Attachment 1- 1

Official signature page on file.
Attachment 1- 2

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION, POLICY, AND LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING ........................................................3

1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................3

1.2 Program Organization...................................................................................................................6

1.3 Environmental Compliance...........................................................................................................8

1.3.1 Fire Management Plan Compliance......................................................................................9

1.3.2 Incident or Implementation Compliance............................................................................10

1.4 Resource Management Planning ................................................................................................10

1.5 Science ........................................................................................................................................10

1.6 Climate Change ...........................................................................................................................11

1.7 Collaborative Planning ................................................................................................................11

2. FIRE MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES....................................................................................11

2.1 Goals ...........................................................................................................................................11

2.2 Objectives....................................................................................................................................11

2.2.1 Wildland Fire Related Resource and Protection Objectives...............................................12

2.2.2 Wildland Fire Related Operational Constraints..................................................................18

3. WILDLAND FIRE OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE ........................................................................................30

3.1 Preparedness ..............................................................................................................................30

3.1.1 Operational Plans................................................................................................................30

3.2 Management of Wildfires...........................................................................................................30

3.3 Fuels Treatments ........................................................................................................................32

3.4 Post Fire Response – Emergency Stabilization (ES)/Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation 

(BAR) 34

3.5 Air Quality/Smoke Management................................................................................................35

3.6 Data Sources, Reports and Systems............................................................................................36

4. MONITORING AND EVALUATION........................................................................................................37

4.1 Monitoring the Fire Management Plan ......................................................................................37
Attachment 1- 3

1. INTRODUCTION, POLICY, AND LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING

1.1 Introduction 

The purpose of the Fire Management Plan (FMP) is to describe how fire management strategies and 

tactics will protect values and provide tools to meet resource goals and objectives. The FMP tiers to 

decisions made in the LUPs and subsequent NEPA decisions. Development of this FMP is required by

the 2009 Guidance for Implementation of Wildland Fire Management Policy. This plan has been 

prepared on the foundational principle that firefighter and public safety is the first priority in every fire 

management activity. 

The Carson City 

District manages 

4.8 million 

federally owned 

acres in two 

states. The 

Carson City 

District Division of 

Fire and Aviation 

(CCD) has fire 

management 

responsibility in 

portions of 

Washoe, Carson, 

Douglas, Storey, 

Churchill, Nye,

and Mineral 

counties in 

Nevada and 

Alpine, Lassen, 

and Sierra 

counties in 

California, as well 

as on reservation 

and tribal trust 

lands 

administered by 

the Western 

Nevada Agency of 

the Bureau of 

Indian Affairs. 
Attachment 1

-4

Over the 10 year 

period 2006-2015, 

CCD had 

jurisdictional 

authority over 843 

fires (84 fires/year) 

on Federal lands 

administered by 

both the BLM and 

BIA. Ten of these 

fires reached size 

class G (>5000 

acres). Major fire 

years were 2007, 

2009, 2012, and 

2013. Major fires in 

the time period 

included Adrian 

(14,004 ac) and 

Sand Pass (16,988 

ac) in 2007, Red 

Rock (10,549 ac) and 

Hoyt (10,670 ac) in 

2009, Wall (17,200 

ac) in 2012, and 

Bison (24,140 ac) in 

2013. The 2007 and 

2009 fires were in 

mixed grass and 

shrub fuel types, 

and were part of 

very active seasons. 

The Bison Fire in 

2013 was a standout 

in a notably slow 

season after 3 years 

of historic drought. 

It burned in 

continuous drought 

stressed pinyon-

juniper fuels. 
Attachment 1- 5

In general, 

problem fires in 

the Carson City 

District are related 

to good fall and/or 

spring

precipitation which 

yield more

continuous annual 

grasses. Fires 

typically do not 

begin to exhibit 

problem fire 

behavior until 100 

hour fuels reach 

4% and the 

probability of 

ignition exceeds 

86. These values 

have become 

important and are 

utilized on the 

Sierra Front pocket 

card and as 

rationale for 

severity extensions 

respectively.
Attachment 1- 6 

FMP Reader Instructions: 

Throughout the document, where manuals and handbooks have been referenced please remember to 

confirm whether additional direction has been issued since the most recent manual or handbook release 

in the form of Instruction Memorandums (available on the BLM Fire and Aviation Intranet here and on 

the Washington Office Intranet here).

1.2 Program Organization 

CCD provides fire management and oversight for the Carson City District BLM and Western Nevada 

Agency BIA fire programs.

The Carson City District 

manages 4,803,205 acres 

of federal land within 

the states of Nevada and 

California. CCD has 

primary jurisdiction over 

these acres, as well as 

639,301 Acres within the 

Pyramid Lake and 

Walker reservations for 

the Western Nevada 

Agency of the BIA and 

additional smaller tribal 

trust and reservation 

lands. Under a Direct 

Protection Agreement, 

CCD also has IA 

jurisdiction over 80,628

acres near Doyle, CA.

CCD maintains 

cooperative and mutualaid agreements with 

several state and local 

agencies, the BIA, and 

the USFS. All BLM fire 

dispatches occur through 

the Sierra Front 

Interagency Dispatch 

Center except for within 

the Doyle area DPA . 

The following table lists 

the agreements 

currently affecting CCD 

fire management. 
Attachment 1- 7

Entity Type Subtype

Carson City FD Local County

Central Lyon FPD Local County

Northern California District BLM Federal BLM

East Fork FPD Local County

Fallon NAS Federal DOD

Mason Valley Local County

North Lyon FPD Local County

Reno FD Local City

Smith Valley Local County

Sparks FD Local City

Storey County FD Local County

Truckee Meadows FPD Local County

Washoe County Local County

Winnemucca District BLM Federal BLM

Western Nevada Agency BIA Federal BIA

Carson/Bridgeport District USFS Federal USFS

Nevada Department of Forestry State NDF

California Department of Forestry State CAL Fire

CCD currently staffs 8 to 11 wildland fire engines based on budget, a Type 2 IA Module, and the Silver 

State Hotshots. There are 7 stations staffed throughout the District: Doyle, Palomino Valley, Cold 

Springs, Carson City, Plymouth, Fish Springs, and Fernley. During times of severe fire hazard, an 

additional station is activated in Edwards Creek Valley to enhance the protection of sage-grouse values 

on the eastern portion of the district. These resources are supervised and supported by the following 

organization:

FMO

Unit Aviation 

Manager

Air Tanker Base 

Manager

ATGS

Asistaint Center 

Manager

AFMO Ops

Training Officer

FOS North AFOS North 3-5 Engines

FOS South AFOS South 3-5 Engines

SVST IHC

Fire Business Lead

Fire Admin Clerk

Timekeeper

AFMO BIA IA Module

AFMO Fuels

Fire Ecologist

Fire Planner

Mit/Ed Specialist
Attachment 1- 8

1.3 Environmental Compliance 

See Land Use Planning Area Boundaries Map and/or section 1.4 for additional information on resource 

management plans.

Impacts of the Fire 

Management Program 

have already been 

analyzed in the 

environmental documents 

that accompany the 

Carson City District 

Consolidated Resource 

Management Plan (CRMP), 

the Record of Decision and 

Land Use Plan 

Amendment for the 

Nevada and California 

Greater Sage-Grouse BiState Distinct Population 

Segment in the Carson City 

District and Tonopah Field 

Office (BSSGA) and the 

Nevada and Northeastern 

California Greater SageGrouse Approved 

Resource Management 

Plan Amendment 

(ARMPA). Inclusion of 

these decisions made in 

the Land Use Plans meets 

all National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) 

Endangered Species Act 

(ESA) National Historic 

Preservation Act (NHPA) 

and mandatory Tribal 

Consultation 

requirements. 
Attachment 1- 9

CCD Fire management 

decisions are driven by the 

following NEPA 

documents:

● Carson City District 

Consolidated Resource 

Management Plan 

(2001)

● Record of Decision and 

Land Use Plan 

Amendment for the 

Nevada and California 

Greater Sage-Grouse 

Bi-State Distinct 

Population Segment in 

the Carson City District 

and Tonopah Field 

Office (2016)

● Nevada and 

Northeastern 

California Greater 

Sage-Grouse Approved 

Resource Management 

Plan Amendment 

(2015)

● Carson City District 

Normal year Fire Plan 

(2002)

1.3.1 Fire Management Plan Compliance

● A Biological Opinion was issued to BLM in July 2012 and July 2015 that showed concurrence 

with the BLM’s findings that the RMP actions would not adversely affect any endangered 

species.

