Strategy

> The purpose of prescribed burning at Morristown would be to protect
> and preserve the cultural resources of the park, manage vegetation
> (specifically invasive plant species), and reduce fuel loading.
> Prescribed fire objectives will be to:

-   Manage vegetation to maintain vistas and to promote the growth of
    native grasses and control woody vegetation.

-   Assist with the establishment and maintenance of the historic scene.

-   Reduce invasive species populations and promote native species
    regeneration.

-   Reduce accumulated hazardous fuel conditions.

#### Needed Personnel

> Morristown NHP does not have sufficient personnel trained to manage a
> prescribed fire. Personnel needed for a specific burn will be
> identified in the project's burn plan. The park will participate in a
> coordinated approach to mutual prescribed fire programs with partners
> to be determined at the time of the burn.

#### Fire Weather, Effects, and Behavior Monitoring

> Monitoring of prescribed fires at Morristown is intended to provide
> information for quantifying and predicting fire behavior and its
> ecological effects on park resources while building a historical
> record. Monitoring measures the parameters common to all fires: fuels,
> topography, weather, and fire behavior. In addition, ecological
> changes such as species composition and structural changes will be
> monitored for several years after a fire. This information will be
> very useful in adjusting the prescribed fire program to meet short and
> long-term resource objectives more effectively.
>
> During prescribed burning, monitoring will include mapping, weather,
> site and fuel measurements, and direct observation of fire
> characteristics such as flame length, rate of spread, and fire
> intensity. Operational monitoring provides a check to insure that the
> fire remains in prescription, and serves as a basis for evaluation and
> comparison of management actions in response to measured, changing
> fire conditions, and changes such as fuel conditions and species
> composition.
>
> All prescribed fires will be monitored regardless of size. The park
> Wildland Fire Management Coordinator will establish specific fire
> information guidelines for each fire to update intelligence about the
> fire The Regional Fire Ecologist may be utilized to coordinate the
> monitoring.
>
> The park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator will assure that
> assigned qualified personnel are used to monitor the behavior of
> prescribed fires. By being able to assess fire's potential,
> characterize and quantify its effects, and determine if it is within
> prescription, an efficient and flexible monitoring program will
> result.
>
> Morristown will use the fire monitoring protocols with adaptations
> described in NPS Fire Monitoring Handbook. Fire monitoring support
> will be coordinated with the Area Fire Management Officer.

#### Prescribed Fire Project Critique

> The Superintendent may convene a review committee for any prescribed
> fire. A report detailing the actual burn will accompany any
> recommendations or changes deemed necessary in the program. The report
> will be submitted to the Superintendent, the Area Fire Management
> Officer, and the Regional Fire Management Officer for review.

#### Reporting and Documentation Requirements

> All prescribed fire forms will be completed as outlined by the park
> Wildland Fire Management Coordinator. A fire monitor will be assigned
> to collect all predetermined information and complete all necessary
> forms prior to, during, and after the fire. All records will be
> archived in Morristown NHP\'s fire records for future use and
> reference.
>
> The park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator will prepare a final
> report on the prescribed fire. 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.
>
> The forms necessary for documenting prescribed fire activities are
> outlined in RM-18. The Individual Fire Report, DI-1202, and the
> Incident Record, is the responsibility of the park Fire Coordinator
> and documents all personnel and equipment costs involved in the burn.

#### Historic Fuel Treatment Map

> Because prescribed fires have not been used at Morristown NHP in the
> past, no historic fuel treatment map exists.

#### Local Prescribed Burn Plan Requirements

> All prescribed fire plans must meet the requirements as set forth in
> RM 18, Chapter 10. Once the plan has been drafted, it will be
> submitted to qualified agency personnel for technical review. After
> review and approval by the technical reviewer(s), the plan will be
> submitted to the applicable state agency for review and comment. It
> will then be submitted to the Chief of Protection and Biologist for
> review and signature before being forwarded to the Superintendent for
> final review and approval. Only after all of the above steps have been
> completed will the plan be considered as having been approved for
> implementation in keeping with the prescription.

### 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 Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (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 called from the local and volunteer fire
departments. An incident management team or other non-local resources
may be requested to assume command of the fire.

### Air Quality and Smoke Management

#### Air Quality Issues:

> Morristown is located in a Class II air quality area. The Fire
> Management Plan will comply with the Clean Air Act. 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. Smoke levels become
> unacceptable when they impair visibility to such a degree that they
> detract from visitor enjoyment of the primary park resource with
> emphasis on the vistas of Morristown. Dense smoke within Morristown is
> generally unacceptable; however, it may be tolerated for short periods
> if the winds assure good mixing. Morristown will also evaluate the
> forecasted impact of smoke on local communities and visitor safety.
> All of these considerations are difficult to quantify, monitor, and
> evaluate, and there will exist considerable room for discretion.
>
> It may be necessary to aggressively control fires when smoke affects a
> sensitive area 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.

#### Smoke Mitigation: 

> Morristown will notify the surrounding assisting agencies, at the time
> of any fire ignition. Thereafter, smoke characteristics will be
> evaluated regularly. A process will be developed for implementation to
> determine if adverse impacts to air quality and visibility are
> occurring from management decisions.
>
> To minimize the effects of smoke the following guidelines will be
> considered when planning a prescribed fire. Burning will be conducted
> only when:

-   visibility exceeds 5 miles;

-   the fire weather forecast indicates the presence of an unstable air
    mass;

-   wind vectors push smoke away from sensitive areas;

-   allowed by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and when;

-   the fire weather forecast predicts fair or better dispersion.

### Debris Burning

Fire is occasionally used to dispose of natural vegetative debris deemed
infeasible or impractical to remove mechanically in a non-wildland fuel
environment (parking lot, storage yard, gravel pit, etc.). The debris
may be generated from routine maintenance activities, piled debris
generated from construction activities, removal of hazard trees,
discarded building and administrative materials. Any material being
burned for debris disposal must be classified as permissible to burn
under applicable federal, state, tribal, and local regulations.

Debris burned in non-wildland environments do not require a prescribed
burn plan. Debris burned in a wildland environment, including
snow-covered ground, requires a prescribed fire plan.

The park follows all applicable guidance and regulation when using fire
for debris disposal.

Parameters for debris burning are:

-   Temperature: Less than or equal to normal average high temperature
    for the month.

-   Wind Speed: Less than 10 mph.

-   Relative Humidity: Greater than 40%.

-   Fine Fuel Moisture: Surrounding fuels greater than 20%.

-   Smoke Dispersal: Mixing heights equal to or greater than 500 meters.

## Non-Fire Fuel Treatment Applications

### Mechanical Treatments 

#### Annual Activities

Hazard fuels at Morristown are typically managed through mowing (grasses
and other herbaceous vegetation), raking or vacuuming (fallen leaves),
cutting and chipping (woody vegetation), or other mechanical or cultural
means.

Fuels around buildings, boundaries, roads, trails, picnic areas and
other sites occasionally accumulate sufficient fuel density to create a
hazard to real property, historic resources, or human health and safety.

Firebreaks are maintained around most structures in the park. These
firebreaks are typically re-mowed every two to four weeks during the
growing season depending on the growth of vegetation, importance of the
resource, the amount of visitation in the area, and the availability of
staff and equipment.

> Heavy equipment including industrial mowers, large trucks, and
> trailer-mounted wood chippers are often used in mechanical fuel
> removal. Heavy equipment except mowers should usually be confined to
> existing roads and trails. In all cases, tracked and wheeled vehicles
> should only be used off roads and on trails under conditions where
> they will not significantly disturb soils, compact soils, or break up
> vegetative cover.

#### Required Monitoring

> Monitoring will be done to determine if the project objectives were
> met. Monitoring may include the use of photo plots, vegetation
> transects, or a visual assessment.

#### Critique Format

> Accomplishment of objectives, methodology, cost effectiveness, safety
> issues, and resource damage are some of the topics to be discussed. A
> written project completion report incorporating the findings of the
> critique will be forwarded to the Area Fire Management Officer.

#### Funding and Cost Accounting

> FIREPRO funding requests for individual projects may be submitted to
> the Area Fire Management Officer. Documentation of individual project
> costs will be submitted to the Area Fire Management Officer for
> review. Expenditures will not exceed the authorized project amount.

#### Reporting and Documentation

> All project forms will be completed as outlined by the park Wildland
> Fire Management Coordinator. All records will be archived with the
> park\'s fire records for future use and reference. A completion report
> will be forwarded to the Area Fire Management Officer.
>
> The park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator is responsible for
> preparing a final report on each project. 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.

#### Annual Planned Project List

> Proposed projects may be submitted to the park Wildland Fire
> Management Coordinator by any division chief. The park Wildland Fire
> Management Coordinator will compile a list of these projects and
> submit them to the Superintendent for approval and prioritization.

## 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)](http://fire.r9.fws.gov/fm/policy/620DM3.htm). The park Fire
Coordinator and the Natural Resource Specialist, subject to review by
the park Fire Committee, will jointly formulate a rehabilitation plan
for each fire. The BAER plan will be submitted to the Regional BAER
Coordinator (Regional Prescribed Fire Specialist), through the Area Fire
Management Officer, for approval within 72 hours of the date the fire is
declared controlled. BAER project requests totaling \$300,000 or less
can be approved by the Regional Baer Coordinator. Submissions over this
amount are reviewed at the regional level and forwarded to the NPS Fire
Management Program Center for approval.

