PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE

FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN

U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

2009 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN •

Prepared by: Date & Z.:) i.coCJ I

Submitted by: Date l..f l g l o(f Refuge Manager -Patuxent Research Refuge

Reviewed by: Date~ Regional Fire Planner

Reviewed by: Datea7/f£ /o? Regional Fire Management Coordinator - Region 5 • Concurred by: Date

Approved by: Date c,p/of ~c\\t\l Reg10nal Director - Region 5

2 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION...... 11 1.1 Reasons for the Development of a Fire Management Plan •...... •...•...... •...•...•• 11 • 1.2 Description of Patuxent Research Refuge...... 11 1.3 Land Ownership...... 12 1.4 Significant Resources...... 12 Threatened and Endangered Species (Federal and State)...... 13 1.5 Mission of the Refuge...... 13 1.6 Management Designations...... 14

2. POLICY, LAND AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIPS

2.1 Fire Policy ...... 15 National and Interagency Departmental Policy...... 15 Federal Wildland Fire Policy...... 15 National Fire Plan...... 16 Department of Interior (DOI) Policy...... 16 The Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) ...... ••...•..•...... •...... ••.•..•....• 16 The National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) ...•...... •...... ••...... •..••.•. 16 The Department of Interior Fire Coordination Committee (IFCC) ...... 16 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Policy...... 17 Patuxent Research Refuge Unit Specific Policies Related to Fire Management ...... •.....••••. 17 2.2 Land and Resource Management Planning...... 18 Land Management Documents...... 18 • 2.3 Fire Management Partnerships ...... 20 3. FIRE MANAGEMENT UNIT CHARACTERISTICS •..••...... •..•...... •..•.•...... •••..••.. 20 3.1 Area-Wide Fire Management Considerations ...... 21 Goals and Objectives of the Fire Management Program ••.•.••.••...... •.....•••..••••..••... 21 Fire Management Strategies ...... 21 Strategy Discussion ...... 22 Desired Future Conditions ...... 23 Climate Change Considerations ...... 23 Characteristics Common to All Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Units ...•.•.... 24 Topography...... 24 Hydrology...... 24 Soils •...... 24 Natural Communities and Cover Types 25 Wildlife ...... 26 Fire History ...... 27 Fire Season and Occurrence ...... •...... 28 Fire Regime and Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC)...... •. 29 LANDFIRE ..••.••.•.•..•...... •••..•••...... ••..•••.....•••.....•.•...... •••...... •• 30 Weather and Climate....••••••.•...... •..•.•..•.•..••..•...... •••••..•.....•...... ••..•..••....•••••. 30 Cultural Resources ...... 30 • 3 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

3.1.1 Guidance and Constraints Common to All Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Units ...... •...... 30 Appropriate Management Response ...... ••...... 31 Wildland Fire Use ...... •••• ..... •••• 32 • Fire Management Unit (FMU) Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management ...... 32 Fire Management Unit (FMU) Strategies Related to Fire Management...... 32 Special Concerns ...... •..•...... •• ....••...... ••·•••·•·•••·••••·••••·•··· 32 Smoke ...•...... ••••• .... ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• .32 Specific Guidelines ...... 33 Constraints on Mechanized Equipment ...... •• ...... 33 Retardant and Chemical Use ...... 33 Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) ...... 33 Safety Considerations...... 34 Operational Considerations ...... 34 Communications ...... 34 Incident Command Post Locations ...... 35

3.2.1 FIRE MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 - NORTH TRACT FMU ...... 35 Physical and Biological Description ...... 35 Topographic Features ...... 35 Fuels and Fire Behavior...... 35 Soils ...... 36 Access ...... 37 Areas of Special Concern ...... 37 Communities and Values at Risk...... 38 FMU Management Guidance and Constraints...... 38 • Management Options...... 38 Resource Management Goals ...... 38 Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management...... 38 Specific Guidelines...... 39 Power Lines...... 39 Restricted Access...... 39 Helispots ...... 39 Water Dip Sites...... 39

3.2.2 FIRE MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 - CENTRAL TRACT FMU ...... 40 Physical and Biological Description...... 40 Topographic Features ...... 41 Fuels and Fire Behavior...... 41 Soils ...... 41 Access ...... 41 Areas of Special Concern...... 42 Communities and Values at Risk...... 42 FMU Management Guidance and Constraints ...... 42 Management Options ...... 42 Resource Management Goals ...... 43 4 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

FMU Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management...... 43 Safety Considerations...... 44 Operational Considerations...... 44 • Water Dip Sites ...... •...... •...... •.••..•..•...... •...... •...... •..••....••..•.••.. 44 3.2.3 FIRE MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 - SOUTH TRACT FMU ...... •...•..•..•...... •...•.•... 44 Physical and Biological Description ....•...... •.•...... ••....•...•...... •...... •. 44 Topographic Features ...... •...... •..•...•..•...••..•..•...... •...•...... •...... •...... •.•..•.. 44 Fuels and Fire Behavior ...... 44 Soils ...... 44 Access ...... 44 Areas of Special Concern...... 45 Communities and Values at Risk...... 46 FMU Management Guidance .and Constraints...... 46 Management Options ...... 46 Resource Management Goals ...... 46 FMU Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management ...... 47 FMU Strategies ...... 47 Operational Considerations ...... 47 Access Limitations Due to Hazards ...... 47 Helispots ...... 47 Water Dip Sites ...... 47 Incident Command Post Locations ...... 47

4.0 WILDLAND FIRE OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE ••••...... •....•...... 48 4.1 Appropriate Management Response (AMR) •••...... •••...... •...... •.....••. 48 • Preparedness ...... 48 Planning...... 48 Annual Operations Plan ...... 48 Fire Directory...... 49 Communications...... 49 Pre-Season Plan...... 49 Staffing Plan (Step-Up Plan)...... 49 Detection...... 51 Staffing ...... 51 Equipment...... 52 Normal Unit Strength NUS) ...... 52 Training...... 52 Qualifications •.••..•..•..•...... •...••.••...••.•...••...•••.•••••..•...... •..•...... ••.•...•.....•.•..• 52 Physical Fitness ...... 53 Agreements (Cooperative and Mutual Aid) ...... 53 Size-Up, Initial and Extended Attack Response Procedures...... •.....••.....•....•...... 53 Size-Up ...... 54 Initial Attack ...... 54 Public Information...... 55 • 5 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Extended Attack...... •...... ••• ...... •• .... •••••••••••••••••.•••••• 55 Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) ...... ••...... 56 Aviation ...... •...... 56 Dispatch Operations (Obtaining Resources) ...... 56 • Processes for Complying with Regulatory Requirements ...... 57 Smoke ...... •...... •...... •...... 57 Endangered and Threatened Species ...... 57 State Historic Preservation Office ...... •.....•...... •...... •...... 57 Reporting Requirements ...... •...... 58 Records Management...... •...... 58 4.2 Fuels Management...... •...... •..•...... 59 Background ...... •...... ••...... 59 Goals Related to Fuels Management...... •...... •...... 59 Planning and Analysis ...... •....••...... •.•...... 60 Priority Setting...... •...... 61 Guidance ...... •...... •...... 61 Preparation and Implementation ...... 62 Responsibilities ...... •...... •...... 62 Education ...... •...... •...... ••...... 63 Seasonality Factors .....••...... •...... •...... 63 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 63 Reporting Requirements ...... 63 Exceeding the Established Parameters of a Prescribed Burn Plan ...... •...... 63 Non-Fire Fuel Treatments ...... •...... 64 Wildland Urban Interface ...... •.•...... •...... •...... 64 Project Accomplishments ...... •...... •..•...... 64 • Processes Used to Identify Fuel Treatments ...... 64 4.3 Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation ...... 65 4.4 Prevention, Mitigation, and Education ...... •...... 65 Prevention and Mitigation ...... •.....•...... 65 Education •...... •...... •...... 66

5. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 67 Background ...•...... •...... •...... •...... •.....•..•...... •...... 67 Types of Monitoring...... •...... •...... 67 Environmental ...... •...... •...... 67 Prescribed Fire...... •...... •...... •.•...... •...... 67 Wildland Fire Suppression...... 68 Habitat Response Monitoring Requirements...... 69 Reporting and Documentation...... 69 Prescribed Fire Critiques and Plan Review...... 70 Prescribed Fire Program Compliance with Agency Policy...... 70

6. GLOSSARY OF WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT TERMINLOGY ...... 70

6 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

7• APPENDICES ...... 74 Appendix A Maps ...... 75 Appendix B Authority and Policy References •...... ••.....•..•...... •...... 76 • Appendix C Staff Responsibilities and Program Organization .•.•...... •...... ••••.. 79 Appendix D Fire Danger and Staff Readiness ...... 83 Appendix E Fire Directory ...... 85 Appendix F Tables ...... 86 Appendix G Equipment and Cache Items ...... 89 Appendix H Radio Frequencies ...... 91 Appendix I Agreements ...... 92 Appendix J Delegation of Authority ...... 93 Appendix K Fire Report Forms FMIS ...... 95 Appendix L Debris Burning Policy, Procedures, and Checklist...... •...... 99 Appendix M Annual Fire Management Plan Review Checklist...... 102

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Guidance/Constraints and FMU Applicability •...... •...... ••...•.•....•• 31 Table 2 National Fire Danger Rating Fuel Models and Indices ...•...... •...... 50

LIST OF FIGURES

Figurel Patuxent Research Refuge and Vicinity Map ...... 12 • Figure 2 North Tract Fire Management Unit 1 Map ...... 36 Figure 3 Central Tract Fire Management Unit 2 Map ...••.•...... •...... •40 Figure 4 South Tract Fire Management Unit 3 Map ...... 45

LITERATURE CITED

Abrams, M. D. 1996. Distribution, historical development and ecophysiological attributes of oak species in the eastern United States. Annales des Sciences Forestieres (Paris) 53:487-512.

Anderson, R. C. 1990. The historic role of fire in the North American grassland. In: Fire in North American Tai/grass Prairies (S.L. Collins and L.L. Wallace, eds.). Pp. 8-18. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, Oklahoma. ISBN 0-8061-2281-1

Anderson, R. C. 1997. Summer fires. In: The Tai/grass Restoration Handbook,for Prairies, Savannahs, and Woodlands (Packard, S. and C. F. Motel, eds.). Pp. 245-249. Island Press, Washington, D.C. ISBN 1-55963-320-4.

Askins, R. A. 1997. History of Grasslands in the Northeastern United States: Implications for Bird Conservation. In: Grasslands ofNortheastern North America, Ecology and Conservation ofNative and Agricultural Landscapes (Vickery, P. D. and P. W. Dunwiddie, eds.), pp. 119-136. Massachusetts • Audubon Society, Lincoln, MA. ISBN 0-932691-25-0.

7 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Barbour, M. G., J. H. Burk, W. D. Pitts, F. S. Gilliam, M. K. Schwartz. 1999. In: Terrestrial Plant Ecology, Third Edition. Pp. 446-447. Benjamin/Cummings, an imprint of Addison Wesley Longman, Inc. • ISBN 0-8053-0004-x.

Bond, W. J. and B. S. van Wilgen. 1996. Fire and Plants. Chapman and Hall, New York.

Brose, P.H., D. H. Van Lear, and P. D. Keyser. 1999. A shelterwood technique for regenerating productive upland oak sites in the Piedmont region. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 23(3):158- 163.

Brown, E. C. 1985. Scope of Work for an Intensive Archeological Survey of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Prince George's County, Maryland.

Bowels, M. L. and J. L. McBride. 1998. Vegetation composition, structure, and chronological change in a decadent midwestern North American Savannah remnant. Natural Areas Journal 18(1):14-27.

Crow, T. R.., W. C. Johnson, and C. S. Adkisson. 1994. Fire and recruitment of Quercus in a postagricultural field. American Midland Naturalist. 131(1):84-97.