● NHPA – All RMP(s) actions/decisions are in compliance with Section 106 of NHPA per the 

terms of the programmatic agreement between the BLM State Director and the State 
Attachment 1- 10

Historic Preservation Officer. The Nevada SHPO stated that the RMP(s) were consistent with 

the State Comprehensive Preservation Plan.

1.3.2 Incident or Implementation Compliance

This section documents the protocols and requirements of specific environmental and cultural resource 

laws in the development of the Carson City District FMP. Specific consultations were initiated and 

completed during the development and implementation of the associated Resource Management Plans, 

as amended (see section 1.4 for list). The following documents provide additional restrictions and/or 

guidance.

● Nevada State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Protocol agreement.

● United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Emergency Consultation Protocols.

● Tribal Consultation Protocols (BLM Manual 8100).

1.4 Resource Management Planning 

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) directs the US Department of the Interior 

(DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop and periodically revise or amend its resource 

management plans (RMPs), which guide management of BLM-administered lands. The following RMPs 

provide the guidance for implementation of Fire Management Activities within the planning area. 

● Carson City District Consolidated Resource Management Plan (2001)

● Record of Decision and Land Use Plan Amendment for the Nevada and California Greater 

Sage-Grouse Bi-State Distinct Population Segment in the Carson City District and Tonopah 

Field Office (2016)

● Nevada and Northeastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Approved Resource Management 

Plan Amendment (2015)

1.5 Science

The Carson City District FMP is based on the CRMP, BSSGA, and ARMPA decisions. These land use plans 

utilized a systematic interdisciplinary approach to integrate physical, biological, economic, and other 

sciences. Adaptive management practices using the best available science guides fire management in 

promoting human safety as well as reducing hazardous conditions, conserving wildlife and its habitat, 

minimizing air quality impacts and meeting other desirable goals. 

Advancing Science in the BLM: An Implementation Strategy

Great Basin Fire Science Exchange

firescience.gov
Attachment 1- 11

1.6 Climate Change 

Secretarial Order 3285 directs the BLM to consider climate change in all resource management planning 

activities. Impacts of climate change on the resources are mitigated in many of the fire and fuels 

management decisions. Policies, plans and adaptive management strategies that contribute to 

ecosystem resiliency, along with air, water and land health are in place. 

Fire management operations are to incorporate aspects of Environmental Management Systems to 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:

● utilizing green procurement, 

● reducing water and energy use at fire facilities, 

● fuel efficiency in the fire fleet and mechanized equipment,

● reducing waste generation during fire and fuels operations, 

● increasing use of renewable energy 

DOI Climate Strategy 

2. FIRE MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 

2.1 Goals

 Conserve, enhance, and restore the sagebrush ecosystem upon which Sage-grouse populations

depend in an effort to maintain and/or increase their abundance and distribution, in 

cooperation with other conservation partners.

 Restore fire as an integral part of the ecosystem, to improve the diversity of vegetation and 

reduce fire hazard fuels.

2.2 Objectives

The following tables found in sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 provide the NEPA analyzed 

guidance that the Carson City District uses to manage the Division of Fire and 

Aviation. Citations to the appropriate planning document, primary resource 

function, and references to maps illustrating the areas said citation are relevant

are also provided. These citations are further broken into the following functional 

areas: Common to all, pre-suppression, suppression, fuels, and post fire.
Attachment 1- 12

2.2.1 Wildland Fire Related Resource and Protection Objectives

COMMON TO ALL

RMP Citation Objective

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

VEG 5

Reduce the amount of GRSG habitat loss due to wide-spread wildfires and 

invasion by nonnative species.

GRSG 

ARMPA RDF WFM 1

Power-wash all firefighting vehicles, including engines, water tenders, 

personnel vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), prior to deploying in or 

near GRSG habitat to minimize the introduction and spread of undesirable 

and invasive plant species.

GRSG 

ARMPA RDF WFM 2 Protect wildland areas from wildfire originating on private lands, 

infrastructure corridors, and recreational areas.

GRSG 

ARMPA RDF WFM 3

Reduce the risk of vehicle or human-caused wildfires and the spread of 

invasive species by planting perennial vegetation (e.g., green-strips) 

paralleling road rights-of-way.

GRSG 

ARMPA FIRE 1

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 done based on the values to be protected, 

human health and safety, and the costs of protection. GRSG habitat will be 

prioritized commensurate with property values and other critical or 

sensitive habitats to be protected, with the goal to restore, enhance, and 

maintain areas suitable for GRSG.

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

VEG 13

In PHMAs and GHMAs, manage risks of GRSG habitat degradation or loss 

from landscape stressors of drought, invasive species, and wildfire 

exacerbated by climate change to maintain existing GRSG populations and 

habitats.

CCD CRMP SOP-1 #4

All areas of new surface disturbance will be rehabilitated, where such 

action is necessary and practical, to replace ground cover and prevent 

erosion.

CCD CRMP LSG-8 #6 All disturbed areas will be rehabilitated where such action is necessary and 

practical to replace ground cover and prevent erosion.

CCD CRMP WLD-2

Maintain and improve wildlife habitat, including riparian/stream habitats, 

and reduce habitat conflicts while providing for other appropriate resource 

use.

CCD CRMP WLD-2

Maintain or improve habitat condition of meadow and aquatic areas. 

Habitat condition for any wildlife species can be defined as the ability of a 

specific area to supply the forage, cover, water, and space requirements of 

an animal. Habitat condition, therefore, is a measure of habitat quality, 

and is determined by assessments, surveys, and studies.

CCD CRMP WLD-2

Maintain or improve the condition of the public rangelands so as to 

enhance productivity for all rangeland values (including wildlife)

CCD CRMP WLD-7

Vegetation control measures will be prohibited within 100 yards of a 

stream or meadow, on sage grouse breeding complexes, or wintering 

grounds, unless they are intended to improve sage grouse habitats.
Attachment 1- 13

CCD CRMP WLD-8

No broadleaf trees, dead or green, will be harvested because of their 

superior values to wildlife for nest trees.

CCD CRMP WLD-9

BLM will adhere to current habitat modification guidelines prepared by the 

Western Sage Grouse Committee of the Western Association of Fish and 

Wildlife Agencies.

CCD CRMP SSS-1

Screen all proposed actions to determine if T/E species or their habitat will 

be affected. Normally the environmental analysis process is used, but for 

some actions, such as 3809 notices or APDs, no EA is prepared; however, 

they must still be screened.

CCD CRMP SSS-1

Initiate consultation with the FWS/NMFS, as appropriate, for those actions 

that may affect T/E species or their habitats.

CCD CRMP SSS-1

Screen all proposed actions to determine if T/E species or their habitat will 

be affected. Normally the environmental analysis process is used, but for 

some actions, such as 3809 notices or APDs, no EA is prepared; however, 

they must still be screened.

CCD CRMP SSS-1

Initiate consultation with the FWS/NMFS, as appropriate, for those actions 

that may affect T/E species or their habitats.

CCD CRMP SSS-1

Until the consultation proceedings are completed and a final decision has 

been reached, BLM shall not carry out any actions that would cause 

irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources or reduce the future 

management options for the species involved.

CCD CRMP SSS-1

Ensure that no BLM action will adversely affect the likelihood of recovery 

of any T/E species.

CCD CRMP SSS-2

BLM shall confer with FWS/NMFS on any action that will adversely affect a 

proposed species or proposed Critical Habitat.

CCD CRMP SSS-2

Include candidate species as priority species in land use plans (BLM MS 

1622)

CCD CRMP SSS-2

Develop and implement range wide and/or site-specific management 

plans for candidate species that include specific habitat and population 

management objectives designed for recovery, as well as the management 

strategies necessary to meet those objectives.

CCD CRMP SSS-2

Ensure that BLM activities that affect the habitat of candidate species are 

carried out in a manner that is consistent with the objectives for managing 

those species.

CCD CRMP SSS-2

Monitor populations and habitats of candidate species to determine 

whether management objectives are being met.

CCD CRMP SSS-4

A Threatened and Endangered Species clearance for plants or animals will 

be required before any action will be approved that could affect those 

species. If any action could impact a Threatened or Endangered Species or 

its habitat, Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

will be initiated. Results of the consultation will determine if modification 

or abandonment of the project is required.

CCD CRMP FIR-2

Restore fire as an integral part of the ecosystem, improve the diversity of 

vegetation and to reduce fire hazard fuels
Attachment 1- 14

CCD CRMP ACE-1

Provide a high level of protection for Incandescent Rocks, Steamboat Hot 

Springs, and Soda Lake while recognizing other resource values.