# Organizational and Budgetary Parameters

## Organizational Structure of the Fire Management Program 

This section discusses areas of responsibility for implementation of the
fire management program by specific park position. There may be
instances that the same person functions in two areas of responsibility.
The purpose of this section is to clearly define areas of
responsibility, provide clear direction and accountability, and further
the development of a responsive fire management program.

Morristown National Historical Park is a small park with a small
permanent staff. The Resource Management and Visitor Protection Division
and the park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator (WFMC) have the
primary responsibility for all fire management activities in the park.
Specific responsibilities assigned to staff positions are described as
follows:

### Superintendent

Fire management at Morristown NHP is the responsibility of the
Superintendent, with technical duties and accompanying responsibilities
delegated to staff members. The Superintendent will be responsible for
management of the program within Departmental and National Park Service
policy, Director's Order 18: Wildland Fire Management (DO-18), and all
relevant laws and regulations.

-   Ensures that a comprehensive fire management program is adequately
    planned, staffed, implemented, and that the Fire Management Plan is
    reviewed annually and revised as necessary.

-   Maintains and facilitates public and media relations pertaining to
    both suppression and prescribed fire.

-   Approves prescribed fire plans.

### Chief of Protection

-   Oversees the fire management program and ensures coordination with
    resource management and other park programs.

-   Responsible for short- and long-range planning, and implementation
    of the park wildland fire management program.

-   Serves as the Incident Commander on park fire suppression efforts in
    the absence of the park WFMC or other NPS personnel with higher
    levels of fire training.

-   Responsible for reporting all personnel costs resulting from
    suppression efforts to the Administrative Officer.

-   Approves and implements any fire-related use restrictions.

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-   Monitors visitor safety and implements evacuation as necessary.

-   Facilitates the flow of fire information to the media and the public
    or assigns an individual to that task as needed.

-   Conducts reviews of park fires as specified in this plan.

-   Assists in the investigation of and provides enforcement for all
    human-caused fires.

-   Assists the WFMC in developing staff fire qualifications

-   Provides for the development of employee fire qualifications and
    makes qualified personnel available during on-going park fires.

-   Manages budgets for both allocated and emergency fire accounts.

-   Manages equipment assigned to the fire management program.

### Wildland Fire Management Coordinator (WFMC)

-   Implements the park's fire management program.

-   Ensures readiness of fire equipment during the fire season.

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-   Oversees initial and extended attack operations and arrange for
    logistical support as needed.

-   Procures supplies and training for wildland fire personnel.

-   Conducts fitness testing and maintain fire personnel records.

-   Retrieves daily weather and forecast fire danger rating from WIMS.

-   Prepares annual fire program funding proposals (FIREPRO and cyclic).

-   Communicates with area and regional FMOs.

### Biologist

-   Develops and updates short-range fire management plans.

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-   Coordinates fire research efforts, and serves as the primary
    resource advisor for project fires or prescribed fires.

-   Develops natural resource objectives for prescribed fire.

-   Plans and coordinates prescribed fires, and non-fire hazard fuels
    and wildland/urban interface treatment projects.

### Chief of Interpretation

Manages visitor information programs and services, including operation
of the visitor center and daily programs. Major fire management duties
include:

-   Provides for the development of employee fire qualifications and
    makes qualified personnel available during on-going park fires.

-   Provides assistance in the closure of roads, trails, and other
    facilities.

-   Serves as park public affairs officer.

### Chief of Maintenance

Manages the maintenance of park buildings, comfort stations, roads,
trails, vehicles, and utilities. Major fire management duties include:

-   Provides for the development of employee fire qualifications and
    makes qualified personnel available during on-going park fires.

-   Provides assistance in the closure of roads, trails, and other
    facilities.

### Administrative Officer

-   Maintains fire personnel time sheets.

-   Reports timekeeping information to other parks or agencies whose
    personnel may have participated in fire suppression efforts in the
    park.

-   Provides for the development of employee fire qualifications and
    makes qualified personnel available during on-going park fires.

-   Provides emergency procurement assistance for on-going park fires.

### Area Fire Management Officer

The Area Fire Management Officer is the FIREPRO funded Fire Management
Officer (FMO) for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA).

The Area FMO provides the first level of technical assistance to the
park for all fire management planning, and implementation activities.
This includes assistance for managing the park's use of fire management
programs such as the National Fire Danger Rating System, the Weather
Information Management System (WIMS), the NPS Wildland Fire Computer
System (SACS), the resource ordering system (ROSS), the Incident
Qualification and Certification System (IQCS), Fire Program Analysis
(FPA), FIREPRO budgeting, etc.

The Area FMO assists with the park's wildland fire qualification and
certification program, fire monitoring, fire training and mobilizations,
development of preparedness, suppression, wildland/urban interface,
fuels management and prescribed fire operational plans, development of
cooperative agreements with local and state agencies, and administration
of Rural Fire Assistance Program grants to local fire departments.

Park requests for assistance from the Area FMO will be coordinated
through the park Wildland Fire Management Coordinator. Requests should
be made as far in advance as is practical.

The Area FMO will assist the park in acquiring needed resources and
equipment, and in preparing FIREPRO funding requests.

The Area FMO may be requested to serve on an incident management team as
an agency representative regarding fire management operations.

The Area Fire Management Officer and the DEWA fire staff will play a key
role in the planning and implementation of any prescribed fire
operations in the park. In most cases, the Area Fire Management Officer
would serve as burn boss.

Morristown National Historical Park has an inter-park agreement with
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to provide the park
assistance with fire management operations through the Area FMO. A copy
of the agreement is located at the park.

### Regional Fire Management Officer

The Regional Fire Management Officer (Regional FMO) has delegated
authority for the management of the region's fire management program.
The Regional FMO is responsible for planning, training, technical
assistance, budget prioritization, coordination, and interagency issues
for units of the National Park Service in the Northeast Region. The
Regional FMO assures that the regional fire management program is
conducted accordance to established policy and procedures and that
FIREPRO funds are used appropriately.

The Regional FMO represents the parks in the region to the NPS Fire
Management Program Center, the Eastern Interagency Coordination Center
(EICC), the Northeastern Fire Coordination Center (NECC), and other
regional and national fire management organizations.

### Regional Fuels/Fire Ecology Program Manager

The Regional Fuels/Fire Ecology Program Manager provides technical
assistance to the park on fire ecology, prescribed fire and fuels
treatment matters. In addition, this individual manages and coordinates
hazardous fuels, wildland urban interface, and research related
activities and funding.

### Regional Fire Education, Prevention and Information Specialist

The Regional Fire Education, Prevention and Information Specialist
(Regional FEPIS) is the FIREPRO funded FEPIS position for all parks in
the Northeast Region. The Regional FEPIS provides assistance to the park
in conducting fire prevention and education programs. The Regional FEPIS
can also assist the park in evaluating park structures for
wildland/urban interface issues and with an outreach interface program
to park neighbors and local governmental bodies and agencies.

### NPS Fire Management Program Center

The NPS Fire Management Program Center (FMPC) is located in Boise, Idaho
and provides national leadership, direction, coordination and support
for NPS fire, aviation and incident management. The primary purposes of
the FMPC are:

-   Providing the NPS with oversight and policy on both a national and
    regional level to ensure that departmental goals and objectives are
    met. In addition, Fire and Aviation Management is very involved in
    the interagency arena, working with federal and nonfederal partners
    on a daily basis.

-   Achieving national mandates for firefighter, NPS employee and
    visitor safety.

-   Protecting natural and cultural resources.

-   Maximizing partnerships with federal, state, local and tribal
    entities, in order to achieve the greatest benefit for park
    resources.

-   Achieving and maintaining the highest standard of professionalism,
    using state-of-art concepts, technologies and practices.

Annual wildland fire management appropriation provides FIREPRO funding
for necessary expenses for fire planning and oversight functions, along
with budgeted activities necessary to prepare for the normal fire
season, and for the development and implementation of the wildland fire
emergency suppression, emergency rehabilitation, and hazard fuels
reduction program.

## FIREPRO Funding

The park is not a base funded FIREPRO park and does not have FIREPRO
funded positions. FIREPRO funding is available for approved fire
training, prevention, preparedness, suppression, prescribed fire,
wildland/urban interface, fuels treatment, and burned area emergency
stabilization and rehabilitation projects. Related equipment, personal
protective equipment and supplies may be acquired with FIREPRO funding.
Financial grants may be provided to qualifying local fire departments
through the Rural Fire Assistance Grant Program (RFA).

All FIREPRO funding requests are made through the Area Fire Management
Officer.

## Fire Management Organization 

Appendix F includes a chart showing the park's organizational structure.
Positions that are currently involved with the fire management program
are highlighted. There is an ongoing effort to get more employees, both
permanent and seasonal, from all divisions trained as basic fire
fighters.