Cook, J.E., T. L. Sharik, and D. W. Smith. 1998. Oak regeneration in the southern Appalachians:potential, problems, and possible solutions. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 22(1):11-18.

Day, G. M. 1953. The Indian as an ecological factor in the Northeastern Forest. Ecology 34(2):329-346. •

DeBano, L. F., D. G. Neary, and P. F. Ffolliott. 1998a. Chapter 9, Vegetation In: Fire's Effects on Ecosystems. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York ISBN 0-471-16356-2.

Frost, C. C. 1998. Pre-settlement fire frequency regimes of the United States: a first approximation. Pages 70-81 In: Teresa, L. Pruden and Leonard A. Brennen (eds.) Fire in ecosystem management: shifting the paradigm from suppression to prescription. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference Proceedings, No. 20. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.

Herkert, J. R. 1994b. Breeding bird communities of midwestern prairie fragments: the effects of prescribed burning and habitat-area. Natural Areas Journal 14(2): 128-135.

Howe, H.F. 1995. Succession and fire season in experimental prairie plantings. Ecology 76(6):1917- 1925.

Jones, A. and P. D. Vickery. 1997. Conserving grassland birds, managing agricultural lands including hayfields, crop fields, and pastures for grassland birds. A handbook published through the Grassland Conservation Program, Center for Biological Conservation, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, MA, in collaboration with Silvio 0. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North American Waterfowl Mangement Program. 17 p.

8 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

_ Jordan, M., J.B. Washa, and R. Zaremba. 1995. Restoration of grasslands communities and recovery • efforts for the endangered sandplain gerardia on Long Island, New York. In: Proceedings ofthe First Conference on Fire Effects on Rare and Endangered Species and Habitats, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (J. Greenlee ed.). Organized by the International Association of Wildland Fire, November, 1995.

Komarek, E. V. 1968. Lightning and lightning fires as ecological forces. In: Proceedings ofthe Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference, no. 8, pp. 169-197. Tallahassee, FL: Tall Timbers Research Station.

Knapp, A. K., J.M. Briggs, J.M. Blair, and C. L. Turner. 1998. Patterns and controls of aboveground net primary production in tallgrass prairie. In: Grassland Dynamics, Long-Term Ecological Research in Tai/grass Prairie (Knapp, A.K., J. M. Briggs, D. C. Hartnett, S. L. Collins, eds.). Pp. 193-221. Oxford University Press, New York, Oxford. ISBN 0-19-511486-8.

Ladd, D. 1997. Statement of Doug Ladd, Director of Science and Stewardship, Missouri Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Before the House Committee on Agriculture, July 15, 1997.

Latham, R.E., Thompson, J.E., Riley, S.A., and A.W. Wibiralske. 1996. The Pocono till barrens: shrub savanna persisting on soils favoring forest. Bulletin of the Torrey Botannical Club. 123(4) 330-349.

National Interagency Fire Center. 2006. Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Guide: NFES Publication 1279, Boise, Idaho.

Patterson, W.A. III, and K.E. Sassman. 1988. Indian fires in the prehistory of New England. Pp. 107-135 • Io: Holocene human ecology in northeastern North America (G.P. Nichols, ed.). Plenum, New York.

Rice, E.L. and R.L. Parenti. 1978. Causes of decreases in productivity in undisturbed tallgrass prairie. American Journal of Botany. 65:1091-1097.

Robbins, C. S. and A. T. Blom. 1996. The Environment. In: Atlas ofBreeding Birds ofMaryland and the District of Columbia, pp. 17-26. University of Pittsburgh Press. ISBN 0-8229-3923-1. Robbins, C. S., D. Bystrak, and P.H. Geissler. 1986. The breeding bird survey; its first fifteen years, 1965-1979. U.S. Dept. Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Resource Publication 157. 196p.

Rudnicky, J. L., W. A. Patterson, III, and R. P. Cook. 1997. Experimental use of prescribed fire for managing grassland bird habitat at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. In: Grasslands ofNortheastern North America (Vickery, P. D. and P. W. Dunwiddie, eds). Pp. 99-118. ISBN 0-932691-25-0.

Russel, E.W. B. 1998. Indian-set fires in the forests of the Northeastern U.S. Ecology 64(1):78-88.

Sauer, J. R., J.E. Hines, G. Gough, I. Thomas, and B. G. Peterjohn. 1997. The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis. Version 96.4. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/bbs.html (12/1999).

Sullivan, J. 1995. Oak-hickory forest. In: Simmerman, D. G., compiler. The Fire Effects Information System. Missoula, MT: USDA, USFS, Intermountain Research Station, Intermountain Fire Sciences • Laboratory.

9 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Tyndall, R.W. 1992. Historical considerations of conifer expansion in MARYLAND Serpentine barrens. • Castanea. 57 (2) 123-131.

Vogl, R.J. 1974. Effects of fire on grasslands. In: Fire and ecosystems (T. T. Kozlowski and C. E. Ahlgren, eds.). Pp. 139-193. Academic Press, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Windisch, A.G., and Good, R.E. 1991. Fire behavior and stem survival in the NJ pine plains. In: Herman, S.M. Conf. Coordinator. Proceedings 17th Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference: High­ Intensity Fire in Wildlands, Management Challenges and Options. May 18-21, 1989. Tallahassee, FL. 1991. p. 424.

Zaremba, R.E., Hubbs, K. 1991. The Albany pine bush: fire management concerns in an urban landscape. In: Herman, S.M. Conf. Coordinator. Proceedings 17th Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference: High-Intensity Fire in Wildlands, Management Challenges and Options. May 18-21, 1989. Tallahassee, FL. 1991. p. 424.

•

10 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

1. INTRODUCTION • 1.1 Reasons for the Development of a Fire Management Plan Department of Interior (DOI) fire management policy requires that every area with burnable vegetation must have an approved Fire Management Plan (FMP) (620 DM l.4B). In addition, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Management Manual (621 FW l.4-6) states that" ... all Refuges with vegetation that can sustain fire must have a Fire Management Plan". The underlying purpose of the FMP is to provide decision support to aid managers in making informed decisions regarding operational procedures and values to be protected and/or enhanced. The FMP for the Patuxent Research Refuge will provide guidance on a wide range of fire management activities including preparedness, prescribed fire, wildland fire, and prevention activities. Values considered in the FMP include: the protection of Refuge property, structures and improvements, cultural and historic sites, protection of neighboring private property, protection of endangered and threatened species of concern, and enhancement of Refuge habitats.

This FMP complies fully with Department of Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requirements that provide for a review and/ or revision at a minimum of a five-year interval, or when significant changes in program direction are proposed (e.g. significant land-use changes are made to FWS lands, etc).

The FMP identifies and integrates all wildland fire management and related activities within the context of an approved Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). Patuxent Research Refuge is currently in the process of developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (2008) that will define a program to manage wildland fires (wildlfire, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use) on Refuge lands. The CCP will ensure that wildland fire management goals and objectives are fully integrated into all aspects of Refuge operations. • 1.2 Description of Patuxent Research Refuge Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR) was established in 1936 to support wildlife research, a mission that continues to the present day. The Refuge is a 12, 841 acre unit of the National Wildlife Refuge system located in Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties, Maryland (Figure 1). It is situated midway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, and is within commuting distance of each. The incorporated city of Bowie, Maryland, is located a short distance southeast of the Refuge on Highway 197 (the highway bisects the Refuge).The city of Laurel is located 2.5 miles to the northwest. The Refuge is surrounded on all sides by intense urban development.

Patuxent Research Refuge and surrounding areas make up the largest tract of forested land in central Maryland. The Refuge is located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, in the Patuxent and Little Patuxent River watersheds. Five miles of the Patuxent River, and 3.5 miles of the Little Patuxent River traverse the Refuge. The Refuge is approximately 75% forested, and contains several thousand acres of mature bottomland hardwood forest, including a section of virgin forest. Many small tributaries have been impounded or restored to create additional wetlands within the Refuge. A number of open meadows are dispersed throughout the Refuge .

• 11 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Figure 1

Patuxent Research lfGENO Refuge D NationalWik:llite Visitor Cent8' D Vis'torContactStatfon To Baltimore.MD --Rafuge8oundary Ci] w•d!;foVl8WlngAree II Huner Cootrol Stauon

I IQ...... ,_- 2

1.3 Land Ownership

When the Patuxent Research Refuge was established in 1936, it was made up of 2, 670 acres in what is now known as the Central and South Tracts. It has grown to its present size through the acquisition of surrounding properties previously managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Defense (DOD) and private landowners. A number of federal facilities share a boundary with the Refuge: Fort George G. Meade (DOD), Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA), Natural Resources Conservation Service National Plant Materials Center (USDA), and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). These facilities add important open space, forest and other undeveloped habitats adjacent to Refuge lands.

1.4 Significant Resources

The Refuge is surrounded by some of the highest density of human development in the United States. As a result, the Refuge provides high quality wildlife habitat for many species that would otherwise be unable to find habitat sufficient for their needs. In addition, much of the Patuxent River and Little Patuxent River watersheds are located within the Refuge.

Since 1936, the primary purpose of the Refuge has been to provide a protected, natural setting in which to conduct wildlife research. To support research efforts the Refuge has become the "home" for a number of Federal wildlife agencies, including the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) and research/management staff from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Geological Survey-Biological Research Division 12 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

(USGS-BRD), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The PWRC conducts research that ranges from captive bird breeding programs for endangered birds, to studying the effects of pesticides on the reproductive • success of raptors and waterfowl. In addition to housing the various laboratories and field facilities ( outdoor animal pens, veterinary services, storage, scientific equipment and monitoring sites, etc), the Refuge provides the physical sites for long-term ecological and wildlife studies, as well as visitor centers and reference resource facilities. Outdoor animal pen areas are located throughout the Refuge, primarily in the Central Tract, housing waterfowl, raptors and cranes, including a number of threatened and endangered species.

Threatened and Endangered Species (Federal and State)

There are no federally listed threatened or endangered species naturally occurring on the Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR). There are Maryland State T &E species found on the PRR. State endangered species include: northern goshawk (Accipter genii/is), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii), glassy darter (Etheostoma vitreum), spatterdock darner dragonfly (Aeshna mutata), sable clubtail dragonfly ( Gomphus rogersi), treetop emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora provocans), and Chermock's mulberry wing butterfly (Poanes massasoit). State threatened species include: sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), and blackburnian warbler (Dendroicafusca). State highly rare species are: American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), hooded merganser* (Lophodytes cucullatus), pie­ billed grebe* (Podilymbus podiceps), red-breasted nuthatch* (Sitta canadensis), eastern harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis), and a hydrophilid beetle (Sperchopsis tessellatus). Finally State rare species include the following: least bittern (lxobrychus exilis), dark-eyed junco* (Junco hyemalis), southern star-nosed mole ( Condylura cristata parva), northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), and gray petaltail dragonfly (Tachopteryx thoreyi). *(Asterisks denote bird species highly rare and rare as breeding birds only).

• 1.5 Mission of the Refuge

Statutory Authority

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 states that each Refuge shall be managed to fulfill the mission of the Refuge System. "To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and, where appropriate, restoration ofthe fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit ofpresent andfuture generations ofAmericans". The 1997 Act also states that the "biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the System shall be maintained (Refuge Improvement Act; Public Law 105-57).

Refuge Purpose

The National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997 also states that each Refuge "shall be managed to fulfill ... the specific purposes for which the Refuge was established.... " Purposes of a Refuge are those specified in or derived from the law, proclamation, executive order, agreement, public land order, donation document, or administrative memorandum establishing, authorizing, or expanding a Refuge, Refuge unit, or Refuge sub-unit.