BSSGA ROD-1 Goal 

1

Bi-State DPS habitat and movement corridors are managed to bring 

vegetation communities to their ecological site potential and to maintain 

or increase the species.

 Objective 1a: By 2024, 200,000 acres of degraded habitat (i.e., areas 

with conifer encroachment, invasive annual grasses, and/or altered 

fire regimes) have been improved through changes in management or 

restoration activities to meet habitat objectives.

PRE-SUPPRESSION

RMP Citation Objective

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

FIRE 2

Use pre-suppression efforts to reduce the size and impact of wildfires in 

SFA, PHMAs, and GHMAs.

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

FIRE 3

Protect post-fire treatments in SFA first, followed by PHMAs outside of 

SFA, and then GHMAs from subsequent wildfires

SUPPRESSION

RMP Citation Objective

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

FIRE 4

Use suppression to reduce the size and impact of wildfires in SFA, PHMAs, 

and GHMAs.

FUELS

RMP Citation Objective

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

FIRE 5

Protect and enhance PHMAs and GHMAs and areas of connectivity that 

support GRSG populations, including large contiguous blocks of sagebrush, 

through fuels management and incorporation of the FIAT assessment 

(Appendix H).

CCD CRMP SOP-1 #7

All construction, maintenance, or rehabilitation activities on public lands 

will use every reasonable means to minimize erosion and soil damage, 

including but not limited to, construction of water bars, cross ditches, or 

other structures as required by the authorized officer.

CCD CRMP SOP-2 #9

Activities in key fish and wildlife areas will, when necessary, be restricted 

during periods of breeding, nesting, spawning, lambing, or calving activity, 

and during major migration of fish and wildlife.

CCD CRMP SOP-3 #18

Revegetation of disturbed areas will be required as specified by the 

Bureau. The appropriate seed mixture and proper planting techniques will 

be specified by the Bureau.

CCD CRMP WLD-8

Brush control by herbicides, prescribed burning, or by mechanical means 

will be in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between 

the Nevada Division of Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management. The 

procedures specify, among other things, that vegetation control measures 

will be prohibited on sage grouse breeding complexes, wintering grounds, 

or within 100 yards of a stream or meadow.

CCD CRMP SWA-1

Manage the public lands in a manner that will protect and improve the 

quality of the soil, water, and air resources and watershed values 

associated with public lands.
Attachment 1- 15

CCD CRMP SWA-1

Stop the deterioration of public lands due to accelerated erosion and 

runoff and rehabilitate those areas where watershed values are 

significantly below their potential.

CCD CRMP SWA-1

Provide for compliance with applicable pollution control laws, 

including state and federal air, water, or other pollution control 

standards, programs, or implementation plans.

CCD CRMP SWA-1

Maintain air quality standards through case by case review of 

activities on public lands.

CCD CRMP SWA-3

Initiate an erosion control treatment or management actions 

designed to reduce surface impacts, in areas where accelerated

erosion is occurring due to BLM authorized activities. Develop 

specific management plans by watershed area, and implement 

action found to be economically feasible.

CCD CRMP SWA-3

Soil disturbance from activities on public lands will be minimized through 

activity planning and environmental assessment procedures.

CCD CRMP SWA-3

Air quality will be protected through compliance with the Clean Air 

Act of 1990 and all federal, state and local emission standards for air 

quality.

CCD CRMP FIR-2

Carson City Field Office is divided into four fire management categories A, 

B, C and D (see map X). Fire will be managed in these areas according to 

the following guidance.

CCD CRMP FIR-2

Category A: Those areas where wildfires are not wanted. These areas 

include threatened and endangered species habitat and the 

urban/wildland interface. Full suppression of wildfires will be the 

objective. Treatments using prescribed fire and selective tree cutting 

could be used on a limited basis to reduce fuel loading and the potential 

for severe wildfires. Wildfires in Category A areas will be suppressed with 

the intend of holding them to 10 acres or less 90% of the time, and 

continue aggressive suppression until fires are contained. Category A fire 

management with full suppression will be limited to about 20,000 acres in 

the Carson City Field Office administrative boundary.

CCD CRMP FIR-3

Category B: Those areas where wildfires are not wanted, but if fires occur 

and escape, management options on how to suppress the fire is available. 

It is recognized that fire has a role in the natural environment and 

opportunities for prescribed fire are significant. Many of the areas in this 

category have a history of severe fires that have escaped, despite 

aggressive full suppression responses. Hazardous fuels will be reduced in 

order to reduce the threat of rapid fire spread and escaped fires. 

Techniques to accomplish this will include prescribed burning and selective 

tree cutting. Major considerations are wildland/urban interface, 

threatened, endangered, or sensitive species habitat, or areas that have 

experienced so much fire in the last 10 to 15 years that special 

consideration is warranted. Wildfires in Category B areas will be 

suppressed with the intend of holding 90% to 10 acres or less in forested 

areas, and to 25 acres or less in brush or grass areas. Escaped fires will be 
Attachment 1- 16

closely analyzed to consider protection of life, then property and natural 

resources, and suppression strategies that will most effectively meet these 

goals will be used. Category B fire management will be applied to about 

500,000 acres in the Carson City Field Office administrative boundary.

CCD CRMP FIR-3

Category C: Those areas where fire has a significant role in the 

environment, and wildfires should be used to accomplish resource 

management goals. Constraints exist, but are generally localized (small 

towns, ranches, riparian sites, etc.), and will require buffer zones of full 

protection and fuel treatments, but as a whole, the areas are delineated 

for the beneficial effects of fire. In this category, the need for prescribed 

fire is less and tends to be site specific to accomplish protection or 

improvement goals. The desired future condition is a healthy ecosystem 

characterized by a good distribution and proportion of successional stages 

such as will occur over time under a natural fire regime. The desired 

outcome is that fires will be irregular in shape, exhibit varied intensities, 

and not consume more than half of any major drainage. The objective for 

Category C will be to contain unplanned ignitions to less than 2,000 acres 

90% of the time in all vegetative types. Fire suppression tactics will be 

constrained to protect scenic, natural resource, and wilderness values. 

Category C fire management will be applied to about 1,100,000 acres in 

the Carson City Field Office administrative boundary.

CCD CRMP FIR-3

Category D: Those areas where wildfires should be allowed to burn in a 

mostly unrestricted fashion to achieve resource objectives. All fires 

receive a response and will be evaluated for potential threats or negative 

impacts. Fire suppression actions will be limited to protection of small 

sites with constraints (such as ranches, improvements, or riparian zones) 

by either applying preventative fuels management treatment before 

wildfires start or by herding wildfires around in a manner that will achieve 

resource objectives. Opportunities for prescribed fire or selective tree 

cutting are usually localized in nature, either protect, enhance, or restore 

specific values in particular areas. Wildfires in Category D will have no 

specific acreage limitation. Fires will be contained by appropriate means 

where and when conditions will result in significant damage to natural 

resources or threaten private developments. Category D fire management 

will be applied to about 3,300,000 acres within the Carson City Field Office 

administrative boundary.
Attachment 1- 17

CCD CRMP FIR-4

Land to the west of US Highway 95 will be managed under a mix of fire 

management categories A, B, C, and D. Category A management will occur 

in the Carson City urban area, areas with special status species, and 

portions of Petersen Mountain and the Sand Hills. Category B 

management will occur to the north and east of developed areas in the 

western edge of the Field Office, including Long and Bagley Valley and the 

Indian Creek Recreation Area in California and Smith, Carson, and Mason 

Valleys and the Virginia and Pah Rah Ranges. Category C management will 

occur in the Winnemucca Ranch area, the Pah Rah Range, the Pine Nut 

Mountains, Bald Mountain, Bagley Valley, the Desert Mountains, and the 

Wassuk Range. Only one area west of Highway 95, near Marietta in

Mineral County will be managed under Category D.

CCD CRMP FIR-4

Lands to the east of US Highway 95 will be managed primarily as described 

in Category D, which provides for a low intensity of fire suppression 

activities. Exceptions to Category D management include areas in Dixie 

and Edwards Creek Valleys, Sand Mountain, and portions of the Gillis 

Range, which will be managed under Category C.

CCD CRMP CUL-2

Cultural resources will continue to be inventoried and evaluated as part of 

project level planning. Such evaluation will consider the significance of the 

proposed project and the sensitivity of cultural resources in the affected 

area. Stipulations will be attached as appropriate to assure compatibility 

of projects with management objectives for cultural resources.