## Wildland Fire Use Certification

The park has rejected the strategy of wildland fire use. This option was
rejected due to the smaller size of the park, the significant degree of
wildland urban interface along the park boundary, and the lack of
available qualified personnel required for managing these fires.

## Interagency Coordination

Interagency cooperation is vital to the full realization of NPS fire
management program objectives. The ability of a single agency to
implement a fire management program of any complexity is limited without
coordination with and assistance from other organizations. Interagency
cooperation and the coordination of shared resources and common
activities are critical to the success of the park's fire management
program.

### Local Coordination

Morristown has a written agreement with the New Jersey Forest Fire
Service for wildland fire suppression within the park and surrounding
areas. The park also has verbal agreements for wildland fire suppression
with the fire departments of the Bernardsville Fire Department
(volunteer), New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department (volunteer), and the
Morristown Fire Bureau. The park plans to develop written agreements
with these organizations in the near future. These fire departments
offer significant support to the park fire management program.

### Area Coordination

Through an inter-park agreement with Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area, Morristown National Historical Park is a member of the
Mid-Atlantic Fire Management Area (MAFMA). MAFMA is comprised of 13 NPS
units in eastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and southern New
York State. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area FMO serves
as the Mid-Atlantic Area FMO. The Area FMO coordinates fire management
needs between the Mid-Atlantic Area parks and with the Northeast Region
Fire Management Office, the Eastern Interagency Coordination Center
(EICC) and the Northeastern Fire Coordination Center (NECC).

### Regional Coordination

The NPS Northeast Region is an associate member of the Northeast Fire
Compact. Federal and state agencies have agreed to share fire resources
through this compact. Mobilization and dispatch of fire resources
(staff, equipment, and supplies) is through the Northeastern
Coordination Center (NECC) via the Area FMO. A list of available
resources and detailed procedures for requesting assistance are
documented in the Northeast Region Fire Mobilization Plan. The
mobilization plan is updated annually.

### National Coordination

The National Park Service is a member of the Interagency Cooperative
Fire Agreement and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
Participating members of the agreement include the U.S. Forest Service
of the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau
of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service of the Department of the Interior. Through additional
agreements, state forestry and wildland fire agencies, private forestry
companies, the Association of State Foresters, and many states
participate in this agreement.

The principle objective of the Interagency Cooperative Fire Agreement is
the cooperative and cost effective sharing of fire resources during
national and regional emergencies. Through this agreement, a wide
variety of fire resources and support services can be made available to
units of the National Park Service. All requests for assistance through
this agreement are directed to the Northeastern Fire Coordination Center
(NECC) through the Area FMO.

# Monitoring and Evaluation

## Monitoring Programs

The park will implement long and short term monitoring to access
accomplishments, and determine the effects of fire management activities
on cultural and natural resources.

The park will work closely with the Area FMO and Regional Fuels/Fire
Ecology Program Manager 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 Area FMO.

## NPS Fire Monitoring Handbook

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/fmh/FEMHandbook.pdf**

## Fire Monitoring Plan

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 Fire Management Plan.

# Fire Research

Research is a necessary element in the fire management program at
Morristown NHP. The primary objective of fire research is to provide
information for making fire management decisions. Fire research will be
coordinated through the Natural Resource Specialist of the park.

As the park\'s Fire Management Plan is implemented and tested,
additional research will inevitably be needed. Research will 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 fires conducted in the park.
Monitoring will help to define the effectiveness of the fire management
program by assessing the vegetative effects of fire. The monitoring
protocols found in the *NPS Fire Monitoring Handbook* will be adapted
and used by the park.

# Public Safety 

## Public Safety Issues and Concerns

Firefighter and public safety is the first priority in every fire
management activity and is the responsibility of everyone assigned to a
wildland or prescribed fire incident. Agency administrators at all
levels must stress that firefighter and public safety *always* takes
precedence over property and resource loss.

The Superintendent may close all or a portion of the park (including
roads and trails) when elevated fire danger, wildland fire, or a
prescribed fire pose an imminent threat to public safety. The Chief of
Protection has overall responsibility for enforcing park closures.

## Mitigation Safety Procedures

The park will implement a notification system to inform visitors,
neighbors, and political audiences of all fire activity through normal
communication channels. A fire activity report will be updated, as
significant changes occur to inform park personnel of potential fire
threats. Areas of fire activity will be clearly signed at the visitor
center. Residents adjacent to the park will be notified in advance of
any prescribed fire. If any fire poses a threat outside the park\'s
boundaries, the park will notify law enforcement agencies.

# Public Information and Education

## Public Information Capabilities and Needs

The park is committed to keeping the public informed of its fire
management program and activities. The occurrence of a wildfire within a
national park often arouses media attention. Any requests for
information, emanating from the news media, concerning wildland fire
incidents will be referred to the Superintendent or other fire
information personnel as appointed by the Superintendent or Incident
Commander. All reasonable efforts will be made to allow for media
access, as long as public safety or that of firefighting personnel is
not compromised.

The Regional Fire Education, Prevention and Information Specialist is
available to the park as a resource for consultation, support, and
assistance.

## Step-Up Public Information Activities

Information and education are important processes in public acceptance
of the managed fire program at Morristown. The Wildland Fire Management
Coordinator (WFMC) will provide the Superintendent with accurate
information regarding current fire situations and management activities.
The public information program will be developed as follows:

-   Concepts of the prescribed fire program will be incorporated, as
    appropriate, in park publications, brochures, and handouts.

-   The fire management program will be incorporated into visitor
    contacts, interpretive talks, walks, and tour programs. Particular
    attention will be given when fires are conspicuous from roads or
    visitor use areas.

-   The public information outlets of neighboring and cooperating
    agencies, the area fire management office and the regional office
    will be provided with all fire management information.

-   The role of the fire management program at the park will be
    developed and discussed, as appropriate, in off-site programs and
    talks.

-   The fire management program will be discussed in informal talks with
    employees of all divisions, contractors, volunteers, residents, and
    park neighbors.

Emergency closures or restrictions may become necessary during periods
of elevated or extended fire danger. Such closures will necessitate
additional coordination and communication with the public and the media.

# Protection of Sensitive Resources

## Cultural and Historic Resources Needing Protection 

The greatest resource concerns are the historic buildings and landscapes
located in the park. Resource protection is focused on prohibiting any
activity that causes damage to the structures, the artifacts that are
housed by these structures, and the landscapes. As funding permits,
defensible space will be maintained. Prescribed fires will be conducted
a safe distance from any of the historic structures.

***Historic Resources:*** The four units of the park contain numerous
historic features and structures needing protection. Thirty-eight meet
the criteria of historical significance and eligibility for the National
Register. The Ford Mansion, Wick House, and Guerin House are the primary
structures relating to the park's 18^th^ century historic themes and all
are on the National Register. Because many of the structures have wooden
shingle roofs, they face a potential threat from embers from a nearby
wildfire, but little risk from a classic wildland-urban interface fire
sweeping through as a crown or running surface fire. A fire hose is
located in the Wick House smoke house for fire prevention purposes for
the Wick House.

***Archeological Sites/Historic Landscapes:*** Morristown's
archeological resources are extensive; there are 15 major archeological
sites located in several areas throughout the park. None of the sites
has been identified as needing any special protection from fire; on the
contrary, fire suppression activities are likely to result in unwanted
disturbance. Only a small percentage of the park has been thoroughly
surveyed for archeological sites. It is possible that sites requiring
specialized fire protection will be found in the future.

The park's historic and designed landscapes (hills, streams, roads,
fence lines, farmsteads, and woodlots) are among its most significant
resources.

The greatest threat to park resources would be the use of heavy
equipment and the construction of fireline to control a wildfire. These
activities could damage archeological and cultural resources. These
impacts will be mitigated through use of minimum impact suppression
tactics (described in Section IV). Upon detection of a fire, a member of
the curatorial operation will be consulted to identify sensitive
archeological or cultural resources that have the potential to be
affected by the fire or by fire management actions. He or she will
provide recommendations on the implementation of appropriate mitigation
measures.

## Natural Resources Needing Protection 

***Species of Special Concern:*** Several species may be expected to
utilize areas around or within the park are on the New Jersey State List
or the federal list of threatened and endangered species:

-   The bog turtle *(Clemmys muhlenbergii)* is a federally threatened
    species known to occur within 1.5 miles of the park. The bog turtle
    has not been observed in the park possibly due to a lack of suitable
    habitat.

-   The Indiana bat (*Myotis sodalis)* is a federally endangered species
    known to inhabit Morris County. The closest known hibernacula are
    located within approximately 10 miles of the park. No bats have been
    observed in the park but the park's large expanse of contiguous
    forested upland, traversed by forested wetland stream corridors, is
    highly suitable habitat for foraging and roosting bats.

-   Bald eagles *(Haliaeetus leucophalus)*, a federally listed
    endangered species, have occasionally been observed within the
    vicinity of the park.

-   State of New Jersey birds of special concern observed in the park
    during an inventory conducted in the park in 2002 and 2003 include
    the veery (*Catharus fuscescens)*, gray-cheeked thrush (*Catharus
    minimus)*, black-throated green warbler (*Dendroica virens)*
    ,cerulean warbler (*Dendroica cerulea)* , Kentucky warbler
    (*Oporonis formosus),* and Canada warbler (*Wilsonia canadensis)*.