Patuxent Research Refuge was established as a means to sustain wildlife research. It is the only member of the National Wildlife Refuge System whose mission is to foster wildlife science. Management of the Refuge focuses on supporting research through the management of a variety of habitat types, including bottomland, terrace and upland forests, grasslands, and man-made improvements such as impoundments and utility • corridors. 13 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

As additional lands have been acquired, management of the Refuge has expanded to incorporate the policy and techniques of a more "typical" National Wildlife Refuge. New facilities and programs have been added to • provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the public as well as providing for environmental education. Compatibility with the research mission remains a governing factor in the management of the Refuge, while the public-use mission conforms to the directives of the Refuge Improvement Act of 1997.

The general goals of the Refuge are applicable for current operations (2008) and apply on an interim basis as the Refuge begins their Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) in 2008, with an anticipated completion date of 2011. Pending CCP direction, this may require amending or complete revision of this FMP. For the interim time period, this FMP will be reviewed annually to ensure its consistency with the goals found in existing management plans and other Refuge documents. Also, an approved Environmental Assessment for a Fire Management Plan prepared in 2000 remains valid and can be found under separate cover.

General management goals of the Refuge are to:

• Manage Refuge habitats for species diversity to support wildlife research. • Provide quality research opportunities for the benefit of wildlife • Manage grasslands (forbs and warm season grasses) for the benefit of grassland-dependent bird species. • Manage Refuge impoundments for the enhancement of mudflats and annual plants for the benefit of shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. • Manage whitetail deer populations (via sport hunting) at or below carrying capacity to protect vegetation diversity and promote forest regeneration in support of the wildlife research mission. • Manage fish populations by maintaining and operating two fish ladders as a means to benefit • anadromous fish reproduction. • Manage sport fish populations (primarily bluegills and sunfish) to support public fishing. • Manage invasive plant populations to protect native habitats. • Manage public use activities to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for the visiting public.

1.6 Management Designations

Patuxent Research Refuge contains areas that have been assigned special management designation by a variety of authorities, federal and local. Three Research Natural Areas (RNA's) are registered with the American Forestry Association for the purpose of managing these areas in a "nearly pristine condition". A map of these RNA's is located in Appendix A (Maps).

• A l 000-acre forested bottomland (RNA I). • A 250-acre terraced woodland (RNA II). • A 1,700-acre upland forest (RNA III).

The Refuge contains a number of cultural resources. The most notable are found on the Prince George's County Historical Registry and include: the Snowden Plantation Home (Snowden Hall), and the Duvall Bridge. The latter is listed with the Maryland Historical Trust. Snowden Hall in particular may be eligible for inclusion on the National Registry of Historic Places. Archeological investigations have revealed the presence of numerous prehistoric occupations located at various Refuge sites. 14 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

2. POLICY, LAND AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIPS • 2.1 Fire Policy Specific high level planning documents, legislation, organizations and associated policies and actions provide guidance and direction to fire management operations described in this Fire Management Plan. These include:

National and Interagency Departmental Policy

Federal Wildland Fire Policy

The National Fire Plan was initiated in 2001 in response to changes dictated by events occurring during the 2000 fire season. A document "The Interagency Strategy for Implementation of the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy" was approved by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior in 2004. This document provides direction for all Federal Wildland Fire Management Agencies (including FWS) in the implementation of the 2001 updated policy. The document stresses the necessity of cooperation and participation of all federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies and organizations. Planning, implementation, and monitoring will be accomplished on an interagency basis with the involvement of all partners. This Fire Management Plan (FMP) meets the criteria established in the Federal Wildland Fire Policy by adhering to the following guiding principles:

• Firefighter and public safety are the first priority in every wildland fire management activity. • The role of wildland fire as an essential ecological process and natural change agent has been incorporated into this planning process. • Fire Management Plans, programs, and activities support land and resources management plans and • their implementation. • Sound risk management is the foundation of all fire management activities. • Fire management programs and activities are economically viable, based upon values to be protected, costs, and land and resources management objectives. • Fire Management Plans and activities are based upon the best available science. • Fire Management Plans and activities incorporate public health and environmental quality considerations. • Federal, State, tribal, local, interagency, and international coordination and cooperation are essential in carrying out management programs. • Standardization of policies and procedures among federal agencies is an on-going objective supported in this FMP.

A number of revisions to the Interagency Strategy for the Implementation of Federal Fire Management Policy (2003) are expected to be adopted during the 5-year life expectancy of this FMP. Changes which may be anticipated include:

• Management of wildland fires for more than one objective • Assessment of all wildfires using the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) and the discontinuation of the Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WSFA) .

• 15 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Escaped prescribed fires that have been declared wildfires will be given the same assessment as any other wildfire. • Re-assessment of the policy regarding the management of human-caused wildfires. • Until these changes are officially adopted and implementation guidance provided by the Federal agencies involved in wildland fire management, there will be no change at Patuxent Research Refuge in how wildland fires are managed. However, it should be understood that any mandatory changes in Federal wildland fire policy will be automatically adopted by the Refuge without requiring an immediate revision to this FMP.

National Fire Plan

This FMP meets the policy and direction contained in the National Fire Plan because it emphasizes the following primary goals of the 10-year Comprehensive Strategy and Cohesive Strategy for Protecting People and Sustaining Natural Resources:

• Improving fire prevention and suppression. • Reducing hazardous fuels • Restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. • Promoting community assistance.

Department of Interior (DOI) Policy

This FMP meets DOI policy as outlined in 620 DM 1 by making full use ofwildland and prescribed fire both as • a natural process and as a tool in the planning process. The Departmental Manual 620 DM 1 provides general policy direction and procedures relating to wildland fire management for all Interior agencies.

The Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC)

The WFLC was chartered in 2002. It is comprised of representatives from the major federal departments, including the Department of the Interior as well as the director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Their purpose is to ensure the policy coordination, accountability, and effective implementation of the National Fire Plan and the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy.

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

The NWCG was chartered in 1976 by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to develop interagency standards and guidelines for incident management. In October 2007 the NWCG was re-structured to incorporate several other wildland fire organizations and reduce redundancy, simplify governance, eliminate confusion concerning roles and responsibilities, and provide improved coordination for policy, standards, and operations.

The Department of Interior Fire Coordination Committee (IFCC)

The IFCC guides and coordinates the development of wildland fire policy among Department of Interior agencies and provides leadership and advice for the development, coordination and maintenance of wildland fire management capabilities, as well as for the standardization of procedures, methods, and practices relating to • fire management in the Department.

16 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Policy

• By addressing the range of potential wildland fire occurrences and including a full range of appropriate management responses, this FMP meets FWS wildland fire policy. It is consistent with the Service Fire Management Handbook and the lnteragency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fire policy is tiered to 620 DM 1 of the Departmental Manual (April 1998) and is contained in 621 FW 1 of the Service Manual (February 2000) and the Fire Management Handbook. These documents establish and clarify FWS policy regarding wildland fire management, discuss policy applications, clarify responsibilities, and encourage interagency coordination and cooperation. The following key points found in 621 FW !summarize the information contained in these directives:

• Firefighter and public safety are the first priority of the FWS Fire Management Program. The FWS will not willingly expose an employee, contractor, or cooperator to life-threatening conditions or situations. • Only trained and qualified fire management leaders and agency administrators will be responsible for and conduct fire management activities. • Trained and certified employees will participate in the wildland fire management program as the situation requires. Non-certified employees will provide support as required and necessary. • Fire Management planning, preparedness, wildland and prescribed fire operations, monitoring, and research will be conducted on an interagency basis with involvement by all partners to the maximum extent practicable. • The responsible agency administrator has coordinated, reviewed, and approved this FMP to ensure consistency with approved land management plans, values to be protected, natural and cultural resource management plans, and that it addresses public health issues related to smoke and air quality. • Fire, as an ecological process, has been integrated into resource management plans and activities on a • landscape scale, and where applicable, across agency boundaries. Its implementation is always based upon the best available scientific information. • Wildland fire is used to meet identified resources management objectives and benefits when appropriate. • Prescribed fire is employed whenever it is an appropriate tool for managing FWS resources and protecting against unwanted wildland fire whenever it threatens human life, property, and natural/ cultural resources. • Appropriate management actions on wildland fires will consider firefighter and public safety, cost effectiveness, values to be protected, and natural and cultural resource objectives. • Staff members will work with local cooperators and the public to prevent unauthorized ignition of wildland fires on FWS lands.

Patuxent Research Refuge Unit-Specific Policies Related to Fire Management.

Patuxent Research Refuge will utilize the following procedures for every wildland fire on the Refuge:

• The Refuge Manager or his/ her designee will be consulted in all situations where natural or cultural resource decisions must be made regarding suppression actions or when trade-offs exist that involve safety of life or property. If life or safety issues exist that require immediate attention without consultation having taken place, these actions will be fully documented including rationale for their implementation. • 17 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• The Refuge Manager may have a designated Resource Advisor (RA) from the Refuge staff act in his/ her stead regarding management decisions relating to fire management. Where applicable, the RA will • be designated by the Refuge Manager as soon as is practical on each incident. This may be accomplished by whatever means the Refuge Manager deems appropriate: i.e. rotation, personal assignment, etc. • The use of heavy mechanized equipment (i.e. tractors, dozers) requires the approval of the Refuge Manager or his/ her designated RA prior to their use on an incident. • The use of firefighting retardant (aerial or ground delivered) at any location on Refuge lands requires the approval of the Refuge Manager or his/ her designated RA prior to its use on an incident. This local policy is more restrictive than FWS Agency policy that advises against the use of aerial retardants and foaming agents at distances less than 300 feet from riparian resources.

2.2 Land and Resource Management Planning

This section of the Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan identifies documents that establish the goals, objectives, standards, guidelines, desired future conditions, and constraints to be discussed in detail in Chapter 3 following.

Land Management Documents

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Patuxent Research Refuge completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) in February, 2000, as a means of determining the potential environmental impacts of proposed fire management activities on Refuge natural and • cultural resources. As a part of that planning process, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), and the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARP A) were included as a part of the EA prepared for the fire management program. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONS!) was determined and the fire management plan was implemented. The project leader has determined that the activities envisioned in the current iteration (2008) of the Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan are similar in scope and effect to those covered by the EA prepared for the 2000 FMP and therefore a new EA is not needed.

Department of the Interior Categorical Exclusions as listed in 516 DM 8.5 that may apply to FWS and Patuxent Research Refuge wildland fire activities include:

• Personnel training, environmental interpretation, public safety efforts, and other educational activities, which do not involve new construction or major additions to new facilities. • Minor changes in existing master plans, comprehensive conservation plans, or operations, when nor or only minor effects are anticipated. Examples could include changes in the type and location of compatible public use activities and land management practices. • Issuance of new or revised site, unit, or activity-specific management plans for pubJic use, land use, or other management activities when only minor changes are planned. For example, an amended public use plan or fire management plan. • Fire management activities, including prevention and restoration measures, when conducted in accordance with Departmental and Service procedures. 18 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Habitat Management Plans

• The Refuge currently has no approved Habitat Management Plan (HMP). An HMP will be completed as a part of the CCP process that will begin in 2008. It is currently operating under internal management plans and an Annual Habitat Work Plan (AHWP).

Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)

Under the auspices of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Refuge Improvement Act), all national wildlife refuges are required to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). This document provides a framework for guiding refuge management decisions. All refuges are required by law to complete their CCP by 2012. Patuxent Research Refuge will begin the preparation of it's CCP in 2008, with an expected completion date of approximately 2010-2011.

Annual Habitat Work Plan (AHWP)

Each year the Refuge prepares an Annual Habitat Work Plan (AHWP). This plan includes a review of the habitat management activities from the previous year, and evaluation of monitoring programs, and recommendations for habitat management strategies and prescriptions for the coming year. It serves as an annual tool to implement the goals and objectives established in the Habitat Management Plan or other applicable documents. As with other plans on the Refuge, adaptive management techniques are utilizing in implementing the AHWP. Prescribed fire and non-fire hazardous fuel projects are identified conceptually in this document and then refined/ completed in project-specific plans .