BSSGA ROD-1 

Goal 3

In habitat, fuels treatments are used as a management tool when the 

benefits to Bi-State DPS clearly outweigh the risks; otherwise fire is 

suppressed in habitat after life and property.

 Objective 3a: By 2024, proactive fire prevention treatments will have 

been implemented in or adjacent to 30% of the identified habitat.

 Objective 3b: By 2019, risk of unwanted fire in habitat shall be 20% 

lower compared to conditions in 2014.

BSSGA ROD-1 

Goal 4

Reduction of fuel loads has reduced the risk of high severity fires in BiState DPS habitat.

 Objective 4b: Over the next 10 years, areas with annual invasive grass 

dominance are reduced across 20,000 acres of habitat.

POST-FIRE

RMP Citation Objective

GRSG 

ARMPA

Objective 

FIRE 6

Retain, protect, and improve intact unburned sagebrush communities in 

burned areas by incorporating the FIAT assessment (Chambers et. al 2014).

CCD CRMP SOP-1 #7

All construction, maintenance, or rehabilitation activities on public lands 

will use every reasonable means to minimize erosion and soil damage, 

including but not limited to, construction of water bars, cross ditches, or 

other structures as required by the authorized officer.
Attachment 1- 18

CCD CRMP SOP-2 #9

Activities in key fish and wildlife areas will, when necessary, be restricted 

during periods of breeding, nesting, spawning, lambing, or calving activity, 

and during major migration of fish and wildlife.

CCD CRMP SOP-3 #18

Revegetation of disturbed areas will be required as specified by the 

Bureau. The appropriate seed mixture and proper planting techniques will 

be specified by the Bureau.

CCD CRMP SWA-1

Manage the public lands in a manner that will protect and improve the 

quality of the soil, water, and air resources and watershed values 

associated with public lands.

CCD CRMP SWA-1

Stop the deterioration of public lands due to accelerated erosion and 

runoff and rehabilitate those areas where watershed values are 

significantly below their potential.

CCD CRMP SWA-3

Initiate an erosion control treatment or management actions 

designed to reduce surface impacts, in areas where accelerated

erosion is occurring due to BLM authorized activities. Develop 

specific management plans by watershed area, and implement 

action found to be economically feasible.

CCD CRMP SWA-3

Soil disturbance from activities on public lands will be minimized through 

activity planning and environmental assessment procedures.

CCD CRMP CUL-2

Cultural resources will continue to be inventoried and evaluated as part of 

project level planning. Such evaluation will consider the significance of the 

proposed project and the sensitivity of cultural resources in the affected 

area. Stipulations will be attached as appropriate to assure compatibility 

of projects with management objectives for cultural resources.

2.2.2 Wildland Fire Related Operational Constraints

COMMON TO ALL

RMP Citation Constraint /Action

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 1

Support the conservation of GRSG habitat objectives (Table 2-2) through 

appropriate wildfire management planning, coordination, staffing, 

resource allocations, training, equipment, and management oversight.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 2

Prioritize fire operations and fuels management decisions in SFA first, 

followed by PHMAs outside of SFA in accordance with the 

implementation-level FIAT assessments, and then GHMAs for 

conservation and protection during fire operations and fuels 

management decision-making. When suppression resources are widely 

available, place maximum efforts on limiting fire growth in GHMAs as 

well.
Attachment 1- 19

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 3

BLM planning units, in coordination with the USFWS and relevant state 

agencies, will annually review the GRSG landscape wildfire and invasive 

species habitat assessments (FIAT). Based on this review, revised actions 

to ameliorate invasive species must be incorporated into the 

assessment.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 4

Compile relevant field office- and district-level information into the 

statewide GRSG Annual Operating Handbook for use by resource 

advisors, wildfire crews, and agency administrators. The handbook will 

contain GRSG maps (including habitat and fuels treatment maps) and 

lists of state and local GRSG resource advisors and their contact 

information, local guidance, and other relevant information for each 

field office and district, aggregated into a statewide document.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 5

Coordinate and collaborate with federal, tribal, state, and local 

governments and associations sanctioned through either California or 

Nevada that meet fire standards for effective and efficient wildfire 

response

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 6

Strengthen and improve interagency wildfire prevention statewide 

through targeted wildfire prevention messages, including providing 

education on GRSG habitat loss, updating interagency agreements, and 

conducting wildfire prevention workshops and demonstration projects.

CCD 

CRMP ACE-3

Designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern does not by itself 

preclude any activities allowed under the public land laws. The ACEC 

designation is a recognition of the special resources of an area and a 

commitment to provide management which protects and/or enhances 

the area. No action that is inconsistent with the terms of an ACEC 

designation or that would adversely impact an ACEC protected resource 

will be permitted, unless it is found through the plan amendment 

process that the public benefits of such an action outweigh the public 

benefits of continuing the ACEC protection and that there is no feasible 

alternative to the proposed inconsistent action. Protection of an ACEC 

is accomplished through management actions developed specifically for 

each individual area.

PRE-SUPPRESSION

RMP Citation Map Function Constraint /Action

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 7

Identify and prioritize areas that are vulnerable to wildfires and 

prescribe actions important for GRSG protection, in accordance with 

FIAT (see Appendix H, USDI 2015) and further refined in the 

implementation-level FIAT assessments.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 8 Create fire management plans to guide wildfire suppression in order to protect PHMAs and GHMAs.
Attachment 1- 20

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 9

Before the fire season, train GRSG resource advisors on wildfire 

suppression organization, objectives, tactics, and procedures to develop 

a cadre of qualified individuals. Involve state wildlife agency experts in 

fire operations through the following:

• Instruction of resource advisors during preseason trainings

• Qualification as resource advisors

• Coordination with resource advisors before fire season

• Contribution to incident planning with information, such as habitat 

features or other key data useful in fire decision-making

SUPPRESSION

RMP Citation Map Function Constraint /Action

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 10

Provide local GRSG habitat maps to dispatch offices and extend attack 

incident commanders to prioritize wildfire suppression resources and 

design suppression tactics. Ensure GRSG habitat maps and suppression 

strategies are uploaded and updated in WFDSs.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 11

Assign a resource advisor with GRSG habitat expertise or with access to

GRSG habitat expertise to all extended attack fires in or near SFA, 

PHMAs, and GHMAs

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 12

In advance of critical fire weather, station additional federal fire 

suppression resources to optimize a quick and efficient response in SFA, 

PHMAs, and GHMAs.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 13 During periods of multiple fires, ensure line officers prioritize decisions by coordinating with resource advisors.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 14

To the extent possible, locate wildfire suppression facilities (e.g., base 

camps, spike camps, drop points, staging areas, and helicopter bases) in 

areas to avoid disturbing PHMAs and GHMAs. These include disturbed 

areas, grasslands, roads and trails, or in other areas with existing 

disturbance or minimal sagebrush cover.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 15 Document fire operations (e.g., disturbance) in PHMAs and GHMAs for potential follow- up coordination and restoration.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 16

Use indirect attack tactics (including burn-out operations) when:

• Direct attack is not effective in stopping fires with the potential of 

becoming significantly larger due to fuel loading, weather conditions, 

and fire behavior.

• If firefighter and public safety would be threatened or compromised.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 17

Use retardant, mechanized equipment and other available resources to 

minimize burned acreage during initial attack. As safety allows, conduct 

mop-up where the black adjoins unburned islands, dog legs, or other 

habitat features to minimize sagebrush loss.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 18 Minimize unnecessary cross-country vehicle travel during fire operations in GRSGhabitat.
Attachment 1- 21

CCD 

CRMP FIR-2

Carson City Field Office is divided into four fire management categories 

A, B, C and D (see map X). Fire will be managed in these areas according 

to the following guidance.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-2

Category A: Those areas where wildfires are not wanted. These areas 

include threatened and endangered species habitat and the 

urban/wildland interface. Full suppression of wildfires will be the 

objective. Treatments using prescribed fire and selective tree cutting 

could be used on a limited basis to reduce fuel loading and the potential 

for severe wildfires. Wildfires in Category A areas will be suppressed 

with the intend of holding them to 10 acres or less 90% of the time, and 

continue aggressive suppression until fires are contained. Category A 

fire management with full suppression will be limited to about 20,000 

acres in the Carson City Field Office administrative boundary.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-3

Category B: Those areas where wildfires are not wanted, but if fires 

occur and escape, management options on how to suppress the fire is

available. It is recognized that fire has a role in the natural environment 

and opportunities for prescribed fire are significant. Many of the areas 

in this category have a history of severe fires that have escaped, despite 

aggressive full suppression responses. Hazardous fuels will be reduced 

in order to reduce the threat of rapid fire spread and escaped fires. 