-   The wood turtle *(Clemmys insculpta),* a state listed threatened
    species has been observed on several occasions in the park around
    the Passaic River within the last two years.

-   State of New Jersey threatened plants recorded in the park by
    Rutgers University in 1995 included rattlesnake plantain *(Goodyera
    repens)*, twinleaf (*Jeffersonia diphylla)*, slender pinweed
    (*Lechea tenuifolia),* strict blue-eyed grass (*Sisyrinchium
    montanum)* and oak fern (*Gymnocapium dryopteris)*. A more recent
    study conducted by Rutgers did not verify the presence of these
    state listed species in the park. These species are not known to be
    adapted to disturbance. Information about their sensitivity to fire
    is needed.

Park resource management staff will coordinate with FWS to ensure that
the park has the most current information regarding sensitive, proposed,
and listed species, as well as any proposed or designated habitat areas.

***Wetlands/Riparian Areas:*** Wetlands and riparian areas in the park
for the most part are small and are associated with streams and minor
tributaries. Wetland acreage is estimated at approximately 64 acres. The
most extensive riparian areas flank Primrose Brook. Two small marshes
are found near the East and West branches of Primrose Brook. In the New
Jersey Brigade Unit, a small, forested wetland lies at the intersection
of Indian Grave Brook and a small feeder stream that runs southwest from
Patriot's Path. High intensity fires could threaten wetland ecology.
Wetland areas on the park property will be protected from fire when
possible and monitored if disturbed by fire.

***Air Quality*:** The ambient air quality standard for the park is
designated as Class 2, and a moderate increase in air pollution is
allowed. There is not a special concern for air quality.

## Developments, Infrastructure, and Improvements Needing Protection

In addition to the historic structures noted above, park development and
infrastructure includes the visitor center, park headquarters, ranger
station, utility (maintenance area), housing units, the Cross Estate, a
picnic area, and hiking trails. A small private inholding contains a
private cemetery.

As funding allows, defensible space will be maintained around buildings,
structures, and other improvements in the park.

# Fire Critiques and Annual Plan Review

The Incident Commander or the Burn Boss will initially critique wildland
and prescribed fires. This critique should take place with those
directly involved in the management of the fire.

The Superintendent should convene a committee to review prescribed and
wildland fires of significant size or cost, or where minor safety issues
or minimal levels of public concern occur. These findings should be
forwarded to the Area Fire Management Officer.

Prescribed or wildland fires involving an Incident Management Team or
significant political, safety, or public issues should be reviewed by
the Area Fire Management Officer. If a fire generates a major political
or public concern, involves multiple serious injuries, or a fatality,
the Regional Fire Management Officer and the NPS Fire Management Program
Center should participate in the review.

The park Biologist will review the fire management plan annually for
currency and incorporate changes into the appendix. Changes to the
appendices require approval of the Superintendent and the Chief of
Protection. The fire management plan is subject to formal review every
five years.

# Consultation and Coordination

The following people were involved in the formulation and preparation of
this fire management plan:

-   Deborah Nordeen, Park Ranger, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation
    Area, Bushkill, Pennsylvania.

-   Cliff Lively, Area Fire Management Officer, Mid-Atlantic Fire
    Management Area, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area,
    Bushkill, Pennsylvania.

-   Robert Masson, Biologist, Morristown National Historical Park,
    Morristown, New Jersey