Regional and State Plans

• The Refuge will continue to work in concert with federal, state, and regional partners in the protection and conservation ofresources on the Refuge through the participatory development and implementation of various plans and programs. For example, the approximately 8.5 miles of the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers that flow through the Refuge are a part of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Program, designed to provide water quality benefits and watershed protection for the Chesapeake Bay.

Endangered Species Recovery Plans

Federal

Patuxent Research Refuge has been the site of an active bald eagle nest located on the North Tract of the Refuge. Although this species has been de-listed, it still will be afforded protection and consideration based upon current federal laws established for management of this important species.

State

The Refuge cooperates with the State of Maryland in helping to manage state-listed species of concern through the application of effective habitat enhancement and protection techniques and strategies .

• 19 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

2.3 Fire Management Partnerships

Patuxent Research Refuge is an active partner in the interagency Fire Program Analysis (FP A) system. The FP A is a common interagency decision support tool for wildland fire planning and budgeting. FP A will be used to • enable wildland fire managers in the five federal land management agencies (including FWS), as well as state and local organizations, to plan fire management activities jointly. Patuxent Research Refuge is scheduled for inclusion in the Maryland Fire Planning Unit (FPU) of the Fire Program Analysis (FPA).

Patuxent Research Refuge is represented in the Eastern Area Coordination Group (EACG) that has been established to provide a comprehensive interagency approach to wildland fire management and all-risk support on all land ownerships located within the 20 northeastern states region (including MD) of the U.S. The EACG is made up ofrepresentatives from the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact, Big Rivers Forest Fire Compact, Mid­ Atlantic Interstate Forest Fire Compact, Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact, National Park Service, Bureau oflndian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. The purpose of the EACG is to further interagency cooperation, communications, coordination, and to provide interagency fire management direction and all-risk incident support for the Eastern Area Geographic Area.

Patuxent Research Refuge is located in the geographic area served by the Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC). Federal and state agencies, including PRR, located in the 20-state area served by the center, receive logistical support, resource assistance, and intelligence information for anticipated and ongoing wildland fire activity. EACC facilitates movement of resources (people, aircraft, and equipment) among any of the agencies located in the area. In addition, EACC monitors wildland fire potential, weather, and wildland fire use within the area. EACC also responds to requests for support to other geographic areas from the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) located in Boise, Idaho. Although the primary focus ofEACC is to respond to • wildland fire incidents, the center now provides support for a wide range of all-risk incidents such as earthquake, flood, hurricane, hazardous material spills, etc. EACC also provides a vehicle through which its members can attend training, workshops, and/ or special projects.

FWS resources in Maryland and Delaware are assisted through the efforts of the Blackwater NWR, which serves as an unofficial central dispatch center for the Refuges in these two states. They maintain the incident status of individuals in the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS) and assist in filling resource orders that come in from EACC by utilizing FWS resources from the MD-DE refuges.

The Refuge works closely with both the Prince George's County and Ann Arundel County Fire Departments. Both of these departments consider the Refuge to be within their respective areas of responsibility and are prepared to respond whenever the situation dictates. These relationships are particularly important to PRR due to the relatively proximity of the Refuge to potential wildland urban interface along its contiguous boundaries. Written Agreements with these departments do not currently exist, though they will be pursued as a part of the development of this FMP. The Refuge also has a working agreement (Appendix I) with the Maryland Department of Forestry who are prepared to provide additional initial and extended attack forces in support of Refuge and local fire department resources if needed.

3. FIRE MANAGEMENT UNIT CHARACTERISTICS

The identification of Fire Management Units (FMU) within a Refuge represents the cornerstone of fire management planning. An FMU is any land management area defined by objectives, management constraints, • 20 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

topographic features, distance from other units, access ( or lack thereof), values to be protected, political boundaries, fuel types, major fire regime groups, etc, that sets it apart from the management characteristics of an adjacent FMU. Patuxent Research Refuge will utilize three Fire Management Units in its fire management • program. Boundaries of the current Administrative Divisions of the Refuge; the North Tract, Central Tract and South Tract, will be kept and employed as boundaries for their respective Fire Management Units (FMU' s ).

3.1. Area-wide Fire Management Considerations

The intent of this section is to document overall wildland fire management program guidance and characteristics that are common to all three FMU's of the Patuxent Research Refuge.

Goals and Obiectives of the Wildland Fire Program

The Goals and Objectives of Patuxent Research Refuge are consistent with and fully support the principles outlined in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, 2008 (NFES 2724). They are to:

• Make firefighter and public safety the highest priority of every fire management activity. • Suppress all wildland fires in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner through the selection and utilization of the appropriate management response (AMR). • Protect human life, property, and natural and cultural resources from damage by wildland fire. • Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners when planning and implementing wildland fire preparedness, prevention, suppression, and prescribed fire activities. Promote an interagency approach to managing wildland fires on an ecosystem basis . • Identify fire management research needs, work with partners to develop proposals and obtain funding, and apply research results to fire planning through the adaptive management process. • • Educate the public, cooperating agencies and employees about the scope and effects of wildland fire management, including prescribed fire, fuels management (both fire and non-fire), resource protection, prevention, hazard/ risk assessment, mitigation and rehabilitation, and the role of fire in ecosystem management. • Utilize appropriate fire management activities to promote and preserve healthy and diverse ecosystems. • Restore fire as a natural, dynamic ecosystem process to the maximum extent possible, maximizing wildlife and vegetative diversity by maintaining plant communities in various stages of successional development. Emphasis will be place on restoration and perpetuation of mid-Atlantic ecosystems. • Integrate fire management activities with all other aspects of Refuge management programs. • Investigate wildland fire research opportunities for Refuge natural and cultural resources.

Fire Management Strategies

The following strategies will be employed as a means to meet the fire management goals and objectives of the Refuge:

• Conduct all fire management programs in a manner consistent with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. • Identify, inventory, and map wildland fuels. Specific fuel loadings will be evaluated in areas of high risk; hazard reduction strategies (prescribed fire and non-fire) will be used to reduce hazardous fuel loadings. • 21 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Utilize prescribed fire as a management tool to achieve hazardous fuel and resource management goals and objectives. • Interior road/ ditch corridors, fire roads, and fuel breaks will be maintained in appropriate areas of the Refuge. • • Identify, inventory and map developments near the Refuge that are potentially a wildland fire risk or that could be affected by Refuge fire activity (wildfire or prescribed). • Promote fire training opportunities for Refuge staff. • Prevent unplanned human-caused ignitions. Prepare and implement an effective fire prevention plan to minimize human caused wildland fires. • Utilize minimum impact suppression strategies and tactics (MIST), commensurate with safety, as a means to minimize impacts on Refuge systems. • Use retardants and/ or foam only with the permission of the Refuge Manager. • Develop cost-effective fire monitoring to ensure fire management activities (fire suppression, prescribed fire, and non-fire fuel reduction) meet Refuge goals and objectives. • Utilize heavy mechanized equipment only in those areas where their use does not create damage that would be more serious than the effects of a wildland fire. In situations where human life, valuable natural or cultural resources, or private property may be threatened, the choice to use mechanized equipment should be made available to suppression resources, but only with permission from the Refuge Manager. The Refuge Manager or a resource adviser (RA) from the Refuge will be made available to provide input regarding these types of suppression decisions. A resource adviser is a member of the Refuge staff that has a working knowledge ofRefuge resources and can contribute expertise towards developing and implementing sound strategies that protect resources (e.g. Wildlife Biologist). • Promote public understanding of fire management programs by generating support through effective public education, utilizing Refuge outreach and education opportunities. • Strategy Discussion

A full range of suppression strategies are available when considering the appropriate management response (AMR) to a wildland fire. Suppression response must minimize threats to human life, be cost effective, and minimize adverse resource impacts. Suppression strategies are ultimately governed by threats to values at risk, both on and off the Refuge. Since the Refuge is located in a predominantly urban area, almost any wildland fire escaping from Refuge land will likely create a significant wildland-urban interface incident. The Refuge is also somewhat unique in that the high values at risk (research facilities, laboratories, animal pens, service buildings, etc) almost always will justify any suppression cost necessary, especially when weighed against the potential loss that could occur should a wildland fire escape initial attack suppression efforts.

The modification or reduction of fuels, either through the use of prescribed fire or non-fire fuel reduction techniques, provides increased potential for effective wildland fire suppression through the creation of defensible space around structures, slowing the progress of fire at pre-constructed fire-breaks and "buying time" for suppression forces to arrive. Fire intensities can be reduced through effective hazard fuel reduction activities. Fires are more likely to be effectively suppressed since flame lengths and spread rates are reduced. The restoration, maintenance and enhancement of ecosystems through the use of prescribed fire is based upon the cost effectiveness of achieving resource objectives identified in Refuge land management plans. The use of prescribed fire is often more cost effective than annual mowing programs or the intermittent use of heavy land • clearing machinery (Rome-disc, root-rake, hydroaxe) for the maintenance of diverse grassland habitats. 22 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Prescribed fire can be more cost effective and have fewer adverse impacts than logging activities in the recruitment of oak/ hardwood species. Prescribed fire can also be used to break up uniform blocks of conifers or • other flammable fuel types, thus lowering fire intensities and aiding in fire suppression operations. Desired Future Conditions

Whenever possible management activities on the Refuge attempt to restore or mimic natural ecosystem processes or functions and thereby maintain biological diversity, integrity, and environmental health. Given the continually changing environmental conditions and landscape patterns of the past and present (e.g. rapid development, climate change, etc) relying on natural processes alone is not always feasible, nor is it always the best management strategy for conserving wildlife resources. Uncertainty about the future requires that the Refuge manage within a natural range ofvariability rather than trying to emulate an exact and arbitrary point in time. This allows species and natural communities to evolve with changing conditions, rather than trying to maintain a condition of absolute stability.

In keeping with the primary Refuge mission of providing healthy and diverse ecosystems, management practices will be utilized that provide the best opportunities for protection and enhancement of wildlife and habitat. In order to provide the desired future conditions necessary to meet Refuge objectives, the Environmental Assessment (EA) developed for this Fire Management Plan has identified a balanced fire management program utilizing a combination of appropriate management response (AMR) strategies. Selection of an AMR will depend upon public and firefighter health and safety, location, fuel types, fuel conditions, seasonality, smoke considerations, management objectives, vegetation type, implementation costs, and availability of suppression resources necessary to meet wildland fire suppression objectives. Prescribed fire and non-fire hazardous fuel reduction strategies will also be used in some areas to remove hazardous fuels, enhance wildlife and habitat, reduce invasive species, and meet other resource management goals as identified in current • Refuge management. Patuxent Research Refuge and Climate Change

There is consensus among the scientific community that global climate change, occurring in part as the result of emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases resulting from human activities will lead to significant impacts across the United States and the world (Joint Science Academics' Statement 2005). The effect of climate change on wildlife and habitats is expected to be variable and perhaps species-specific, with a general trend of ranges shifting northward. Uncertainty about the future effects of climate change requires Refuge managers to use adaptive management in order to maintain healthy ecosystems in light of the unpredictability (lnkley et al 2004). This involves improving or adjusting policies, procedures, and practices based upon the outcomes of monitoring of management activities and may result in changes to regulations, shifts in active habitat management plans, or changes in management planning. In response to these potential changes, this Fire Management Plan will rely closely upon the results of its monitoring program and be ready to employ adaptive management techniques where they are needed as a means to maintain healthy, connected, and genetically diverse wildlife populations and the habitat that supports their growth and sustains their viability .

• 23 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Characteristics (Physical) Common to All Fire Management Units

The physical Refuge characteristics described in this section are relevant to the entire Refuge and, hence, all of Fire Management Units. Characteristics specific to a particular FMU will be discussed in the appropriate • section (3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3) describing the attributes for that particular FMU.