Techniques to accomplish this will include prescribed burning and 

selective tree cutting. Major considerations are wildland/urban 

interface, threatened, endangered, or sensitive species habitat, or areas 

that have experienced so much fire in the last 10 to 15 years that special 

consideration is warranted. Wildfires in Category B areas will be 

suppressed with the intend of holding 90% to 10 acres or less in 

forested areas, and to 25 acres or less in brush or grass areas. Escaped 

fires will be closely analyzed to consider protection of life, then property 

and natural resources, and suppression strategies that will most 

effectively meet these goals will be used. Category B fire management 

will be applied to about 500,000 acres in the Carson City Field Office 

administrative boundary.
Attachment 1- 22

CCD 

CRMP FIR-3

Category C: Those areas where fire has a significant role in the 

environment, and wildfires should be used to accomplish resource 

management goals. Constraints exist, but are generally localized (small 

towns, ranches, riparian sites, etc.), and will require buffer zones of full 

protection and fuel treatments, but as a whole, the areas are delineated 

for the beneficial effects of fire. In this category, the need for 

prescribed fire is less and tends to be site specific to accomplish 

protection or improvement goals. The desired future condition is a 

healthy ecosystem characterized by a good distribution and proportion 

of successional stages such as will occur over time under a natural fire 

regime. The desired outcome is that fires will be irregular in shape, 

exhibit varied intensities, and not consume more than half of any major 

drainage. The objective for Category C will be to contain unplanned 

ignitions to less than 2,000 acres 90% of the time in all vegetative types. 

Fire suppression tactics will be constrained to protect scenic, natural 

resource, and wilderness values. Category C fire management will be 

applied to about 1,100,000 acres in the Carson City Field Office 

administrative boundary.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-3

Category D: Those areas where wildfires should be allowed to burn in a 

mostly unrestricted fashion to achieve resource objectives. All fires 

receive a response and will be evaluated for potential threats or 

negative impacts. Fire suppression actions will be limited to protection 

of small sites with constraints (such as ranches, improvements, or 

riparian zones) by either applying preventative fuels management 

treatment before wildfires start or by herding wildfires around in a 

manner that will achieve resource objectives. Opportunities for 

prescribed fire or selective tree cutting are usually localized in nature, 

either protect, enhance, or restore specific values in particular areas. 

Wildfires in Category D will have no specific acreage limitation. Fires will 

be contained by appropriate means where and when conditions will 

result in significant damage to natural resources or threaten private 

developments. Category D fire management will be applied to about 

3,300,000 acres within the Carson City Field Office administrative 

boundary.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-4

Land to the west of US Highway 95 will be managed under a mix of fire 

management categories A, B, C, and D. Category A management will 

occur in the Carson City urban area, areas with special status species, 

and portions of Petersen Mountain and the Sand Hills. Category B 

management will occur to the north and east of developed areas in the 

western edge of the Field Office, including Long and Bagley Valley and 

the Indian Creek Recreation Area in California and Smith, Carson, and 

Mason Valleys and the Virginia and Pah Rah Ranges. Category C 

management will occur in the Winnemucca Ranch area, the Pah Rah 

Range, the Pine Nut Mountains, Bald Mountain, Bagley Valley, the 

Desert Mountains, and the Wassuk Range. Only one area west of 

Highway 95, near Marietta in Mineral County will be managed under 

Category D.
Attachment 1- 23

CCD 

CRMP FIR-4

Lands to the east of US Highway 95 will be managed primarily as 

described in Category D, which provides for a low intensity of fire 

suppression activities. Exceptions to Category D management include 

areas in Dixie and Edwards Creek Valleys, Sand Mountain, and portions 

of the Gillis Range, which will be managed under Category C.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-5

Fire suppression and management activities in wilderness study areas 

(WSAs) will be guided by the Wilderness Interim Fire Management Plan. 

The objective in WSAs is to allow fires to play their natural role.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-5

Minimum impact suppression tactics will apply, whereby the 

environmental impacts of emergency fire management methods will be 

no greater than necessary to meet fire management objectives.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-6

The assignment of one or more resource advisors will be a standard 

practice for all intermediate and large wildfires in category A and B 

areas. Because of reduced initial attack in Category C and D areas, 

resource advisors will be assigned to all wildfires regardless of size in 

those areas.

BSSGA ROD-2 

Wildland Fire

1. Fires in moderate to low resilience and resistance sagebrush and 

wooded shrublands shall be suppressed to prevent an invasive 

annual grass-fire cycle. 

2. Do not reduce sagebrush canopy cover to less than 15% (Connelly et 

al. 2000; Hagen et al. 2007) unless a fuels management objective 

requires additional reduction in sagebrush cover to meet strategic 

protection of Bi-State DPS habitat and conserve habitat quality for 

the species. 

3. Enhance and restore habitat while reducing the potential for severe 

wildfires in habitat.

BSSGA ROD-3 

Wildland Fire

1. 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 done based on the values to be protected, 

human health and safety, and the costs of protection. 

2. Do not use fire as a management tool in areas where the risk of 

escaped fire could cause negative long-term impacts during wildfire 

situations. 

3. In Bi-State DPS habitat areas, prioritize suppression, immediately 

after life and property, to conserve the habitat during wildfire 

situations. 

4. Suppress wildfire threatening unburned habitat contained within a 

broader burn perimeter. 

FUELS

RMP Citation Map Function Constraint /Action

GRSG 

ARMPA MD SSS 18

A BSU (see Appendix A; Figure 2-2) that has hit a soft trigger due to 

vegetation disturbance will be a priority for restoration treatments 

consistent with Fire and Invasives Assessment Tool (FIAT) (Appendix J).
Attachment 1- 24

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 19

Review Objective SSS 4 and apply MDs SSS 1 through SSS 4 when 

reviewing and analyzing projects and activities proposed in GRSG 

habitat.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD VEG 22

Treat sites in PHMAs and GHMAs that contain invasive species 

infestations through an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, 

using fire, chemical, mechanical, and biological (e.g., targeted grazing) 

methods, based on site potential and in accordance with FIAT (Appendix 

H). Treat areas that contain cheatgrass and other invasive or noxious 

species to minimize competition and favor establishment of desired 

species.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD VEG 3

Use BLM GRSG habitat maps, habitat objectives (see Table 2-2 for GRSG 

habitat objectives), ecological site potential, state and transition models, 

and concepts of resistance and resilience (Appendix H) to prioritize 

habitat restoration projects, including those following wildfire, to 

address the most limiting GRSG habitat vegetation components and to 

connect seasonal ranges.

Habitat restoration includes the following: 

i. Restoring sagebrush canopy in PHMAs and GHMAs to meet GRSG 

habitat objectives 

(Table 2-2) 

ii. Reestablishing perennial grasses and native forbs in PHMAs and 

GHMAs

iii. Reducing or removing pinyon or juniper in PHMAs and GHMAs to 

enhance seasonal range connectivity and to maintain sagebrush canopy 

and understory integrity

iv. Restore areas affected by wildfire and the continuing invasive annual 

fire cycle to meet

GRSG habitat objectives (Table 2-2)

v. Prioritize restoration in areas that have not crossed an ecological 

threshold

GRSG 

ARMPA MD VEG 10

On public lands, where the attributes, quality, or lack of GRSG winter 

habitat has been identified as a limiting factor, emphasize vegetation 

treatments in known winter habitat to enhance quality or reduce 

wildfire risk around or in winter habitat

GRSG 

ARMPA MD VEG 25

Manage lotic riparian habitats in conjunction with adjacent terraces and 

valley bottoms as natural fuel breaks to reduce the size and frequency 

of wildfires in PHMAs and GHMAs.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 20

In PHMAs and GHMAs, apply fuels treatments on a landscape level to 

modify fire behavior, intensity, complexity (fire patchiness), size, and 

effects in which fire management efforts are enhanced.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 21

Establish and maintain fuel breaks to protect GRSG and its habitat to 

limit fire size and mitigate fire behavior to increase suppression 

effectiveness. When possible, establish fuel breaks next to roads or 

other previously disturbed areas.
Attachment 1- 25

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 22

Use a full range of fuels management strategies and tactics within 

acceptable risk levels across the range of GRSG habitat consistent with 

land use plan direction.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 23

If prescribed fire is used in GRSG habitat, the NEPA analysis for the Burn 

Plan will address: 

• why alternative techniques were not selected as a viable option

• how GRSG goals and objectives will be met by its use

• how the COT report objectives will be addressed and met

• a risk assessment to address how potential threats to GRSG habitat 

will be minimized. Allow prescribed fire as a vegetation or fuels 

treatment, and it shall only be considered after the NEPA analysis for 

the burn plan has addressed the four bullets outlined above. Prescribed 

fire can be used to meet specific fuels objectives that will protect GRSG 

habitat in PHMAs (e.g., creation of fuel breaks that would disrupt the 

fuel continuity across the landscape in stands where annual invasive 

grasses are a minor component in the understory, burning slash piles 

from conifer reduction treatments, used as a component with other 

treatment methods to combat annual grasses and restore native plant 

communities).