-   Douglas Wallner, Regional Fuels/Fire Ecology Program Manager,
    National Park Service, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    **Agencies Consulted:**

```{=html}
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```
-   US Fish and Wildlife Service

-   New Jersey Forest Fire Service

-   Bernardsville Fire Department (volunteer),

-   New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department (volunteer)

-   Morristown Fire Bureau

# Appendices

## Appendix A: References Cited {#appendix-a-references-cited .unnumbered}

## Appendix B: 2001 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy Compliance {#appendix-b-2001-federal-wildland-fire-management-policy-compliance .unnumbered}

## Appendix C: Definition of Terms {#appendix-c-definition-of-terms .unnumbered}

## Appendix D: Species Lists {#appendix-d-species-lists .unnumbered}

## Appendix E: Categorical Exclusion {#appendix-e-categorical-exclusion .unnumbered}

## Appendix F: Supplemental Information {#appendix-f-supplemental-information .unnumbered}

### Fire Call-Up List

### Park Organization Chart 

### Fire Equipment Inventory

### Cooperative Agreements

### Tables

## Appendix G: Wildland Fire Implementation Plan - Stage 1 {#appendix-g-wildland-fire-implementation-plan---stage-1 .unnumbered}

## Appendix H: Fire Prevention Assessment and Action Plan  {#appendix-h-fire-prevention-assessment-and-action-plan .unnumbered}

**Appendix I:** **Maps**

### Vegetation Map

### Water Resources Map

1.  Archeological Resources Map \[park copy only\]

## Appendix J: Lists of Park Structures  {#appendix-j-lists-of-park-structures .unnumbered}

# Appendix A: References Cited {#appendix-a-references-cited-1 .unnumbered}

National Park Service, Management Policies (2001).

National Park Service, Director's Order 12 (DO 12), Conservation
Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis and Decision Making (2001) and
accompanying Handbook.

DO 18, The Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Policy:
Implementation and Reference Guide, (1998) and accompanying Reference
Manual (RM-18).

Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review.

National Park Service, Organic Act, August 25, 1916.

National Park Service, Public Law 72-409, 47 Stat. 1421, establishing
Morristown National Historical Park.

National Park Service, Morristown National Historical Park General
Management Plan (2003).

National Park Service, Morristown National Historical Park Resource
Management Plan (1999).

# Appendix B: 2001 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy Compliance {#appendix-b-2001-federal-wildland-fire-management-policy-compliance-1 .unnumbered}

**1. SAFETY**

Firefighter and public safety is the first priority. This Fire
Management Plan and all activities described within reflect this
commitment.

**2. FIRE MANAGEMENT AND ECOSYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY**

The full range of fire management activities will be used to help
achieve ecosystem sustainability, including its interrelated ecological,
economic, and social components.

**3. RESPONSE TO WILDLAND FIRE**

The 2001 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy considers fire a
critical natural process to be integrated into land and resource
management plans and activities on a landscape scale, and across agency
boundaries. The response to wildland fire presented in this Fire
Management Plan is limited to suppression activities only.

**4. USE OF WILDLAND FIRE**

The 2001 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy states that wildland
fire will be used to protect, maintain, and enhance resources and, as
nearly as possible, be allowed to function in its natural ecological
role. This Fire Management Plan does not allow the use of wildland fire
for resource benefit.

**5. REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION**

Rehabilitation and restoration efforts will be undertaken to protect and
sustain ecosystems, public health, and safety, and to help communities
protect infrastructure.

**6. PROTECTION PRIORITIES**

The protection of human life is the single, overriding priority. Setting
priorities among protecting human communities and community
infrastructure, other property and improvements, and natural and
cultural resources will be based on the values to be protected, human
health and safety, and the costs of protection. Once people have been
committed to an incident, these human resources become the highest value
to be protected.

**7. WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE**

The operational roles of federal agencies as partners in the Wildland
Urban Interface are wildland firefighting, hazardous fuels reduction,
cooperative prevention and education, and technical assistance.
Structural fire suppression is the responsibility of tribal, state, or
local governments. Federal agencies may assist with exterior structural
protection activities under formal Fire Protection Agreements that
specify the mutual responsibilities of the partners, including funding.

**8. PLANNING**

Every area with burnable vegetation must have an approved Fire
Management Plan. Fire Management Plans are strategic plans that define a
program to manage wildland and prescribed fires based on the area's
approved land management plan. Fire Management Plans must provide for
firefighter and public safety; include fire management strategies,
tactics, and alternatives; address values to be protected and public
health issues; and be consistent with resource management objectives,
activities of the area, and environmental laws and regulations.

This Fire Management Plan is a strategic plan that provides for
firefighter and public safety, addresses values to be protected, public
health issues, is consistent with resource management activities,
activities of the area, and is consistent with environmental laws and
regulations.

**9. SCIENCE**

Fire Management Plans and programs will be based on a foundation of
sound science. Research will support ongoing efforts to increase our
scientific knowledge of biological, physical, and sociological factors.
Information needed to support fire management will be developed through
an integrated interagency fire science program. Scientific results must
be made available to managers in a timely manner and must be used in the
development of land management plans, Fire Management Plans, and
implementation plans.

This Fire Management Plan is based upon, and it utilizes, the best
available science and relevant research.

**10. PREPAREDNESS**

Agencies will ensure their capability to provide safe, cost-effective
fire management programs in support of land and resource management
plans through appropriate planning, staffing, training, equipment, and
management oversight.

This Fire Management Plan provides guidance for safe, cost-effective
fire management, supporting land and resource management plans through
appropriate preparedness activities.

**11. SUPPRESSION**

Fires are suppressed at minimum cost, considering firefighter and public
safety, benefits, and values to be protected, consistent with resource
objectives.

**12. PREVENTION**

Morristown NHP will work together and with its partners and other
affected groups and individuals to prevent unauthorized ignition of
wildland fires.

**13. STANDARDIZATION**

Agencies will use compatible planning processes, funding mechanisms,
training and qualification requirements, operational procedures,
values-to-be-protected methodologies, and public education programs for
all fire management activities.

Morristown NHP is an active participant in, and contributor to,
interagency planning processes, funding mechanisms, training and
qualification requirements, operational procedures,
values-to-be-protected methodologies, and public education programs for
all fire management activities employed in the Fire Program Analysis
(FPA) New Jersey 17 interagency Fire Planning Unit (FPU).

**14. INTERAGENCY COOPERATION AND COORDINATION**

Fire management planning, preparedness, prevention, suppression, fire
use, restoration and rehabilitation, monitoring, research, and education
will be conducted on an interagency basis with the involvement of
cooperators and partners.

Morristown NHP is an active participant in, and contributor to,
interagency planning processes, funding mechanisms, training and
qualification requirements, operational procedures,
values-to-be-protected methodologies, and public education programs for
all fire management activities employed in the Fire Program Analysis
(FPA) New Jersey 17 interagency Fire Planning Unit (FPU).

**15. COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION**

Agencies will enhance knowledge and understanding of wildland fire
management policies and practices through internal and external
communication and education programs. These programs will be
continuously improved through the timely and effective exchange of
information among all affected agencies and organizations.

Morristown NHP is an active participant in, and contributor to,
interagency planning processes, funding mechanisms, training and
qualification requirements, operational procedures,
values-to-be-protected methodologies, and public education programs for
all fire management activities employed in the Fire Program Analysis
(FPA) New Jersey 17 interagency Fire Planning Unit (FPU).

**16. AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR AND EMPLOYEE ROLES**

Agency administrators will ensure that their employees are trained,
certified, and made available to participate in the wildland fire
program locally, regionally, and nationally as the situation demands.
Employees with operational, administrative, or other skills will support
the wildland fire program as necessary. Agency administrators are
responsible and will be held accountable for making employees available.

**17. EVALUATION**

Agencies will develop and implement a systematic method of evaluation to
determine effectiveness of projects through implementation of the 2001
Federal Fire Policy. The evaluation will assure accountability,
facilitate resolution of areas of conflict, and identify resource
shortages and agency priorities.

Morristown NHP is an active participant in, and contributor to,
interagency planning processes, funding mechanisms, training and
qualification requirements, operational procedures,
values-to-be-protected methodologies, and public education programs for
all fire management activities employed in the Fire Program Analysis
(FPA) New Jersey 17 interagency Fire Planning Unit (FPU).

# Appendix C: Definition of Terms {#appendix-c-definition-of-terms-1 .unnumbered}

**Chain:** A unit of measure equal to 66 feet.

**Control Line:** A comprehensive term for all the constructed and
natural fire barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire.

**Direct Method:** A method of suppression that treats the fire as a
whole, or all its burning edges, by wetting, cooling, smothering, or
chemically quenching the fire, or by mechanically separating the fire
from unburned fuel.

**Fire Weather:** Weather conditions that influence fire ignition,
behavior, and suppression.

**Fire Management Plan:** A strategic plan that defines a program to
manage wildland fires. This plan is supplemented by operational
procedures such as preparedness, preplanned dispatch burn plans and
prevention.

**Flame Length (FL):** The length of a flame measured from the base of
the flame to its tip and parallel to the length of the flame. Flame
length is measured on a slant when the flame is tilted due to the
effects of wind and slope.

**Fuel Model:** A simulated fuel complex for which all fuel descriptions
required by the mathematical fire spread model have been specified.

**Fuel Type:** An identifiable vegetative association of fuel elements
of distinctive species, form, size, arrangement, or other
characteristics.

**Hazard Fuels:** Fuels that, if ignited, have significant potential to
threaten human life and safety, real property, park resources, or carry
fire across park boundaries.

**Indirect Attack:** A method of suppression in which the control line
is located along natural firebreaks, favorable breaks in topography, or
at considerable distance from the fire.

**Initial Action:** Action taken by the first resources to arrive at a
wildland fire to meet protection and fire use objectives.

**Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics** (MIST): The application of
techniques that effectively accomplish wildland fire management
objectives while minimizing the impacts to cultural and natural
resources commensurate with ensuring public and firefighter safety and
effective wildland fire control.

**National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS):** A multiple index scheme
designed to provide fire control and land management personnel with a