Topography

Patuxent Research Refuge is situated in the coastal plain of central Maryland. The topography is moderately dissected, and is generally described as being rolling to hilly. Streams flow slowly through broad valleys and empty into the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers of the Chesapeake Bay. Low, broad, nearly level terraces adjoin both rivers. The Refuge is dominated by the Patuxent and Little Patuxent River drainages, approximately six miles below the fall line that forms the boundary between the Coastal Plain and the Piedmont physiographic provinces. The Refuge is characterized by the gently sloping terrain that is typical of the coastal plain. The natural landscape is predominantly forested, with the lowest elevations (near 80 feet above sea level) in river bottomlands. Elevation change is minimal, with the highest elevations being about 240 feet above sea level.

Soils

The Refuge is underlain by unconsolidated deposits of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. The major soils at the Refuge are the Christiana-Sunnyside-Beltsville association, the Bibb-Tidal marsh association, and the Sassafrass­ Croom association. There are also substantial areas of sandy, Evesboro soils on the North Tract FMU of the Refuge. No USDA Soil Surveys have been performed on the central part of the North Tract FMU, because it is composed of a series of firing ranges and training areas (unexploded ordnance present) formerly controlled by • the Department of Defense (DOD).

The Christiana-Sunnyside-Beltsville association is underlain by red clay. The Christiana and Sunnyside soils are well-drained and suitable for deep-rooted vegetation; these soils have generally been put into agricultural production in the region and undisturbed forested areas are rare. Beltsville soils are less conducive to development and agricultural uses; they contain a restricting fragipan and consequently have a water table that is perched in wet seasons. The Bibb-Tidal marsh association is made up of mostly alluvial soils of the flood plains found along the Patuxent River and tributaries. Due to frequent flooding, these riparian soils were generally not subject to clearing for farmland and often contain intact wildlife habitat. Sassafras soils are deep and well drained; Croom soils are shallow and somewhat excessively drained, with a compact to cemented subsoil. Evesboro soils of the North Tract FMU are sandy, and well to somewhat excessively drained.

Hydrology

At the heart of the Refuge, on the Central tract, lies the channel, tributaries, floodplains and non-tidal wetlands of the Patuxent River. Five miles of the river and 3.5 miles of the Little Patuxent River are protected by the Refuge. Beech Island, in the Refuge's floodplain, contains 6 acres of virgin forest. The Refuge has been identified by the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Program as integral to the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. The Water Quality Management Plan for the Patuxent River Basin (1984, As Referenced in Part One, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Master Plan, 1990) found that there were widespread water quality concerns in the Patuxent River Basin, including non-point sources of sediments, nutrients, oil and grease, pesticides,

24 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

herbicides, heavy metals and toxins. The Refuge provides a largely undisturbed, forested riparian zone which exports relatively low nutrients and other pollutants to the watershed. • In addition to the Patuxent River, there are at least 40 original, man-made impoundments on the Refuge. This wetlands system was created from the late 1930's through the mid 1970's for long-term wildlife research. Some areas were created to reclaim gravel pits, while others were created specifically for waterfowl research and management.

Natural Communities and Cover Types

The Refuge is located in the Central Pine-Oak vegetative region of Maryland, between the Central Hardwood and Southern Pine-Oak regions. It is closer, however, to the Central Hardwoods, and the vegetation is more characteristic of that region. Much of the land that is now forested on the Refuge is a result of gradual reforestation as lands fell out of agricultural use. Distribution of various species has changed significantly through this process. A notable change has been the invasion of cleared and cut-over areas by conifers, especially Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana). Pitch (Pinus rigida) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) have invaded many of the drier areas; sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) has invaded more mesic to wet sites. Sandy, well­ drained sites on the Refuge are now occupied by young, thick scrub growth of species such as Virginia pine and oaks, such as southern red (Quercus falcata), scrub (Quercus ilicifolia), post (Quercus stellata), willow (Quercus phellos), and blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica).

At least 854 species of fems and flowering plants have been recorded for the Refuge, making it an area of botanical interest (Hotchkiss and Stewart, 1979). Sixty-four species of trees, 70 species of shrubs and woody vines, 102 species of grasses, and 82 species of sedges, as well as many more herbaceous species have been recorded.

• Of the total 12,800 acres of Refuge, 830 acres are non-burnable (largely water bodies), although these bodies of water are often surrounded by burnable wetland The predominant vegetation of PRR is upland forest dominated by white, red, and southern red oak (Quercus alba, rubra, andfalcata), with Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), pitch pine (Pinus rigida), red maple (Acer rubrum), and black gum (Nyssa sulvatica). The next most predominant vegetation type is bottomland hardwood forest characterized by river birch (Betula nigra), pin oak (Q. palustris), swamp white oak (Q. bicolor), red maple (A. rubrum), sweet gum (Liquidamber styraciflua), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulip/era), and in addition to the oaks already mentioned, willow oak (Q. phellos), black oak (Q. velutina), and post oak (Q. stellata).

Open meadows are characterized by the exotic tall meadow fescue (Festuca arundinacea) which dominates in many areas. Undesirable woody species such as sweet gum are also common. Other common species include broomsedge (Andropogen virginicus), wild berries (Rubus spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), ragweed (Ambrosia elatior), Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and a variety of panic grasses (Panicum spp.).

Specific forest cover types are currently being characterized by USGS, and will be incorporated into the Refuge's Geographic Information System (GIS). This will facilitate more specific characterization of Refuge areas by Fire Behavior (USFBPS) Fuel Models and corresponding National Fire Danger (NFDRS) Fuel Models.

• 25 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Wildlife Birds • Over 268 species of birds have been recorded on the Refuge, including loons, grebes, pelicans and their allies, waterfowl, wading birds and other colonial waterbirds, raptors, doves and pigeons, cuckoos, owls, goatsuckers, swifts, hummingbirds, kingfishers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, larks, swallows, jays and crows, chickadees and titmice, nuthatches, creepers, wrens, mockingbirds and thrashers, thrushes, gnatcatchers and kinglets, pipits and wagtails, waxwings, shrikes, vireos, wood warblers, weaver finches, blackbirds and orioles, tanagers and finches, and sparrows. A nesting pair of bald eagles has used the North Tract FMU of the Refuge since 1989, although during the breeding seasons of 1999 to the present no eagle nesting has occurred.

Increasing forest fragmentation in the area due to escalating urban development central Maryland and northern Virginia has damaged many populations of neo-tropical migratory birds. The Refuge is one of the largest forested areas in the mid-Atlantic region and provides critical breeding habitat and an important nesting area for these species.

Mammals

Mammals are perhaps the best known wildlife class on the Refuge largely because of the numerous trapping studies conducted and decades of wildlife observations made by research staff. Small mammals, especially deer mice (Peromyscus sp.), were the subject of many studies. At least 36 species of mammals are known to inhabit the Refuge. Recently, populations of beaver and white-tailed deer have increased dramatically on the Refuge; coyote have recently invaded the central Maryland region. Common mammals include white-tailed deer • (Odocoileus virginianus borealis), raccoon (Procyon lotor lotor), red fox (Vulpes vulpesfulva), woodchuck (Marmota marmota monax), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis pennsylvanicus), and meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus pennsylvanicus),

Fish

The Refuge is home to over 45 species of fish. Species now found on the Refuge are those inhabiting organic bottoms, such as bottomland pools, and impoundments, rather than clear-running water.

Reptiles and amphibians

The status of most of the reptiles and amphibians is based on professional judgment, because studies have been made only on a few species. There is a strong belief among staff members at the Refuge that some species are less common than they used to be, potentially as a result of higher flood peaks in the Patuxent (as a result of urbanization), loss of open habitats to succession, and increasing habitat fragmentation in the central Maryland region. At least 9 species of salamanders and newts have been recorded for the Refuge, and 12 species of frogs and toads. There are also at least 7 species of turtles, 4 species of skinks and lizards, and 15 species of snakes .

26 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Fire History • Pre-Settlement fires A combination of fire types, including naturally-occurring (lightning-caused) fires, and fires associated with the activities of Native Americans and European colonists (Patterson and Sassman 1988) have historically influenced vegetation in the eastern U.S. Naturally occurring fire (lightning-caused) is infrequent in the Northeast (including the mid-Atlantic), however, human-set fire has historically, dramatically impacted the ecology of the region. Native peoples occupying the mid-Atlantic from the Pleistocene era until the time of European contact employed fire regularly to improve game habitat, facilitate travel, reduce insect pests, remove cover for potential enemies, enhance berry production, and other purposes.

At the time of European contact, the forest landscape in much of the eastern U.S. contained open stands, shaped by short-interval, low-intensity fires. Grasslands and prairies were common in areas as far east as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, primarily as a result of introduced or naturally-occurring fire. Open areas had been created and maintained for agricultural use, and as a result of gathering and clearing for firewood. Grassland habitats in the pre-colonial eastern U.S. influenced by fire included: oak openings in northern/central New York; the Pocono till barrens of eastern Pennsylvania (Latham et. al. 1996); serpentine barrens of eastern Pennsylvania and central Maryland (Tyndall 1992), and the Hagerstown Valley of western Maryland (Robbins and Blom 1996). Fire influenced eastern forests (Day 1953, Russell 1983), included the pine and oak "barrens" of the northeast (Windsch and Good 1991, Zaremba and Hubbs 1991, Tyndall 1992) and oak-hickory forests (Sullivan 1995). Grasslands, xeric pine and oak communities, and oak forests are found on the Refuge today. These communities were likely influenced by anthropogenic and/or lightning-caused fire, and may be • perpetuated by the reintroduction of fire.

Fire as applied by Native Americans to eastern ecosystems largely ended at the time of European settlement. Naturally occurring fires were also suppressed. Subsequent changes in fire regimes had profound ecological effects on forests (Abrams 1996) and grasslands (Tyndall 1992, Latham et al. 1996, Askins 1997) in the eastern U.S.

In the absence of periodic fire, landscapes in the East changed rapidly from grasslands to woodlands and dense forests. The absence of fires allowed for the development of dense forest undergrowth. Changes in forest ecology and land use practices also changed the nature of the fires that occurred. Heavier fuel loadings, and a lack of periodic bums to reduce fuel build-up, changed the Eastern U.S. fires from frequent, low-intensity fires, to less-frequent, higher-intensity fires.

Fire protection and prevention accompanied increasing settlement and urbanization. An end to burning also coincided with conversion of lands for agriculture or residential development, resulting in large-scale fragmentation and loss of habitat. Remaining fire-influenced natural communities have undergone major changes in vegetation structure, including loss of biological richness and invasion by non-native plants (Vogl 1974, Ladd 1997).

Changes in land use, and the growth of the conservation movement also changed the fire landscape. Fire suppression agencies adopted and tried to implement a policy where every wildfire was to be controlled by 1000 AM of the next day after the start of a fire. This was seen as a logical way to protect human values and the public interest. Despite this stance, large fires continued to occur throughout the Northeastern U.S. and the • 27 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Western states during the 20th Century. Prevention activities were also a part of the overall protection plan, but • were only marginally effective in preventing fires. Large wildfires, some of unprecedented size and scope, have continued right up until the present day.

Fire Season and Occurrence

Fire season(s):

Historically, the fire season for the Eastern United States has begun in the early spring, before green-up, with the passage of dry cold fronts. This was followed by a period of non-activity due to green-up, which continued through much of the summer, and then resumed in the fall with the curing of grasses and deciduous vegetation. Weather-related events, primarily drought, have occasionally resulted in breaks in this pattern. The Maryland Forest Service reports that state-wide, Maryland averages 5,000 wildfires annually, with an average acreage burned of between 8,000 and 9,000 (1997 statistics).