Allow prescribed fire in known winter range, and it shall only be 

considered after the NEPA analysis for the burn plan has addressed the 

four bullets outlined above. Any prescribed fire in winter habitat will 

need to be designed to strategically reduce wildfire risk around and/or 

in the winter range and designed to protect winter range habitat 

quality.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 24

In coordination with the USFWS and relevant state agencies and in 

accordance with FIAT (see Appendix H), develop a fuels management 

strategy for the BLM with large blocks of GRSG habitat. The strategy 

shall include an up-to-date fuels profile, land use plan direction, current 

and potential habitat fragmentation, sagebrush and GRSG ecological 

factors, and active vegetation management steps to provide critical 

breaks in fuel continuity. When developing this strategy, consider the 

risk of increased habitat fragmentation from a proposed action versus 

the risk of large-scale fragmentation posed by wildfires if the action 

were not taken.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 25

Design fuels treatments through an interdisciplinary team process to 

expand, enhance, maintain, and protect PHMAs and GHMAs. Fuel 

reduction techniques, such as prescribed fire and chemical, biological 

(including targeted grazing), and mechanical treatments, are acceptable. 

Use green strips and fuel breaks, where appropriate, to protect seeding 

from subsequent fires.
Attachment 1- 26

GRSG

ARMPA MD FIRE 26

In coordination with the USFWS and relevant state agencies and in 

accordance with FIAT (see Appendix H), BLM will identify treatment 

needs for wildfire and invasive species management. Ongoing treatment 

needs will be coordinated on state and regional scales and across 

jurisdictional boundaries for long-term conservation of GRSG and its 

habitat.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 27

On project completion, monitor and manage fuels projects to ensure 

long-term success, including persistence of seeded species and other 

treatment components. Control invasive vegetation post-treatment.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 28

Design fuels treatments to protect sagebrush ecosystems, modify fire 

behavior, restore ecological function, and create landscape patterns 

that most benefit PHMAs and GHMAs and promote use by GRSG.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 29 Train fuels treatment personnel on GRSG biology, habitat requirements, and identification of areas used locally.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 30

Use burning prescriptions that minimize undesirable effects on 

vegetation or soils (e.g., minimize killing desirable perennial plant 

species and reduce risk of annual grass invasion) and incorporate 

FIAT assessment (Chambers et. al 2014) in PHMAs and GHMAs.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 31

Ensure proposed sagebrush treatments are planned with 

interdisciplinary input from the BLM and coordinated with USFWS and 

state fish and wildlife agencies to meet GRSG habitat objectives (Table 

2-2).

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 32

Design vegetation treatments in areas of high fire frequency to facilitate 

firefighter safety, reduce the potential acres burned, and reduce the fire 

risk to GRSG habitat.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 33a

For Nevada BLM-administered lands, before implementation, establish 

project monitoring sites where fuels management projects are planned. 

Monitor treatment areas both pre- and post-treatment on a multipleyear basis to ensure that project objectives are achieved.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 33b

For California BLM-managed lands, before implementation, establish 

project monitoring sites where fuels management projects are planned. 

Monitor treatment areas both pre- and post- treatment on a multipleyear basis to ensure that project objectives are achieved. Juniper 

treatments will be monitored in accordance with the Sage Steppe 

Ecosystem Restoration FEIS (BLM 2008)

CCD 

CRMP LSG-4

Treatment three: Provide rest from livestock grazing for two years, until 

seedlings are established or until it is determined that a vegetation

manipulation or recovery project is unsuccessful. This treatment 

provides the protection necessary for establishment or recovery of key 

management species following wildlife seeding, burning, or herbicide 

spraying projects.

CCD 

CRMP FOR-2

Vegetation manipulations such as chaining, burns, and chemical 

treatments will be allowed only after attempts have been made to sell 

or dispose of forest products through forestry sales programs.
Attachment 1- 27

CCD 

CRMP FIR-5

Prescribed burns will be reseeded, using native species to the extent 

practical, wherever residual vegetation is not adequately abundant to 

revegetate the sites naturally, prevent domination by invasive weed 

species, and meet ecosystem restoration objectives.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-5

Increased emphasis will be placed on natural resource objectives for 

each fire and fuels treatment. A monitoring and evaluation program will 

be established to determine the effectiveness of the management 

implemented. This will include the purposeful collection and analysis of 

data to determine the results of implementing management actions. It 

will require monitoring both pre- and post-fire environmental 

conditions. This information will be used to adjust management 

determinations. Adjustment in fire and fuels management practices 

based on sound scientific monitoring and analysis will be consistent with 

this plan amendment.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-5

Current standard operating procedures for environmental analysis will 

be followed. Each proposal for a prescribed burn or selective tree 

cutting will be further analyzed in a project specific environmental 

analysis.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-6

Fire management plans which include fire prescriptions will be 

developed before any prescribed burning occurs.

CCD 

CRMP FIR-6

Prescribed natural fire plans will be developed for limited suppression

areas.

BSSGA ROD-2 All 

Resources

1. Project proposals shall include best management practices for each 

resource as appropriate to restore, conserve, and enhance Bi-State 

DPS and its habitat.

2. In connective areas, maintain vegetation characteristics suitable to 

sage grouse to the extent technically feasible. 

3. Require site-specific project mitigation if needed to insure no net 

loss of habitat due to project disturbance. 

4. Require buffers, timing limitations, or offsite habitat restoration for 

new or renewed discretionary actions to mitigate potential longterm negative impacts. 

5. Total anthropogenic disturbances shall affect no more than 3% of 

the total Bi-State DPS habitat on Federal lands within the 

Bodie/Mount Grant, Desert Creek/Fales, and White Mountains 

population management unit boundaries. 

6. Total anthropogenic disturbances shall affect no more than 1.5% of 

the total Bi-State DPS habitat on Federal lands within the Pine Nut 

Mountains population management unit boundary.

BSSGA ROD-3 Fire 

Management

5. Vegetation treatments should include fuel breaks to provide anchor 

points for wildland fire suppression to protect areas meeting or 

moving toward desired conditions. 

6. Fuels treatments should emphasize protecting existing sagebrush 

ecosystems to provide protection for habitat that is moving towards 

or meeting desired conditions. 

7. Do not use prescribed fire, except for pile burning, in 12-inch or less 
Attachment 1- 28

precipitation zones, in areas where there is threat of cheatgrass 

invasion, sagebrush areas with less than 12 inches of annual 

precipitation or 12 inches of soil, or areas where the sagebrush 

cover would be reduced to less than 15% unless necessary to 

facilitate site preparation for restoration of Bi-State DPS habitat 

consistent with desired conditions. 

8. Focus fuels management projects in habitat to reduce wildfire 

threats.

POST-FIRE

RMP Citation Map Function Constraint /Action

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 34

Review Objective SSS 4 and apply MDs SSS 1 through SSS 4 when 

reviewing and analyzing projects and activities proposed in GRSG 

habitat.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 35

Prioritize post-fire treatments in PHMAs and GHMAs to maximize 

benefits to GRSG and its habitat. Focus post-fire treatments on replacing 

or reestablishing burned sagebrush habitat with the appropriate cover 

and structure to support GRSG habitat objectives (Table 2-2).

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 36

In post-fire rehabilitation plans in PHMAs and GHMAs, design 

revegetation projects to accomplish the following:

• Maintain and enhance unburned intact sagebrush communities when 

at risk from adjacent threats

• Stabilize soils

• Reestablish hydrologic function

• Maintain and enhance biological integrity

• Promote plant resiliency

• Limit expansion or dominance or invasive species

• Reestablish native species

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 37

Implement post-fire treatments in PHMAs and GHMAs that emphasize 

stabilizing, rehabilitating, and restoring sagebrush ecosystems damaged 

by wildfires, including controlling invasive species.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 38

Increase post-fire treatment activities in PHMAs and GHMAs through 

the use of integrated funding opportunities with other resource 

programs and partners.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 39

Following post-fire treatments, monitor and implement management 

actions in PHMAs and GHMAs that promote healthy perennial grass, 

shrub and forb communities, and lentic (slow-moving freshwater) and 

lotic (rapid freshwater) riparian habitats so as to further restoration and 

ensure long- term persistence of seeded or pre-burn native plants, in 

accordance with GRSG habitat objectives (Table 2-2).