systematic means of assessing various aspects of fire danger on a
day-to-day basis.

**Planned Ignition:** A fire ignited by management actions to meet
specific objectives.

**Preparedness:** Activities that help to provide a safe, efficient and
cost effective fire management program in support of land and resource
management objectives through appropriate planning and coordination.

**Prescribed Fire:** A fire ignited by park managers under known
conditions of fuel, weather, and topography to achieve specific
objectives. An approved prescribed fire plan must be completed and NEPA
requirements must be met prior to ignition.

**Prescription:** Measurable criteria that guide selection of
appropriate management strategies and actions. Prescription criteria may
include economic, public health, environmental, geographic,
administrative, social or legal considerations.

**Rate of Spread (ROS):** The time it takes the leading edge of a
flaming fire front to travel a known distance. Rate of spread is
commonly measured in chains/hour and meters/second.

**Suppression:** Management actions intended to protect identified
values from a fire, extinguish a fire, or alter a fire\'s direction of
spread.

**Unplanned Ignition:** A wildland fire not ignited by management
actions.

**Wildland:** Any area under fire management jurisdiction of a land
management agency.

**Wildland Fire:** Any fire, other than prescribed fire that occurs in
the wildland.

**Wildland Fire Situation Analysis** **(WFSA):** A decision-making
process that evaluates alternative management strategies against
selected environmental, social, political, and economic criteria.

**Weather Information Management System (WIMS):** An interactive
computer system designed to accommodate the weather information needs of
all federal and state natural resource agencies.

# Appendix D: Species Lists  {#appendix-d-species-lists-1 .unnumbered}

**Trees**

Norway Spruce *Picea abies*

Pitch Pine *Pinus rigida*

White Pine *Pinus strobus*

Eastern Hemlock *Tsuga canadensis*

Eastern Red Cedar *Juniperus virginiana*

Black Willow *Salix nigra*

Pignut Hickory *Carya glabra*

Shagbark Hickory *Carya ovata*

Red Hickory *Carya ovalis*

Mockernut Hickory *Carys tomentosa*

Black Walnut *Juglans nigra*

Yellow Birch *Betula lutea*

Black Birch *Betula lenta*

Gray Birch *Betula populifolia*

American Hornbeam *Carpinus caroliniana*

American Chestnut *Castenea dentata*

American Beech *Fagus grandifolia*

White Oak *Quercus alba*

Red Oak *Quercus borealis*

Scarlet Oak *Quercus coccinea*

Pin Oak *Quercus palustris*

Black Oak *Quercus velutina*

American Elm *Ulmus americana*

Slippery Elm *Ulmus rubra*

White Mulberry *Morus alba*

Yellow Poplar *Lirodendron tulipifera*

Umbrella Magnolia *Magnolia tripetala*

Sassafras *Sassafras albidum*

American Sycamore *Platanus occidentalis*

Hawthorne *Crataegus sp.*

Sweet Cherry *Prunus avium*

Black Cherry *Prunus serotina*

Black Locust *Robinia pseudoacacia*

Tree of Heaven *Acer altissima*

Red Maple *Acer rubrum*

Sugar Maple *Acer saccharum*

Basswood *Tilia americana*

Flowering Dogwood *Cornus florida*

Blackgum *Nyssa sylvatica*

White Ash *Fraxinus americana*

Black Ash *Fraxinus nigra*

Siebold's Viburnum *Viburnum Sieboldii*

Chinese Chestnut *Castenea mollisima*

**Shrubs and Small Trees**

Speckled Alder *Alnus rugosa*

Smooth Alder *Alnus serrulata*

Japanese Barberry *Berberis thunbergi*

Hazelnut *Corylus americana*

Witch-Hazel *Hamamelis virginiana*

Smooth Sumac *Rhus glabra*

Spicebush *Lindera benzoin*

Mock Orange *Philadelphus cornarius*

Black Raspberry *Rubus occidentalis*

Raspberry *Rubus strigosus*

Lowbush Blueberry *Vaccinium vacillans*

Privet *Ligustrum vulgare* Elderberry *Sambucus canadensis*

Maple Leaf Viburnum *Viburnum acerifolium*

Arrow Wood *Viburnum dentatum*

Tart Honeysuckle *Lonicera tartarica*

**Vines**

American Bittersweet *Celastrus scandens*

Oriental Bittersweet *Celastrus orbiculatus*

VirginiaCreeper *Parthenocissus qinquefolia*

Poison Ivy *Rhus radicans*

Catbriar *Smilax glauca*

Summer Grape *Vitus aestivalis*

Fox Grape *Vitus labrusca*

**Mammals**

Shorttail Shrew *Blarina brevicauda*

Least Shrew *Cryptotis parva*

Smoky Shrew *Sorex fumeus*

Starnose Mole *Condylura cristata*

Eastern Mole *Scalopus aquaticus*

Opossum *Didephis virginianus*

Big Brown Bat *Eptesicus fuscus*

Northern Long-Eared Bat *Myotis septenrionalis*

S. Flying Squirrel *Glaucomys volans*

Red Bat *Lasiurus borealis*

Little Brown Bat *Myotis lucifigus*

Woodchuck *Marmota monax*

Striped Skunk *Mephitis mephitis*

Meadow Vole *Microtus pennsylvanicus*

House Mouse *Mus musculus*

Meadow Jumping Mouse *Zapus hudsonius*

White-footed Mouse *Peromyscus leucopus*

Longtail Weasel *Mustela frenata*

Eastern Pipistrel *Pipistrellus subflavus*

Raccoon *Procyon lotor*

Norway Rat *Rattus norvegicus*

Eastern Gray Squirrel *Sciurus carolinensis*

Red Squirrel *Tamiasciurus hudsonicus*

Eastern Cottontail *Sylvilagus floridanus*

Eastern Chipmunk *Tamias striatus*

Gray Fox *Urocyon cinereoargenteus*

Red Fox *Vulpes fulva*

Whitetail Deer *Odocoileus virginianus*

**Amphibians**

Spotted Salamander *Ambystoma maculatum*

Eastern american toad *Bufo americanus*

N. Dusky Salamander *Desmognathus fuscus*

Red-spotted Newt *Diemictylus viridescen*

Two Lined Salamander *Eurycea bislineata*

Gray Treefrog *Hyla versicolor*

Red-backed Salamander *Plethodon cinereus*

Slimy Salamander *Plethodon glutinosus*

Red Salamander *Pseudotriton ruber*

Bullfrog *Rana catesbeiana*

Green Frog *Rana clamitans*

Pickerel Frog *Rana palustris*

Wood Frog *Rana sylvatica*

**Fish**

Blacknose Dace *Rhynichthys atratulus*

Bluegill *Lepomis macrochirus*

Brook Trout *Salvelinus fontinalis*

Brown Trout *Salmo trutta*

Creek Chub *Semotilus atromaculatus*

Golden Shiner *Notemigonus chrysoleucas*

Slimey Sculpin *Cottus cognatus*

Spottail Shiner *Notropis hudsonius*

Rainbow Trout *Ocorhynchus mykiss*

Tesselated Darter *Etheostoma olmstedi*

White Sucker *Catostomus commersoni*

**Reptiles**

Eastern Garter Snake *Thamnophis sirtalis*

Northern Ringneck Snake *Diadophis punctatus edwarsii*

Northern Water Snake *Nerodia sipedon*

EasternMilk Snake *Lampropeltis triangulum*

Eastern Box Turtle *Terrapene carolina*

Eastern Painted Turtle *Chrysemys picta*

Snapping Turtle *Chelydra serpentina*

Common Musk Turtle *Sternotherus odoratus*

Wood Turtle *Clemmys insculpta*

**Birds**

Great Blue Heron *Ardea herodias*

Green Heron *Butorides virescens*

Mallard *Anas platyrhynchos*

Turkey Vulture *Cathartes aura*

Sharp-shinned Hawk *Accipiter striatus*

Coopers Hawk *Accipiter cooperii*

Broad winged Hawk *Buteo platypterus*

Red-tailed Hawk *Buteo jamaicensis*

Mourning Dove *Zenaida macroura*

Yellow-billed Cuckoo *Coccyzus americanus*

Barn Owl *Tyto alba*

Great Horned Owl *Bubo virginianus*

Eastern Screech Owl *Otus asio*

Common Nighthawk *Chordeiles minor*

Whip-poor-will *Caprimulgus vociferus*

Chimney Swift *Chaetura pelagica*

Belted Kingfisher *Megaceryle alcyon*

Downy Woodpecker *Picoides pubescens*

Hairy Woodpecker *Picoides villosus*

Northern Flicker *Colaptes auratus*

Eastern Wood Pewee *Contopus virens*

Least Flycatcher *Empidonax minimus*

Eastern Phoebe *Sayornis phoebe*

Great Crested Flycatcher *Myiarchus crinitus*

Eastern Kingbird *Tyrannus tyrannus*

Barn Swallow *Hirundo rustica*

Tree Swallow *Tachycineta bicolor*

Blue Jay *Cyanocitta cristata*

American Crow *Corvus brachyrhynchos*

Black-capped Chickadee *Parus atricapillus*

Tufted Titmouse *Parus bicolor*

White-breasted Nuthatch *Sitta carolinensis*

House Wren *Troglodytes aedon*

Eastern Bluebird *Sialia sialis*

Wood Thrush *Hylocichla mustelina*

American Robin *Turdus migratorius*

Catbird *Dumetella carolinensis*

Northern Mockingbird *Mimus polyglottos*

Cedar Waxwing *Bombycilla cedrorum*

European Starling *Sturnus vulgaris*

Yellow-throated Vireo *Vireo flavifrons*

Red-eyed Vireo *Vireo olivaceus*

Blue-winged Warbler *Vermivora pinus*

Yellow-rumped Warbler *Dendroica coronata*

Common Yellowthroat *Geothlypis trichas*

Black and White Warbler *Mniotilta varia*

Ovenbird *Seiurus aurocapillus*

Yellow-breasted Chat *Icteria virens*

Scarlet Tanager *Piranga olivacea*

Cardinal *Cardinalis cardinalis*

Rose-breasted Grosbeak *Pheucticus ludovicianus*

Indigo Bunting *Passerina cyanea*

Rufous-sided Towhee *Pipilo erythrophthalmus*

Chipping Sparrow *Spizella passerina*

Field Sparrow *Spizella pusilla*

Grasshopper Sparrow *Ammodramus savannarum*

Song Sparrow *Melospiza melodia*

Red-winged Blackbird *Agelaius phoeniceus*

Eastern Meadowlark *Sturnella magna*

Common Grackle *Quiscalus quiscula*

Brown-headed Cowbird *Molothrus ater*

Baltimore Oriole *Icterus galbula*

Purple Finch *Carpodacus purpureus*

American Goldfinch *Carduelis tristis*

# Appendix E: Categorical Exclusion {#appendix-e-categorical-exclusion-1 .unnumbered}

# Categorical Exclusion Form

**Project Number** -- MORR-0502 **Date**-05/04/05

**Describe project, including location (reference the attached
Environmental Screening Form, if appropriate):**

Morristown National Historical Park-Wildland Fire Management Plan 2005

**Describe the category used to exclude action from further NEPA
analysis and indicate the number of the category:**

516 DM 2 1.12

Hazardous fuels reduction activities using prescribed fire not to exceed
4,500 acres, and mechanical methods for crushing, piling, thinning,
pruning cutting, chipping, mulching and mowing, not to exceed 1,000
acres. Such activities shall be limited to areas 1) in wildland-urban
interface and 2) Condition Classes 2 or 3 in Fire Regimes 1, II, or III,
outside the wildland-urban interface; shall be identified through a
collaborative framework as described in "A Collaborative Approach for
Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the
Environment---10-year Comprehensive Strategy Implementation Plan", Shall
be conducted consistent with Agency and Departmental procedures and
applicable land and resource management plans; Shall not be conducted in
wilderness areas or impair the suitability of wilderness study areas for
preservation as wilderness; Shall not include the use of herbicides or
pesticides or the construction of new permanent roads or other new
permanent infrastructure; and may include the sale of vegetative
material if the primary purpose of the activity is hazardous fuel
reduction.

**Describe any public or agency involvement effort conducted (reference
the attached ESF):**

Adjacent landowners contacted by mail concerning preparation of the
plan. Draft fire mgt. plan made available to public on park website.

**On the basis of the environmental impact information in the compliance
file, which I am familiar, I am categorically excluding the described
project from further NEPA analysis. No exceptional circumstances (e.g.
all boxes in the ESF are marked "no") or conditions in the section 3-6
apply, and the action is fully described in section 3-4 of NPS-12.**

Randy Turner 5/18/05

**Park Superintendent or Designee Date**

Park Superintendent

**Title**

Robert Masson Biologist

**NPS Contact Person** **Title**

# Appendix F: Supplemental Information {#appendix-f-supplemental-information-1 .unnumbered}

### Morristown NHP Fire Call-Up List

#### Park Staff

  ---------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------
  **Name**         **Title**         **Qualification**   **Telephone**

  Steven Cape      Acting Chief of   FFT2                908-766-6841
                   Protection                            

  Rob Hipp         Park Ranger       FFT2                908-766-6841

  Robert Masson    Biologist         FFT2                908-766-6841

  Randy Turner     Superintendent                        908-766-8224

                                                         

                                                         

                                                         
  ---------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------

#### NPS and Interagency 

+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| **Name/Organization**                        | **Telephone**         |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Cliff Lively, Area FMO, Mid-Atlantic Fire    | 570-588-1845          |
| Management Area                              |                       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| New Jersey Forest Fire Service               | 973-827-6100          |
|                                              |                       |