The fire season at Patuxent is tied primarily to the two seasonal events mentioned above: 1) a spring warm-up, coinciding with dry conditions and a lack of winter moisture, and the curing of seasonal grasses in late summer, and 2) the leaf change and drop in the fall, coinciding with warm and dry conditions. The limited number of known fires in the area shows the earliest fire occurring in June and the latest in October. These annual cycles can be aggravated by episodic phenomena that affect either the available fuel or the fuel moisture. Drought and the accumulation of fuels as a result of insect infestation or storm damage, and the lack of management in the form of maintenance or hazard fuel reduction are the primary potential contributors at Patuxent Research Refuge. Fire Occurrence: • Historical documentation of wildfire occurrence on Patuxent Research Refuge is minimal. Nevertheless, it is likely that fire historically influenced forest habitats in the mid-Atlantic (Frost 1998) including areas of the inner Coastal Plain (Komarek 1968). Frost (1998) estimated that fire frequency in pre-settlement, central Maryland occurred at intervals of every 7-12 years. In addition to natural fire occurrence, Tyndall ( 1992) noted that there is considerable historical evidence of Native American burning in Maryland.

There are no written records available documenting fires that occurred on the Refuge, nor on properties that would be incorporated into the Refuge, prior to 1991. Information that is available regarding fires prior to 1991, included in this plan, is the result of conversations with William Harmeyer, Department of the Army (DOD), Tim Badger, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), and various Patuxent staff. Fires recounted by Harmeyer and Badger that occurred on these units took place prior to their transfer to the FWS. There is a history of human-caused wildfires in areas now managed by the Refuge. These occurred primarily on the North Tract FMU, and were a result of military activity. The North Tract FMU was used by the DOD for 75 years as a firing range, as a training area for tanks, and for artillery and infantry units. Harmeyer reports that during his oversight of the property, 4 wildfires occurred, starting either by lightning or human causes. Long-time members of the Ft. Meade Fire Department also recount numerous fires occurring as a result of range activity, but there are no written accounts. Badger recounts one wildfire occurring on the South Tract FMU in 1978. He stated that it burned approximately 75 acres in the area of Telegraph Road, south of where the National Wildlife Visitor Center is now located. Oral accounts from Patuxent staff recount small grass fires that occurred on

28 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Central Tract FMU. Most of the fires resulted from mechanical mishaps associated with mowing or from • vehicle catalytic converters.

From 1991 to the present a total of twelve wildfires have occurred on the Refuge. The largest fire was fifteen acres in size; the smallest 0.1 acres. The average mean size for all fires was 2.5 acres. Nine of the fires were less than 1 acre in size. The largest was 15 acres. Fires occurred during all months except April, September and December. Equipment use was responsible for three ignitions that occurred in May, July and August. Causes for the other fires were listed as either undetermined or were the result of human activities. There were no fires that were positively identified as having been started due to lightning.

Prescribed Fire Occurrence:

Prescribed burning was conducted on the North Tract FMU as part of DOD management. Parts of Areas RI, H (broomsedge meadows), V, and G (scrub-shrub fields) were burned during this program. These bums were primarily done for meadow management, to re-mineralize litter material, increase soil fertility, and for Lyme disease suppression. Fields were burned in late spring, for a period ofup to 6 years. Harmeyer also reports that prescribed fires were applied to hardwood and pine stands after harvest, in some cases to re-establish pitch pine, with the last bum taking place in 1990.

In 2002 five prescribed bums were implemented on the Refuge for a total of 63 acres. From 2004 until the present three additional prescribed bums were conducted on Refuge land ( one each in 2004, 2005, and 2007) for a total of 84 acres.

• Fire Regimes and Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC).

The term fire regime refers to the character of fire occurring over long time periods of time and the fire effects that characterize ecosystems. Descriptions of fire regimes are general because of the enormous variability of fire in time and space. The fire regime concept helps bring about a relationship between fire behavior and fire ecology. It provides a simplified means of communicating information about the role of fire among both technical and non-technical audiences (Brown and Smith 2000). Five natural fire regimes have been developed and are based upon the average number of years between fires (fire frequency) combined with the severity (amount of vegetation replacement). These five regimes are:

I 0-35 year frequency, low to mixed severity (<75% overstory replaced) II 0-35 year frequency, high severity (>75% overstory replacement) III 35-100 year frequency, low to mixed severity (<75% overstory replacement) IV 35-100 year frequency, high severity (>75% overstory replacement) V 200+ year frequency, high severity (>75% overstory replacement)

Overall, the landscape encompassed by Patuxent Research Refuge is classified as Fire Regime I (2000).

Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) refers to how similar a landscape's fire regime is compared to its natural or historic state. Fire Regime Condition Classes are broken down into three categories: 1, 2, and 3. Landscapes determined to fall within the category of FRCC 1 contain vegetation, fuels, and disturbances characteristic of the natural regime; FRCC 2 landscapes are those that are moderately departed from the natural regime; and • FRCC 3 landscapes reflect landscapes that exhibit significant departure from the natural regime in terms of its

29 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan vegetation or disturbance or both. Patuxent Research Refuge is considered to be in FRCC Condition Class II • (2000).

LANDFIRE

LANDFIRE, also known as the Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools Project, is a multi­ year, multi-partner project producing consistent and comprehensive maps and data describing vegetation, wildland fuels, and fire regimes and condition classes across the United States. Once completed, LANDFIRE will produce data products that include layers of vegetation composition and structure, surface and canopy fuel characteristics, and historical fire regimes. It is anticipated that outputs from this program will be complete and available by 2009. Data from the 2000 state of vegetation Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) assessment was used in determining baseline indices for Patuxent Research Refuge.

Weather and Climate

The central Maryland climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters. The yearly average high temperature is 65 degrees, and the average low is 45 degrees. July is on average the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 87 degrees. January is on average the coldest, with an average high of 40 degrees. The area receives on average 41 inches of precipitation per year. The greatest monthly precipitation occurs in August. Precipitation is most variable during the summer months. Overall precipitation data indicates monthly averages of between 3 and 4 inches.

Weather systems move from west to east; prevailing winds are from the northwest. Dominant during summer is warm, moist air moving up from the Gulf of Mexico; easterly winds bring cooler air over the region. In winter, • cold, dry air from central Canada dominates, but is moderated by having passed over the Appalachian Mountains. Much of the precipitation in winter is brought in by northeasters, on-shore winds that move ahead of low-pressure systems going northward along the coast.

During the cooler months of October through April, prevailing winds are from the northwest. Northwesterly winds are cool, brisk winds that disperse pollutants over large areas, thereby reducing pollutant concentrations. During the summer months, central Maryland is frequently under a large high-pressure system known as the Bermuda high. This high is centered over the Atlantic, bringing a flow of warm, moist air into the state from a southwesterly direction. These stable atmospheric conditions characteristic of the summer months are less likely to disperse pollutant concentrations located in the vicinity of the Refuge.

Cultural Resources

Patuxent Research Refuge contains a number of significant cultural resources. These are discussed in detail in the specific Fire Management Unit (FMU) in which they are located.

3.1.1 Fire Management Unit Guidance and Constraints

Program guidance and operational constraints related to fire management are important elements of any comprehensive Fire Management Plan. They describe the range of operational considerations and restrictions that must be considered by managers when making decisions related to wildland fire management. Some are

30 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

FMU-specific and require discussion only in the appropriate section of the FMU being considered, while others apply to all FMU's. • As a means to avoid duplication and provide appropriate FMU-specific information, Table 1 was developed to identify elements that are common to all FMU's as well as identify processes requiring discussion at the FMU­ specific level. Information applicable to all FMU's has already been detailed in section 3.1.

Table l Guidance and Constraints and FMU Applicability FMUl FMU2 FMU3 Manaeement Options Aooropriate Mana2ement Response a a a Prescribed Fire s s s Wildland Fire Use a a a Resource Met Goals s s s FMU Goals and Obiectives Related to Fire Met a a a FMU Strateeies Related to Fire Met a a s Limitations a a s Special Concerns a/s a/s a/s Smoke a a a Specific Guidelines Mechanized Equipment a a a Retardant and Chemicals a a a Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics a a a Burned Area Emer2ency Rehabilitation a a a Safetv (General) a a a Power Lines s s s Access a/s a/s a/s • Ooerational Considerations Communications a a a Radio Systems a a a Radio Freauencies a a a Cellular Phones a a a Helisoots s s s Water Dip Sites s s s Potential ICP Locations a a X

Key: a- Applies to all or multiple FMU's s- FMU specific; see section 3.22 x- Not applicable to this FMU of the appropriate FMU.

Management Options

Appropriate Management Response

Fire Suppression in all Refuge Fire Management Units will be conducted utilizing the Appropriate Management Response (AMR). Detailed descriptions of these options can be found in Appendix F .

• 31 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Wildland Fire Use

Wildland Fire Use will not be considered as an Appropriate Management Response for any of the FMU's at Patuxent Research Refuge. This is primarily due to the relatively small size of the Refuge and limitations on • staffing and qualification.

Fire Management Unit (FMU) Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management

• Protect human life and prevent property loss. • When possible, suppress all fires through direct attack with full control as the appropriate management response strategy. This strategy may be subject to various options and/or constraints. • Locate and map hazard fuels on the Refuge. • Conduct hazard fuel reduction projects to create and maintain defensible space around structures and values at risk, and maintain or improve existing fuel breaks to prevent or limit the spread of wildland fires.

Fire Management Unit Strategies Related to Fire Management

• Suppression strategies on exterior portions of the Refuge will generally focus on aggressive initial attack, with the objective of suppressing fires at the minimum acreage possible. • Suppression strategies on interior areas of the FMU (where there is not an immediate threat of fire crossing Refuge boundaries) can usually take full advantage of the extensive network of roads, pre­ constructed fire breaks, and natural barriers already available as a means to limit fire spread. • Develop relationships with cooperators to enhance protection efforts. • Utilize prescribed fire as a management treatment for achieving hazard fuel and resource management objectives. In those areas where prescribed fire use is not a viable option, the use of non-fire mechanical • hazard fuel reduction will be explored to reduce fuels accumulations that pose risks to life and property.

Special Concerns

Smoke

The Maryland Air Quality Implementation Plan has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All of the state of Maryland is classified as "in attainment", meaning that it meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the following criteria pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide. Parts of Maryland, including Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties, are in non-attainment for the pollutant ozone.

The production of smoke from wildland fires creates potentially dangerous impacts for Refuge neighbors and the visiting public. While the effects of smoke cannot be completely overcome, prompt response to wildland fire ignitions increases the potential to keep fires small, thus reducing the production of smoke. Additionally, prompt notification and prediction of the direction and volume of smoke spread is a priority activity for all initial attack suppression forces. Special attention will be given to sensitive receptor sites that have been pre­ identified in prescribed burn plans.

32 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Prescribed bums generally exert minimal impacts upon air quality. Prescribed fire prescriptions are developed to account for atmospheric conditions and wind_direction, allowing smoke dispersion aw~y from populated • areas, roads, and areas of concern. When prescnbed bums are planned on the Refuge, stnct attention to smoke management guidelines will be adhered to in the preparation and implementation of individual prescribed bums. If elements in the bum plan prescription do not meet the requirements for safe smoke production and dispersion, prescribed bums will not be implemented.

Specific Guidelines

Constraints on Mechanized Equipment

The use of heavy mechanized equipment (bulldozers, tractor plows) is not recommended except in those cases where serious threats to human life, property, or sensitive natural or cultural resources exist. The Refuge Manager or an assigned Resource Advisor (RA) must approve use. At least some portions of each FMU are dominated by land formations that are subject to flooding, standing water and poorly drained soils. All of these conditions may prevent the use of heavy mechanized equipment. The assigned RA will know of potential trouble spots should vehicular access and/ or heavy equipment be needed in an area of concern.

NOTE: A Resource Advisor (RA) is an employee of the Refuge (e.g. wildlife biologist) who has a working knowledge of Refuge resources and values at risk. His/her task is to ensure that proposed fire management activities do not negatively impact Refuge resources. Typically, an RA would be assigned to any wildland fire where potential threats exist for Refuge resources .

• Retardant and Chemical Use

The delivery of aerial retardants should be considered only in those instances where the threats to human life, property, and/or cultural and natural resources, are serious enough to warrant their application. The application of retardants and foams in ground-based application systems (engines, back-pack pumps) should not be utilized in situations where riparian resources are located closer than 100 meters from the point of application. Consultation with the Refuge Manager is required.

Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST)

The application of MIST techniques will be applied in all wildland fire operations (prescribed and suppression). The Refuge already utilizes elements of MIST by limiting the use of retardants near wetlands and mechanized equipment in sensitive areas. Other key concepts associated with these minimum impact techniques are:

• Cold-trail the fire edge when practical • Utilize natural firebreaks (trails, impoundments, roads, etc) or use wetlines • Firelines kept to the minimum width necessary • Minimize tree-falling. Remove only those that pose a direct safety hazard • Scatter debris and rehab all fire lines • Utilize a "consumption strategy" when mopping-up fires. This is accomplished through active patrol and monitoring, but lets fuels be consumed where practical and safe. In no case is the fire left "to its own devices", but rather a coordinated approach of mop-up activity is applied that minimizes exposure to firefighters. In no case will MIST compromise fireline safety. • 33 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Safety Considerations General • Firefighter and public safety will always take precedence over property and resource protection during any fire management activity on the Refuge. The greatest threat to public safety from Refuge wildland fires is entrapment by extremely fast moving fire fronts. Of particular concern are hunters or visitors who may be present in the area of the fire, and neighbors who initiate their own suppression actions without proper training, equipment, or communication. Refuge Staff will attempt to keep the fire scene clear of people except for firefighters and any resources requested.

Another concern is smoke from a Refuge wildland fire, particularly smoke that drifts onto a roadway causing dangerously reduced visibility. The Refuge will notify local Law enforcement agencies whenever the Incident Commander (IC) believes that smoke may cause a safety hazard.

The final concern is for fires which might escape from the Refuge and spread to inhabited private property. The IC is responsible for warning and evacuating the public from potentially dangerous wildland fires.

Operational Considerations

Communications

Radio Systems

Patuxent Research Refuge has its own internal radio system which serves as the primary communications link for operational concerns of all types. Refuge staff indicates that this system works reasonably well, noting that • there are a few locations where radio communications may not be reliable. An effort will be made to show these areas on risk assessment maps.

Fire radios should be programmed with an adequate range of frequencies to ensure communications within the local response area. This should include local cooperators and other agencies that may become involved in wildland fire management activities. lnteragency Radio Frequencies and Use

Most of the local agencies communicate using local or county frequencies. These frequencies will be identified in MOU's between entities for use by the Refuge (Appendix H).

Cellular Phones

Cell phones can be used as a back-up to the radio system and, according to Refuge staff, provide dependable communications (personal communication 2008).

34 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Potential Incident Command Post (ICP) Locations

• Successional fields are scattered throughout the Refuge that could be adapted as sites for Incident Command Posts. In those FMU's where outstanding opportunities (e.g. presence of power and water, support structures, etc) are already available they will be identified in the FMU-specific section.

3.2.1 Fire Management Unit 1- North Tract

The following sections provide detailed information about each specific Fire Management Unit (FMU) found at Patuxent Research Refuge.

Physical and Biological Description

The North Tract Fire Management Unit-1 (FMU) is the northernmost land unit of the Refuge (Figure 2). In 1991, this area was acquired by the FWS from the Department of the Army through the Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1991. The North Tract Unit consists of8,100 acres in Anne Arundel County. It is bounded on the north by Maryland Rts.198 and 32, on the west by the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, on the east by Range Road and AMTRAK train lines, and on the south by the Patuxent River. The North Tract contains over 80 miles of roads many of which are may be used as fire breaks. Historically, the land was cleared for agriculture, then used by the military for extensive small arms, artillery, and tank training. As a result, the North Tract FMU is largely populated with early successional forest - Virginia pine and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) have closed the canopy in many old fields and disturbed areas, although some grassland openings remain. In addition, hardwood forest on the site was managed for timber harvest by the Department of Defense (DOD); many of these areas contain regenerating, hardwood forest or mixed hardwood and pine stands, • although some mature hardwood stands remain.

Topographic Features

The topography of the North Tract FMU-1 is consistent with the description discussed in section 3.1 of this Fire Management Plan (gently sloping with minimal changes in elevation throughout the FMU).

Fuels and Fire Behavior

The North Tract FMU-1 contains about 6,150 acres of forest, including floodplain forest, and well-drained uplands, including oak/hickory, and extensive areas of young, dense, Virginia pine. In addition, there are many open grassland meadows scattered in small, isolated fields (5-15 acres). These grasslands are populated with non-native, cool season grasses such as tall fescue. There are also stands of shorter native grasses such as broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and tall stands of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and purple-top (Tridensjlavus).

Fires in this unit are expected to vary from low to moderate intensities. Low intensities are expected in short­ grass areas around facilities and buildings (USFBPS 1; NFDRS A). Fast moving ground fires with moderate

• 35 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Figure 2 North Tract Fire Management Unit 1

/".S flSII & WJLDLJl-"E SERl7CE P,11m:mt Researcl, Refuge

intensities would be expected in the upland pine-oak stands (USFBPS 9; NFDRS E) found on about 50% of this unit, especially during the dormant season. Moderate intensity fires are possible in the upland successional pine stands (USFBPS 8; NFDRS P) found on about 50% of this FMU, with closed canopies of Virginia pine and little undergrowth.

NOTE: Fuel Models are mathematical representations of wildland fuels (vegetation) that allow fire management personnel to predict the characteristics of wildland fire (e.g. flame lengths, rates of spread) under a wide range of environmental conditions. The fuel models discussed in this plan are referred to as United States Fire Behavior Prediction System (USFBPS) Fuel Models (e.g. Fuel Model 3).

Soils

Soils within this FMU are consistent with the information discussed in section 3.1 of this plan.

36 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Access

Access to the North Tract FMU-1 is excellent. An extensive network of improved and secondary roads provides • entry for equipment and personnel. Interior portions of the FMU are dissected with many improved and secondary roads that were used by the military for training exercises prior to land acquisition by the Service. There are many designated parking areas that vary in size from those allow space for just a few vehicles to those that can accommodate many large vehicles.

Areas of Special Concern

• Cultural Resources - numerous cultural and/or archeological resources exist on the North Tract FMU. These include cemeteries, and the remains of homesteads, taverns and mills. Virtually all of the sites are located in areas that could easily be burned over in the event of a wildland fire. While potential damage from fire itself would be minimal, suppression actions could seriously disturb and/or destroy these sites. Bum-over of a site could also result in the exposure of significant or valuable materials. Should fire impact a site, an evaluation must be made by a resource advisor to determine impacts, and appropriate responses by the Refuge. • Ordnance - as was noted previously, there are significant issues with unexploded ordnance on the North Tract FMU-1. The presence of ordnance will influence suppression strategies. In the event ordnance is discovered as a result of suppression actions, or as a result of exposure due to bum-over, the site( s) will be marked and cordoned off, and the 149th Ordnance Detachment, Ft. Meade, will be notified. • The North Tract FMU-1 has ten small arms ranges operated under a Special Use Permit from the National Security Agency (NSA). Wildlfire risk may be increased due to the presence of these ranges. In addition, there are security issues associated with personnel gaining access to these areas that could cause difficulties with either suppression or prescribed fire implementation. • • The Ammunition Supply Point (ASP)-The ASP is an enclave on the North Tract FMU, containing bunkers housing ammunition and explosives for the Army and National Security Agency (NSA). The ASP has a perimeter road and chain link fence completely surrounding it. Wildland fuels within the ASP are consistent with those found throughout the unit. While a wildfire should have no impact on the ammunition storage bunkers, NSA police will be notified immediately should there be a fire in or around the ASP. • Power lines - The presence of high-tension power lines creates potential hazards for fire personnel. These lines, owned by BGE are high priority structures for protection from wildland fire. All efforts will be made to exclude fire from power line right of ways and utility corridors. • Tipton Airport -Tipton Airport is an active airport used predominantly by small prop-driven aircraft, and operated by Anne Arundel County. It is adjacent to the North Tract FMU-1, and could be impacted by either wildfire or prescribed fire activity. In the event of a wildfire, or planned ignition, the airport manager should be contacted as soon as possible to discuss impacts and possible closures or restrictions. • As additional lands were acquired, new facilities and programs were added to provide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs. The North Tract contains facilities for fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, photography, and firing ranges. • A major thoroughfare linking Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Interstate 295, the Baltimore Washington Parkway, is located immediately adjacent along the western boundary of the FMU.

• 37 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Communities and Values at Risk

The North Tract FMU-1 is surrounded by development. For example, the Arundel Gateways Subdivision, a high-density housing unit planned along the northern boundary of the FMU, will contain between 1600-3000 • housing units. Other large high-density housing developments are also found close to the northern boundary of the FMU ( e.g. Maryland City). Potential wildland fire impacts could occur in the event of an un-wanted ignition. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildland Fire Assessment Atlas, composite risk along the FMU border areas where ignition potential is high to very high.

FMU Management Guidance and Constraints

Management Options

Prescribed Fire

The North Tract FMU-1 contains several areas of fire-influenced barrens or savannahs, chiefly populated with species such as blackjack oak, post oak and sand hickory. Understory species include little bluestem and Opuntia cactus (Ors. Mathew Perry and Charles Davis, personal communication). These oak-hickory habitats are rare. Prescribed fire will be considered for use as a management tool to help perpetuate these rare communities.

Sections of upland oak-hickory forest may also be found in this FMU. These communities have been demonstrated to have problems regenerating in the eastern U.S. The re-introduction of fire has been cited as one of the methods used to re-generate these communities (Brose et al. 1999, Abrams 1996). The Refuge may • consider the use of prescribed fire in those stands that demonstrate little or no recruitment of oak and hickory species in the understory.

There are considerable tracts of grasslands in the North Tract FMU-1. These areas are dominated by tall fescue, a non-native, cool season grass with little wildlife value. The Refuge is considering the use of prescribed fire to reduce the overall species cover of tall fescue, and increase the cover of native, warm-season grasses, thus providing for better forage for select wildlife species.

Resource Management Goals

Preserve and enhance oak-hickory barren habitat in the FMU.

Preserve and enhance upland oak-hickory forests in the FMU.

Increase the percentage of native grasses and reduce invasives in FMU grasslands.

Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management

FMU-Specific fire management goals for North Tract FMU-1 are:

• Limit all wildfires in North Tract FMU-1 to the smallest acreage possible, consistent with appropriate AMR strategies and tactics. •

38 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Investigate the use of prescribed fire to achieve specific wildlife ecosystem restoration objectives within the North Tract FMU-1, focusing on grassland maintenance, upland forest enhancement and restoration, • oak-hickory barren habitat restoration and hazardous fuel reduction. Specific Guidelines

Power Lines

The presence of high voltage electric transmission lines in the FMU (Baltimore Gas and Electric, BG&E) poses a hazard for Refuge wildland fire personnel. The North Tract FMU-1 does have a number of high and low voltage transmission lines present. Without proper protection, these lines pose dangers to suppression resources working in close proximity. The location and size of these lines will be noted on FMU risk and assessment maps. In addition, contact numbers for service personnel will also be noted should it become necessary to divert or shut-off power from a line being threatened by a wildfire.

Restricted Access Due to Hazards

Portions of the FMU contain unexploded military ordnance. These areas will be avoided during suppression operations.

There are active firing ranges contained within the FMU. These ranges are operated under an Agreement with the National Security Agency (NSA). Access is limited to these areas for reasons of national security and fences enclose much of the area . Wetlands are present that may prevent the use of heavy mechanized equipment. Equipment venturing into these • areas may become mired and inoperable due to the wet, muddy conditions. Assigned RA's will identify areas where vehicular access and/ or heavy equipment are likely to be placed at risk.

Helispots

The North Tract FMU-1, primarily due to its former use as a military training facility, has numerous locations that can be used effectively and safely for helicopter operations.