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 40

Evaluate the potential for sagebrush island plantings based on ESDs in 

large burn areas that may lack sufficient sagebrush seed sources in 

order to ensure the reestablishment of sagebrush in GRSG habitat.
Attachment 1- 29

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 41 Monitor post-fire rehabilitation treatments on a multiple-year basis to ensure that project objectives are achieved.

GRSG 

ARMPA MD FIRE 42

Use GRSG habitat objectives (Table 2-2) and emphasize the use of native 

plant species in post-fire rehabilitation (e.g. reseeding), recognizing that 

nonnative species may be necessary, depending on the availability of 

native seed and prevailing site conditions. Selected species shall 

maintain site ecological function based on pre-burn conditions and 

anticipated threat of invasive and noxious weed establishment. Use 

ESDs and state and transition models if available.

CCD 

CRMP LSG-4

Treatment three: Provide rest from livestock grazing for two years, until 

seedlings are established or until it is determined that a vegetation

manipulation or recovery project is unsuccessful. This treatment 

provides the protection necessary for establishment or recovery of key 

management species following wildlife seeding, burning, or herbicide 

spraying projects.

CCD 

CRMP FOR-2

Vegetation manipulations such as chaining, burns, and chemical 

treatments will be allowed only after attempts have been made to sell 

or dispose of forest products through forestry sales programs.

CCD 

CRMP WLD-3

Carson City District's Normal Year Fire Plan will provide for maximum 

protection of Sand Hills deer winter range from Wildfires.

CCD 

CRMP WLD-6

Rehabilitate 6000 acres of burned deer winter range (Petersen 

Mountain)

CCD 

CRMP WLD-6

Rehabilitate 6000 acres of burned critical deer winter range. The 

specific locations and types of rehabilitation will be determined by 

consultation and coordination through a public process. CRMP is the 

preferred process.

BSSGA ROD-3 

Vegetation

1. Use seed for perennial grasses and forbs adapted to local conditions 

to increase cover of these species. 

2. Restore native (or desirable) plants and create landscape patterns 

which most benefit the Bi-State DPS. 

3. Consider seed collection from the warmer component of the species 

current range when selecting native species for restoration (Kramer 

and Havens 2009).

4. Remove phase 1 and 2 pinyon-juniper located in habitat during 

habitat restoration projects, with the intent to maintain sagebrush 

habitat prior to establishment of forest species.

BSSGA ROD-3 

Wildland Fire

9. Manage post-treatment areas to increase perennial herbaceous 

species and minimize secondary weed invasion.
Attachment 1- 30

3. WILDLAND FIRE OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE

3.1 Preparedness

The CCD operates in a complex, multi-jurisdictional and multi-resource environment where large fires 

commonly involve unified command, WUI concerns, Sage-grouse, infrastructure concerns, and multiple 

responding agencies from multiple dispatch centers. Multiple cooperative agreements and MOU’s exist. 

The CCD has a very strong collaborative relationship with its partners as a result of these agreements 

and the presence of additional resources from different dispatch centers rarely creates significant issues 

during fire operations.

3.1.1 Operational Plans

Wildland fire response is coordinated through the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center (SFIDC) for 

all incidents within the Carson City District Jurisdiction. SFIDC leverages partnerships and agreements to 

maximize the effectiveness of the available resources through use of the “closest resource” concept of 

fire dispatching. Multiple agencies and plans govern the dispatch response for a given incident. The 

following is a list of the plans and agreements currently in use at SIFDC:

 Sierra Front Fire Danger Rating Plan and Preparedness Guide (Revision 9)-2016

 CAL FIRE assistance agreement-(BAA081002)

 Carson City Cooperative Agreement- BLM-NV-CFPA-NVC0034-2013-026

 East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts Cooperative Agreement-(BLM-NV-CFPA-NVC0034-

2014-006)

 Central Lyon County Fire Protection District, North Lyon County Fire Protection District, 

Yerington/Mason Valley Fire protection District, and Smith Valley Fire Protection District 

Cooperative Agreement (FAA100002)

 Reno Fire Department Cooperative Agreement-(BLM-NV-NVC00340-2012-018)

 Sparks Fire Department Cooperative Agreement-(BLM-NV-CFPA-NVC0034-2014-004)

 Storey County Fire Protection District Cooperative Agreement-(BLM-NV-CFPA-NVC0034-

2014-003)

 Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Cooperative Agreement-(BLM-NV-CFPA-NVC0034-

2014-010)

 Washoe County Cooperative Agreement-(BLM-NV-CFPA-NVC0034-2014-011)

 California Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Response 

Agreement (Sub-Geo agreement)-(BAA081001)

Management of Wildfire

A full range of acceptable suppression strategies and tactics will be utilized in the management of 

unplanned ignitions on lands administered by the Carson City District and those adjacent lands on which 

it has protection responsibilities. These duties will be performed in conjunction with other state, 

federal, and local fire suppression resources. The comprehensive mission of the fire management 

organization is to meet the objectives, and address the constraints described in Chapter 2. How the fire 
Attachment 1- 31

program meets these objectives is described in the following sections: Dispatch, Suppression, Post-Fire 

Considerations.

Dispatch

SFIDC is responsible for coordinating the acquisition of resources requested by an Incident Commander 

(IC). An IC will place all resource orders through the dispatcher, specifying what resources are needed

and when and where they are to be delivered. Communication on incident status, resource needs, 

weather conditions, and logistical needs will continue between SFIDC and an IC throughout the duration 

of the incident.

Suppression

There will be an initial response to all unplanned fires. A qualified IC will be responsible for the 

management of the wildfire incident. The IC will implement strategies and tactics in a manner that 

provides for the safety of firefighters and the public as a top priority. Protection of human life will 

always be the overriding priority. Protection of property, natural resources and critical and sensitive 

habitats from adverse effects of wildfire are also high priority management objectives. Prioritizations of 

suppression strategies are contingent on the aforementioned values at risk. ICs will need to consider 

the following when responding to wildfires: resource availability, fire location, suppression costs, 

current and predicted fire weather, fuels condition, drought, etc. An IC is responsible for completing 

the following tasks in the performance of their duties:

1. Informing and updating the Duty Officer on the fire situation.

2. Providing an incident size-up to dispatch.

3. Determine resource needs.

4. Assess safety concerns and mitigate hazards and risks.

5. Utilizing FMP guidance in determining management objectives and the tactics required to meet 

objectives.

6. Managing all aspects of the incident until the fire is suppressed or the IC is relieved by another 

qualified IC.

The Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) will be used to document the management 

objectives and strategy if a wildfire cannot be controlled by initial attack forces. WFDSS is a web-based 

system that assists fire managers and analysts in making and documenting strategic decisions for fire 

incidents. WFDSS integrates the various applications used to manage incidents into a single system

which streamlines the analysis and reporting processes.

The need for a published WFDSS document will likely require an escalation in the incident management 

organization. Refer to Chapter 3.1 for guidance on utilization of incident management teams (IMT) 

during periods of extended attack, multiple starts, and large fire situations. The District Manager or 

other qualified agency administrators are responsible for coordinating with fire management personnel 

in the development of WFDSS products. An agency administrator must provide clear oversight to 
Attachment 1- 32

incoming IMTs to ensure incident objectives and strategies comply with RMP and FMP objectives and 

constraints.

Response to wildland fires will be in accordance with management objectives and commensurate 

with values at risk. Chapter 2 outlines the goals, objectives, and Wildland Fire Related Operational 

Constraints and Direction that dictate how fires should be managed. They are derived from 

multiple RMPs, ARMPA, and FIAT direction. The Land Use Planning and Management and Habitat 

Management maps located in the FMP’s introduction display mandatory suppression responses. 

These maps show overlapping and non-overlapping management suppression response areas. 

Overlapping areas are comprised of GRSG habitat. Districts’ have to utilize one, or multiple 

suppression actions based on the fire’s proximity to specific management areas. Suppression, 

conditional suppression, limited suppression, and constrained suppression are example descriptors 

of suppression options. Fire leadership has some discretion in the management of incidents; but, 

the scope of management decisions should include strict adherence to the previously mentioned 

goals, objectives and constraints.