| Graystone Fire Tower                         |                       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Bernardsville Fire Department)               | 908-766-9552          |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department         | 973-538-1277          |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Morristown Fire Bureau                       | 973-292-6602          |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Mendham Township Fire Department             | 973-543-7213          |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+

###  {#section .unnumbered}

# Appendix F: Supplemental Information {#appendix-f-supplemental-information-2 .unnumbered}

### Morristown NHP Organizational Chart 2004 (Fire)

Shaded boxes indicate positions with firefighter requirement in position
description

\* Depending on training

# Appendix F: Supplemental Information {#appendix-f-supplemental-information-3 .unnumbered}

### Fire Equipment Inventory (as of 05/04)

  --------------------------- -------------- --------------------------- --------------
  **Clothing**                                                           

  **Description**             **Quantity**   **Description**             **Quantity**

  Pants, green, old-style,    5              Shirt, yellow, size small   5
  female, size 10-12                                                     

  Pants, green, old-style,    6              Shirt, yellow, size medium  8
  male, size 32x34                                                       

  Pants, green, old-style,    2              Shirt, yellow size large    10
  male, size 34x34                                                       

  Pants, green, old-style,    1              Shirt, yellow, size x-large 3
  male, size 36X34                                                       

  Pants, green, old-style,    1                                          
  male, size 38x34                                                       

  Pants, green, new-style     2                                          
  BDU, size 32-34x34                                                     

  **Personal Protective                                                  
  Equipment**                                                            

  **Description**             **Quantity**   **Description**             **Quantity**

  Headlamps, complete         9              Fire Shelter, Training      2
                                             w/carrier                   

  Gloves, white, leather,     4              Carrier, yellow, fire       2
  adjustable wrist, size                     shelter                     
  small                                                                  

  Gloves, white, leather,     6              Liner, plastic, fire        2
  adjustable wrist, size                     shelter                     
  medium                                                                 

  Gloves, white, leather,     2              Water Bottle, plastic       11
  adjustable wrist, size                     w/screw top                 
  large                                                                  

  Gloves, white, leather,     1              Carrier, water bottle       30
  adjustable wrist, size                                                 
  x-large                                                                

  Goggles, safety style       11             Helmet, yellow plastic,     6
                                             NFPA approved               

  Goggles, Bouton style       4              Shroud/Neck Protector,      3
  w/extra lens                               yellow                      

  First Aid Kit, Large        2              Chaps, Chainsaw, green      2

  First Aid Kit, Personal     10             Blanket, gray wool          4

  Fire Shelter, Complete      2                                          
  w/liner and carrier                                                    

  **Packs and Personal Gear**                                            

  **Description**             **Quantity**   **Description**             **Quantity**

  Red Pack, FSS issue         4              Belt Bag, yellow            4

  Yellow Pack, FSS issue,     4              Sleeping Bag, yellow, FSS   5
  complete w/webbing                         issue                       

  Yellow Pack, FSS issue, w/o 2              Fireline Handbook           8
  webbing                                                                

  Tent, Portable, FSS issue   1                                          

  **Tools**                                                              

  **Description**             **Quantity**   **Description**             **Quantity**

  Fire Rake                   2                                          

  Pulaski                     5                                          

  Shovel                      6                                          
  --------------------------- -------------- --------------------------- --------------

\*Note: There are many unserviceable items in the cache that do not meet
current standards established by the NFPA, OSHA, and NWCG, have become
unserviceable due to normal wear from field use, or are extraneous to
wildland fire operations. As a result, they are not included as part of
this inventory and should be disposed of either through donation to a
cooperating agency or destruction according to policy.

# Appendix F: Supplemental Information {#appendix-f-supplemental-information-4 .unnumbered}

### Cooperative Agreements 

There are currently no cooperative agreements with any local fire
agencies. Agreements will be established with the following agencies:

1)New Jersey Forest Fire Service

2\) Harding

3\) Morristown

4\) Morris Township

5\) Bernardsville

6\) Mendham

# Appendix F: Supplemental Information {#appendix-f-supplemental-information-5 .unnumbered}

### Tables

#### Table 1: Summary of Fires in Morristown National Historical Park, 1950-2004

  ---------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------
  **Year**         **Month/Day**        **Area or Name**     **Acreage**

  1950             July 03              Jockey Hollow        .01

  1952             October 31           Jockey Hollow        .01

  1952             November 01          Jockey Hollow        .01

  1952             November 06          Jockey Hollow        .01

  1952             November 07          Jockey Hollow        .01

  1952             November 07          Jockey Hollow        .01

  1952             November 12          Jockey Hollow        .01

  1953             April 30             Fort Nonsense        .015

  1957             March 23             Fort Nonsense        .25

  1957             June 11              Jockey Hollow        2.00

  1958             April 03             Fort Nonsense        .25

  1958             May 13               Fort Nonsense        1.00

  1960             April 24             Jockey Hollow        .25

  1961             April 22             Jockey Hollow        .01

  1963             April 10             Fort Nonsense        2.76

  1965             May 01               Jockey Hollow        .40

  1966             March 31             Fort Nonsense        .10

  1966             October 29           Fort Nonsense        .20

  1966             October 31           Fort Nonsense        .10

  1966             November 07          Fort Nonsense        .20

  1968             March 31             Jockey Hollow        2.00

  1977             April 04             Fort Nonsense        .10

  1977             April 12             Fort Nonsense        3.00

  1979             May 11               Lone Range           2.00

  1980             April 21             Sugar Loaf           1.00

  1981             April 10             Sugarloaf 3          2.00

  1982             May 11               Cemetery             1.00

  1987             March 28             Ski Hill             .50

  1988             April 21             NY Brigade           1.50

  1992             May 03               Lydell               .20

  1999             January 31           Thill                8.00

  **Total Fires**  31                   **Total Acreage**    28.905
  ---------------- -------------------- -------------------- -------------

#### Table 2: Total Wildfires by Month, 1950-1992

![](media/image2.wmf)

# Appendix G: MORR Wildland Fire Implementation Plan - Stage 1 {#appendix-g-morr-wildland-fire-implementation-plan---stage-1 .unnumbered}

  ------------------ ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------
  Fire Name                                                                       

  Fire Number                                                                     

  Jurisdiction(s)                                                                 

  Administrative                                                                  
  Unit(s)                                                                         

  FMP Unit(s)                                               MORR                  

  Geographic Area                                                                 

  Accounting Code                                                                 

  Start Date/Time                                                                 

  Discovery                                                                       
  Date/Time                                                                       

  Current Date/Time                                                               

  Current Size                                                                    

  Location:          Legal Description(s)                  T.      R.      Sec.   Sub.

                     Latitude                                                     

                     Longitude                                                    

                     UTM:                                                         

                     County:                                                      

                     Local Description                                            

  Cause                                                                           

  Fuel                                                                            
  Model/Conditions                                                                
                                                                                  

  Current Weather                                                                 

  Predicted Weather                                                               

   Availability of                                                                
  Resources                                                                       

  Wild land fire use                                                              
  is not applicable                                                               
  at MORR. All                                                                    
  wildland fires are                                                              
  to be suppressed                                                                

   Signature                                               Date                   
  ------------------ ------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------

###  {#section-1 .unnumbered}

# Appendix H: Fire Prevention Assessment and Action Plan  {#appendix-h-fire-prevention-assessment-and-action-plan-1 .unnumbered}

In order to determine the necessary components of an effective Fire
Prevention Plan for Morristown National Historical Park, an assessment
was conducted of three fire-related variables, as they exist in the
park.

-   **Risks** consider those human uses or activities likely to ignite a
    fire.

-   **Hazards** are the fuels and topography that help determine the
    degree of difficulty expected in suppressing a certain fire.

-   **Values** concern those areas in a park where loss of certain
    resources to fire would be unacceptable.

Various base maps showing these variables are maintained at the
Protection Office; overlay maps have not been prepared.

Following is an analysis of the four Morristown administrative units:

**Jockey Hollow**

-   **Risk -- *High* --** The existence of many roads and heavy
    visitation throughout the unit makes the potential for human-caused
    wildland fire high. Cigarettes dropped on the ground by visitors or
    thrown from passing motor vehicles pose a threat. Pas historical
    fire data shows 65% of park fires occurred in this unit. Potential
    for wildland/urban interface fire is also high in this unit.

-   **Hazard -- *Moderate* --** Much *o*f this unit is mixed deciduous