Post Fire Considerations

Monitoring, restoration, and rehabilitation of areas affected by fire suppression are required. These 

actions determine the need for and to prescribe and implement treatments to minimize threats to life or 

property or to stabilize and prevent further unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources 

resulting from the effects of a fire. Natural recovery is preferable but managers regularly assist in 

returning ecosystems back to their pre-fire condition. This is especially true in where Sage-grouse 

habitat has been adversely impacted by fire; or, where intact Sage-grouse habitat should be retained, 

protected, and improved. Post-fire mitigations also extend to other cultural and natural resources. 

Timber, soils, wildlife, rangelands, and hydrological resources can be impaired as a result of wildfire. See 

the Post-Suppression section of Chapter 2 for objectives, and actions/constraints associated with 

restoring post-wildfire ecosystems.

3.2 Fuels Treatments

The District’s fuels management program works closely with homeowners, communities, fire 

departments, government agencies and tribes to develop and implement fuels/vegetation treatments. 

These treatments are designed to reduce the risks of catastrophic wildland fire to people, communities, 

and natural resources and restore rangeland and forest ecosystems in response to the risks posed by 

disrupted natural fire regimes, the extensive and expanding wildland urban interface (WUI) along the 

Sierra Front and the need to protect and/or enhance sage-grouse habitat. The primary objective of the 

District’s hazardous fuels treatments is to modify the amount, structure, and continuity of flammable 

vegetation to reduce fire occurrence, intensity and risks posed by wildfire.
Attachment 1- 33

The District’s fuels 

management program 

annually treats thousands 

of acres in WUI areas along 

the Sierra Front and outside 

the WUI in areas with high 

natural resource values. 

Past fuels treatments have 

proven to successfully 

lessen the severity and 

threat of wildfires to the 

public, firefighter safety and 

natural resources as well as 

making fire suppression 

more effective. Treatments 

are typically accomplished 

using mechanical thinning, 

seeding of fire resistant 

species, prescribed fire, 

herbicide application or a 

combination of these 

methods.

In recent years the program has shifted its focus from the WUI to sage-grouse habitat protection and 

enhancement. The three primary landscapes where sage-grouse habitat related work is occurring are:

 Pine Nut Mountains - Bi-State Distinct Population Segment

 Desatoya Mountains - Reese River/Yomba/Desatoya PPA

 Virginia Mountains - Virginia Ranges PPA
Attachment 1- 34

3.3 Post Fire Response – Emergency Stabilization (ES)/Burned Area 

Emergency Rehabilitation (BAR) 

The BLM is required to initiate Emergency Stabilization (ES) and Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) 

actions after a wildfire occurs if deemed necessary by agency personnel, and planned actions are within 

BLM ES and BAR policy. Within the Carson City District, each fire over 300 acres will be assessed for the 

need of ES and BAR treatment per the Normal Year Fire Plan. For a better description of BLM ES and

BAR policy, please see Departmental Manual 620 DM 3 and BLM ESR Handbook H-1742-1. 

For the BLM, three types of plans exist currently to plan these actions: 

1. Programmatic ESR Plans (PESRP) (formerly Normal Year Fire Rehabilitation Plans)

2. ES Plans

3. BAR Plans

The ES and BAR plans are completed in response to fires that occur within a given fire season and are 

usually combined into a single document.

The PESRP is a programmatic ESR plan, with an associated Environmental Assessment (EA) or 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is developed at the landscape level prior to wildfire 

occurrence. The PESRP contains a description of ESR treatments that would be implemented under 

normal conditions in the event of a wildfire and documentation of the potential treatment impacts. A 

PESRP should be prepared on a landscape basis at the District or Field Office level by an interdisciplinary 

team with public input. By addressing techniques and species that may be used, the process of 

developing the site specific plans will be made considerably easier. Because the PESRP is analyzed 

through the NEPA process, procedures for public review and comment will also apply, thus ensuring 

ample opportunity has been given to those that are interested to be involved in the process of 

developing the plan. The decision to prepare a PESRP is based on the size and diversity of the 

ecosystems involved, fire history (wildfire occurrence and size), resource values, and values-at-risk. 

State Directors may require that PESRPs be prepared for all or part of the public lands within their 

jurisdiction and have approval authority for PESRPs that cannot be re-delegated. 

● Carson City District Normal year Fire Rehabilitation Plan (2002)

Post Fire Rehab & Restoration Strategies: 

1) Seeding will only occur on sites that do not have the likelihood of naturally recovering 

from fire.

2) The burned areas would be closed to grazing until treatment objectives are met 

following a burn.

 3) Monitoring will occur as a normal part of the ESR program
Attachment 1- 35

3.4 Air Quality/Smoke Management 

Manage wildfire and prescribed fires in a manner to minimize degradation to air quality. 

The Carson City District operates under three smoke management programs; Nevada, 

California’s Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District and Washoe County. There are 

no Class 1 Air sheds within the District boundary. Portions of the District that lie in Washoe 

County are included in a PM 10 and ozone non-attainment area. 

● Nevada Smoke Management Program

● California's Great Basin Unified Air Pollution District Smoke Management Program

● Washoe County Smoke Management Program

● BLM Manual 7300 and Handbooks 9211-1 and 9214-1 for additional BLM-wide guidance on 

Clean Air Act compliance.

● Blue Sky 

● Frames Smoke Portal
Attachment 1- 36

3.5 Data Sources, Reports and Systems 

● Fire Reporting 

o BLM H-9218-1, Fire Reports and Statistics Handbook, provides BLM policy on 

completing the DI-1202 Individual Fire Report for unplanned ignitions.

● Wildfire Decision Documentation

o BLM requires documentation of wildfire decisions. Systems and/or methods for this 

documentation are outlined in the annual updated Interagency Standards for Fire 

and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book).

● Records Management

o BLM Manual 1220, Records and Information Management, Appendix 2 GRS/BLM 

Combined Records Schedule contains requirements for documentation in the fire

program (e.g., fire reports and wildfire decisions). The Combined Records Schedule 

also indicates whether a record may be stored only in electronic format or if a 

hardcopy record is required.

● BLM GIS Data Standards

o BLM has established GIS Data Standards for the Fire Management Planning Areas, 

wildfire perimeters, and for fuels/vegetation treatments. Information about these 

standards can be found at the BLM National Data Standards Home under 

Established Data Standards and Datasets.

● Fuels Management Projects

o BLM H-9214-1, Fuels Management and Community Assistance Handbook, provides 

BLM policy for annual and out-year planning of treatments and activities as well as 

accomplishment tracking. 

● ES/BAR Project Planning

o Direction for BLM ES/BAR project planning, budgeting and accomplishment 

reporting is provided in the Annual Work Plan (AWP) for the Wildland Fire Program. 
Attachment 1- 37

4. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

4.1 Monitoring the Fire Management Plan 

Review, maintenance, and update (when necessary) of the FMP will occur annually. The annual FMP 

review, maintenance, and update are separate processes. The FMP annual review is completed to 

determine if the FMP needs maintenance or a full update. The FMP maintenance may be completed 

and documented as part of the annual review process and records kept in office files. Any substantial 

update requirements found during the review will require a full update to the FMP – which requires 

transitioning to the most recent template and obtaining new signatures on the front page of the FMP. 

The front page of the FMP should only be updated with new signatures and a new approval date when a 

full FMP update is completed; FMP maintenance does not require new signatures on the front page.
Attachment 1- 38

FMP Name:_____________________________ FMP Approval Date: __________________

Fire Management Plan Annual Review Checklist:

Yes No

1. Did landscape characteristics (including Threatened and Endangered Species 

Habitat) change in any area to the degree that decisions guiding fire management 

from the LUP or subsequent NEPA would no longer be valid?

2. Did changes in policies or values at risk alter fire management objectives, 

priorities, or mitigation measures to the degree that decisions guiding fire 

management from the LUP or subsequent NEPA would no longer be valid?

3. Did Land Use Plan (LUP) guidance (such as through LUP revisions) change in a 

way that would alter FMP strategies or priorities?

If all items above have been checked as “no”, describe maintenance completed since last review: 

If any items above have been checked as “yes” a full plan update and publication of a new FMP is 

required. Describe actions planned to update the FMP:

___________________________________________ ________________________

Shane McDonald, FMO Date

___________________________________________ ________________________

Ralph Thomas, District Manageri Date