    forest with mowed and unmowed fields. During the fire season, the
    fuel is capable of supporting wildland fires of low to moderated
    intensity. Because of the presence of a myriad of roads, trails, and
    natural barriers, any wildland fire would not be expected to spread
    very far. Many of the valley bottoms are relatively wet and would be
    mostly unsupportive of a fire. Some of the dryer fields with high
    grasses would support fire during the curing stage.

-   **Value -- *High* --** The unit is full of valuable historic
    resources, structures, and archeological sites. Many of the historic
    structures are wooden or have wood shingle roofs, such as the Wick
    House, Guerin House, Quarters #10, Soldier Huts, and barn.

**Fort Nonsense**

-   **Risk -- *High* --** Moderate visitation, but the proximity of this
    unit to the center of Morristown makes it a prime spot for
    adolescents to visit. Previous evidence of illegal campfires,
    portable charcoal grills, and numerous cigarette butts dropped on
    the ground or thrown from passing motor vehicles makes the potential
    for human-caused fires high. Past historical fire data shows 38% of
    park fires occurred in this unit. Potential for wildland/urban
    interface fire is very high.

-   **Hazard -- *Moderate* --** The predominant fuel in this unit is a
    mixed deciduous forest. During the fire season, the fuel is capable
    of supporting wildland fires of low to moderate intensity,
    especially due to the sloping topography. Because of the presence of
    the road and trails, and the relatively small size of the unit, any
    wildland fire would not be expected to spread very far.

-   **Value -- Low --** This unit contains a stone outline of an 18^th^
    century historic site, which would suffer little damage from a
    wildland fire.

**Ford Mansion/Museum**

-   **Risk -- *High* --** The existence of many roads, a large parking
    lot, and high visitor density within this unit make the potential
    for human-caused wildland fire high.

-   **Hazard -- *Low* --** This unit is almost entirely mowed lawn with
    scattered mature oak trees. There are small patches of deciduous
    trees in between residences, which would be incapable of supporting
    wildland fire for more than a brief time.

-   **Value -- *High* --**The Ford Mansion is of great historical
    significance.

**New Jersey Brigade**

-   **Risk -- *Moderate* --** This unit of the park is mostly
    undeveloped and has a low-moderate visitation rate. The presence of
    roads and trails surrounding this unit makes the potential for
    human-caused fires to be moderate. The potential for a
    wildland/urban interface fire would also be moderate.

-   **Hazard -- *Moderate* --** The predominant fuel model within this
    unit is a mixed deciduous forest. During the fire season, the fuel
    is capable of supporting wildland fires of low to moderate
    intensity. Because of the fire roads, trails, and natural barriers,
    any wildland fire would not be expected to travel very far.

-   **Value -- *High* --** The Cross Estate, which is in this unit,
    serves as both office space and as dormitory housing. The loss would
    be of high historical significance.

**SPECIFIC ACTIONS**

1.  On-going program to clear 30-100 foot defensible zones around all
    historic structures.

> **Responsible Person:** Fire Management Coordinator On-going

2.  Camp or cooking fires are prohibited in the park, except for
    interpretive demonstrations.

> **Responsible Person:** Chief of Protection On-going

3.  Park Safety Committee presents training on wildfire prevention and
    incorporates urban-interface protection concepts into building and
    other site inspections.

> **Responsible Person:** Park Safety Coordinator On-going

4.  High Visibility patrols are conducted at times of high visitation,
    especially in areas prone to fire-related problems.

> **Responsible Person:** Chief of Protection On-going

5.  A guideline for black powder use exists to ensure its safe use
    during interpretive demonstrations. Demonstrations are suspended
    during periods of high fire danger.

> **Responsible Person:** Fire Management Coordinator On-going

6.  Work with the local fire warden to conduct fire prevention programs
    at the park for the visiting public and area residents. Incorporate
    fire prevention messages into information media (bulletin boards)
    and interpretive programs during period of high fire danger.

> **Responsible Person:** Fire Management Coordinator On-going

7.  Conduct annual fire inspections of all fire extinguishers and park
    structures.

> **Responsible Person:** Structural Fire Coordinator On-going

8.  Inspect and clean chimneys within park structures and wood stoves on
    an annual basis.

> **Responsible Person:** Chief of Maintenance On-going

9.  Protect all publicly accessible and historic structures within the
    park with fire detection systems.

> **Responsible Person:** Structural Fire Coordinator On-going

10. Strictly enforce all fire regulations under Title 36 CFR.

> **Responsible Person:** Chief of Protection On-going

# Appendix I: Maps {#appendix-i-maps .unnumbered}

**1. Vegetation**

![](media/image3.png){width="9.222916666666666in"
height="6.008333333333334in"}

# Appendix I: Maps {#appendix-i-maps-1 .unnumbered}

### Hydrology 

![](media/image4.png){width="9.463194444444444in"
height="6.031944444444444in"}

### Archeological Resources Map --Park Copy Only

# Appendix J: Lists of Park Structures  {#appendix-j-lists-of-park-structures-1 .unnumbered}

### Classified Structures 

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Number** **Name**               | **Number** **Name**               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 01 Museum                         | 42 Cross Estate - Root Cellar     |
|                                   |                                   |
| 01A Washington\'s Headquarters -  | 43 Cross Estate -                 |
| Pathways                          | Garage/Apartment                  |
|                                   |                                   |
| 02 Ford Mansion                   | 44 Cross Estate - Gardener\'s     |
|                                   | Residence                         |
| 03 Caretaker\'s Cottage           |                                   |
|                                   | 44A Cross Estate - Gardeners      |
| 08 Guerin House                   | Residence Retaining Wall          |
|                                   |                                   |
| 08A Guerin House - Wood Fence     | 45 Cross Estate - Chalet          |
|                                   |                                   |
| 08B Guerin House - Pathways       | 46 Cross Estate - Main House      |
|                                   |                                   |
| 09 Guerin House - Garage          | 48 Cross Estate - Water Tower     |
|                                   |                                   |
| 10 Quarters 10                    | 49 Cross Estate - Garage          |
|                                   |                                   |
| 12 Quarters 10 Garage             | 50 Cross Estate - Blacksmith Shop |
|                                   |                                   |
| 13 Fort Nonsense Monument         | 51 Cross Estate - Ruins           |
|                                   |                                   |
| 14 Stark\'s Brigade Monument      | 51A Cross Estate - Chimney Ruins  |
|                                   |                                   |
| 15 Bettin Oak Monument            | 52 Cross Estate - Red Barn        |
|                                   |                                   |
| 20 Old Camp Road                  | 53 Cross Estate - Chalet -        |
|                                   | Chicken House Ruins               |
| 21 Mendham - Elizabethtown Road   |                                   |
|                                   | 54 Cross Estate - Chalet - Ruins  |
| 23 Wick House                     |                                   |
|                                   | 55 Cross Estate - Pump House      |
| 23A Wick Farm - Stone Walkways    |                                   |
|                                   | 56 Cross Estate - Chalet - Garage |
| 23B Wick Farm - Split Rail Fence  |                                   |
|                                   | 57 Cross Estate - Chalet -        |
| 23C Wick Farm - Worm Fence        | Workshop                          |
|                                   |                                   |
| 24 Wick Farm - Well Head          | 58 Cross Estate - Chalet - Barn   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 25 Wick Farm - Privy              | 59 Cross Estate - Chalet - Wall   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 26 Wick Farm - Smoke House        | 59A Cross Estate - Chalet -       |
|                                   | Retaining Wall                    |
| 28 Wick Farm - Pig Sty, Sheep     |                                   |
| Byre & Cow Shed                   | 60 Cross Estate - Chalet - Gate   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 29 Wick Farm - Barn Foundation    | 65 Hartshorne House               |
|                                   |                                   |
| 31 Cemetery Site Marker           | 65A Hartshorne House - Retaining  |
|                                   | Wall                              |
| 41A Cross Estate - Pergola        |                                   |
|                                   | 68X Patriot\'s Path Stone Wall    |
| 41B Cross Estate - Formal Garden  |                                   |
| Paths                             |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 41C Cross Estate - Formal Garden  |                                   |
| Walls                             |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 41D Cross Estate - Main House     |                                   |
| Terrace                           |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 41E Cross Estate - Lawn Retaining |                                   |
| Wall                              |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

### Non-Classified Structures

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Number Name**                   | **Number Name**                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 4 Rustic Bridge#1                 | 35 Quarters#35-Mission 66 House   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 5 Rustic Bridge#2                 | 36 Pennsylvania Line Soldiers Hut |
|                                   | #1                                |
| 6 Rustic Bridge#3                 |                                   |
|                                   | 37 Pennsylvania Line Soldiers     |
| 7 Rustic Bridge#4                 | Hut#2                             |
|                                   |                                   |
| 11 Quarters#10 Sign Shop          | 38 Pennsylvania Line Soldiers     |
|                                   | Hut#3                             |
| 16 Utility Area Repair Shop       |                                   |
|                                   | 39 Pennsylvania Line Soldiers     |
| 17 Utility Area Carpenter Shop &  | Hut#4                             |
| Equipment Storage                 |                                   |
|                                   | 40 Pennsylvania Line Officers Hut |
| 18 Utility Area Utility Building  |                                   |
|                                   | 41 Cross Estate Garden            |
| 19 Utility Area Oil Shed          |                                   |
|                                   | 47 Dick House                     |
| 27 Wick House Herb Garden         |                                   |
|                                   | 61 Quarters 62 Shed               |
| 30 Wick House Orchard             |                                   |
|                                   | 62 Weig House                     |
| 33 Wick House Pit Privy           |                                   |
|                                   | 62A Quarters#62 Pump House        |
| 34 Caretaker's Cottage Garage     |                                   |
|                                   | 63 Jockey Hollow Visitor Center   |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | 64 Jockey Hollow Comfort Station  |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | 66 Washington's Headquarters      |
|                                   | Maintenance Shed                  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+