Water Dip Sites

The North Tract FMU-1 contains a number of locations (see FMU map) where water is present in sufficient quantity to provide support for wildland fire operations. Chief among these are Lake Allen, Duck Pond, and the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers. In addition, sites such as the Bailey Bridge Pond, Rieve's Pond, Blue Heron Pond and New Marsh pond, depending upon water depth and the presence of overhead obstructions, may be suitable for airborne water dip-site use as well as for ground engine re-fill sites .

• 39 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Topographic Features

The topography of the Central Tract FMU-2 is consistent with the description discussed in section 3.1 of this • Fire Management Plan (rolling hills, broad valleys, gently sloping with minimal abrupt changes in elevation throughout the FMU). In areas near the Patuxent River, low, broad, nearly level terraces are the predominant terrain feature.

Fuels and Fire Behavior

Fuels in this FMU are characterized by fuel models that represent stands of hardwood forest (white oak, red oak, northern red oak, tulip polar, beech, river birch, sycamore, pin oak, and sweet gum) and the grass fuel types that predominate. Many of the approximately 2,304 acres of open meadow and grasslands found on the Refuge are located in the Central Tract FMU-2 varying in size from 5-15 acres. These grasslands are populated with non-native cool season grasses such as tall fescue. There are also stands of shorter native grasses such as broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and tall stands of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and purple-top (Tridens jlavus).

Fires in this unit can vary from low to high intensities. Low intensities are expected in short-grass areas around facilities and buildings (USFBPS 1; NFDRS A). Higher intensities are possible in tallgrass meadows (USFBPS 3; NFDRS L). Fast moving ground fires with moderate intensities would be expected in the upland oak stands (USFBPS 9; NFDRS Model E) found on the terrace woodlands of the Central Tract (250 acres), especially in the dormant season. Lower intensity fires would be expected in the bottomland hardwoods (USFBPS Fuel Model 8; NFDRS R) that dominate this unit (1500 acres), due to the lack of undergrowth and litter. Fire danger is also generally lower in these palustrine, forested wetlands due to high soil moisture and sparse, compacted fuels. Only under extreme drought conditions would these areas be expected to bum with intensity. Rates of fire spread will vary depending on the fuel type ( e.g., forested wetland versus open grassland). The most intense fire • is likely to be located in a few grass fields containing tall, warm season grasses. These fields are mainly encircled by wet woods that act as natural fire breaks.

Soils

The entire Central Tract FMU-2 is primarily underlain by unconsolidated deposits of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. Floodplain soils can be found in abundance in this FMU, primarily along the Patuxent River and other small watercourse that dissect the FMU.

Access

Access to the Central Tract FMU-2 is excellent. An extensive network of improved and secondary roads has been developed over the years as a means to provide access for the wide range of research activities taking place on the Refuge. As one might expect, some areas of the FMU are primarily wetland in nature, so access in these areas is limited due to the presence of standing water and hydric soils. There are many designated parking areas that vary in size from those that allow space for a few vehicles to those that can accommodate 30-40 large vehicles scattered through out the FMU. Boundary areas of the FMU are surrounded by a high chain link fence, restricting direct access .

• 41 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Areas of Special Concern

• The Central Tract is the primary location of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center operations on the Refuge. There are about 384 structures, buildings, water control structures, pens, etc. on the Refuge that • support FWS, USGS, and USDA operations. These structures include administration buildings, laboratories, maintenance buildings and garages, a veterinary hospital, storage structures, endangered species propagation buildings and animal/bird pens. There are also 8 residences on Central Tract, housing permanent and temporary employees of both FWS and USGS. • The western boundary of the FMU is a forested area that abuts the Basswood Subdivision of Montpelier Woods, a community of expensive homes. There is also a section of property owned by the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC). A chain link fence is located along the boundary between the Refuge and the subdivision. • HAZMAT (hazardous materials)-The Central Tract FMU-2 contains the majority of structures on the Refuge, some of which may expose suppression resources to hazardous materials. These include Refuge maintenance facilities, fuel islands and storage buildings for paints, solvents and other hazardous materials. Fuel or LP tanks are located outside of buildings and structures at various locations throughout the FMU. • Endangered Species program - When prescribed fire is utilized as a management tool in this FMU, special care and attention will be paid to minimize smoke effects on outdoor facilities for the endangered bird program on the FMU. Suppression activities will take into consideration disturbance to program activities to the extent possible, without compromising suppression efforts and safety. • Power lines - all efforts will be made to exclude fire from power line right of ways and utility corridors. Fire impingement on power poles or towers poses a serious threat to the structures themselves and the effects of heavy smoke in and around these corridors creates the threat of arcing from the lines. Both circumstances can create extreme hazard to fire personnel and the public. A transformer station is also located in the Central Tract FMU-2. • • Research plots - Research plots exist throughout this FMU. Fire management activities will take precautions to minimize impacts on research plots. • Cultural Resources - Many important cultural sites are located in this FMU ( e.g. Snowden Hall), including potential sites of archeological significance. For reasons related to security for the sites in question, detailed maps showing the location of these resources can only be obtained from Refuge staff on an as-needed basis and will not be included in this plan.

Communities and Values at Risk

The presence of communities at risk has already been discussed in detail in the previous section, "Areas of Special Concern".

FMU Management Guidance and Constraints

Management Options

Prescribed Fire

42 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Prescribed fire will be used extensively to enhance and maintain the large number of grasslands located within the Central Tract FMU-2. Although none of these prescribed burns will be especially large, they will require • good planning and execution due to the large number of sensitive smoke targets contained within the FMU. Non-Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction

There is potential for non-fire hazard fuel reduction in this FMU, particularly in those areas located close to structures and facilities. A primary Refuge goal is to develop a comprehensive inventory of hazardous fuels within this FMU.

Resource Management Goals

A number of open meadows and grasslands in the FMU are dominated with exotic tall fescue and sweetgum saplings. Control of these species is desirable so that conditions beneficial for the establishment of native warm season grasses and forbs could be maintained. Several meadows have been experimentally converted to these desired species and it appears that they would greatly benefit from prescribed burning.

Fuel loading in meadows is generally abundant due to the build-up of organic material left behind by annual mowing regimes and natural decomposition. The use of prescribed fire would likely prove beneficial in reducing fuel loads (thatch and litter) in these fuel types.

Overall, the desired future condition is to reduce the presence of exotic species to more desirable native grasses and forbs thus benefiting grassland breeding bird habitat.

Fire Management Unit Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management

• Refuge Staff will work to:

• Identify, prioritize, and reduce hazard fuel conditions in high risk areas that potentially threaten loss of life, property, or other high value resources. • Develop and achieve specific wildlife ecosystem restoration objectives within the Central Tract FMU-2, focusing on grassland maintenance, enhancement, and restoration.

Safety Considerations

Power Lines

The presence of high-voltage power lines (PEPCO) and a transformer station in this FMU pose both a hazard and a protection consideration for Refuge wildland fire personnel. Without proper protection these resources can pose dangers to suppression resources in close proximity. Whenever possible, firefighters should avoid working near these lines. If avoidance is not possible, consultation with the power company should take place before commencing work in close proximity.

• 43 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Operational Considerations Water Dip Sites • The Central Tract FMU-2 contains a number of potential locations (see FMU map) where water is present in sufficient quantity to provide support for wildland fire operations. Chief among these are the Hance Ponds, Knowles Pond, Duvall Ponds, Mallard Pond, Bluegill Pond, and the Patuxent River. These sites should be re­ evaluated annually (seasonally in drought conditions) for water depth and the presence of overhead obstructions before they are considered operational as helicopter dip sites and ground engine re-fill locations. The impacts of their use on aquatic resources should also be considered when judging whether or not they are appropriate for fire suppression use as water re-fill sites.

3.2.3 Fire Management Unit 3- South Tract FMU

Physical and Biological Description

The South Tract Fire Management Unit-3 (Figure 4) was acquired from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1945 and has been managed as a natural area with a small enclave of residences (3), offices (2), and outbuildings (4) located just off of Route 197 (Laurel - Bowie Road).

Topographic Features

The topography of the South Tract FMU-3 is consistent with the description discussed in section 3.1 of this Fire • Management Plan (gently sloping with minimal changes in elevation throughout the FMU).

Fuels and Fire Behavior

Fires in this unit can are expected to vary from low to moderate in intensity. Low intensities are expected in short-grass areas around facilities (USFBPS FMl; NFDRS A). Fast moving ground fires with moderate intensities are to be expected in the upland oak and pine-oak stands (USFBS FM 9; NFDRS E) found on about 30% of this FMU (~ 7 50 acres), especially during the dormant season. Moderate intensity fires are also possible in the upland successional pine stands (USFBPS FM 9; NFDRS P) found on about 60% of this FMU (~1500 acres), with closed canopies of Virginia pine and little undergrowth. The most intense fire is likely to be located in the upland oak forests, which are contiguous with other forest types and have no natural fire breaks. Nevertheless, there are several fire roads, and the exit and entrance road to the National Visitor Center may serve as fire breaks.

Soils

No special soil conditions exist in this FMU.

Access

Access to the South Tract FMU-3 is excellent. A number of improved and secondary roads provide entry for equipment and personnel. Many of these roads, including fire roads, are remnants of the U.S. Forest Service • road system that existed in the area prior to 1945. Most areas of the FMU are easily accessible. There are 44 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

several designated parking areas that vary in size from those allow space for just a few vehicles to those that can accommodate many large vehicles.

Figure 4 South Tract Fire Management Unit 3

CS FISH & U:JWIJI-7, SERl'JCE ~ jj Plltu.wlll Resellre/1 Ref11ge

Ffre Management Unit 1 North Tract

1:54.000

Areas of Special Concern

• Cultural Resources - numerous cultural and/or archeological resources exist on the South Tract FMU-3. Virtually all of the sites are located in areas that could easily be burned over in the event of a wildland fire. While potential damage from fire itself would be minimal, suppression actions could seriously disturb and/or destroy these sites. Bum-over of a site could also result in the exposure of significant or valuable materials. Should fire impact a site, an evaluation must be made by a resource advisor to determine impacts, and appropriate responses by the Refuge. • As additional lands were acquired, new facilities and programs were added to provide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs. The National Wildlife Visitor Center is the primary visitor-use facility on the Refuge. The South Tract FMU-3 also contains facilities for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

45 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan several designated parking areas that vary in size from those allow space for just a few vehicles to those that can accommodate many large vehicles.

Figure 4 South Tract Fire Management Unit 3

l ' S. F1SI/ & W/LJJUl'T: SER11CE ~ P,uuxmt Researcl, Refuge

Areas of Special Concern

• Cultural Resources - numerous cultural and/or archeological resources exist on the South Tract FMU-3. Virtually all of the sites are located in areas that could easily be burned over in the event of a wildland fire. While potential damage from fire itself would be minimal, suppression actions could seriously disturb and/or destroy these sites. Bum-over of a site could also result in the exposure of significant or valuable materials. Should fire impact a site, an evaluation must be made by a resource advisor to determine impacts, and appropriate responses by the Refuge. • As additional lands were acquired, new facilities and programs were added to provide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs. The National Wildlife Visitor Center is the primary visitor-use facility on the Refuge. The South Tract FMU-3 also contains facilities for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

45 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Fire Management Unit Goals and Objectives Related to Fire Management

• The focus on fire management in this FMU is consistent with those resource management goals discussed in the previous section. The greatest emphasis will likely be placed upon the investigation of the use of prescribed fire as a restoration tool for upland forests ( oak-hickory).

Portions of the FMU have been identified in MDDNR Wildland Fire Assessment Atlas as having fuel loadings that may exacerbate fire behavior and lead to increased risk. The Refuge will work with MD DNR to identify and treat areas where excess fuel loadings exist.

Fire Management Unit Strategies

Utilize prescribed fire as a management tool to help achieve wildlife ecosystem restoration objectives within the FMU, focusing on grassland maintenance and enhancement, and as a means to achieve fuel reduction goals, as stated above. Prescribed fire may also be used to investigate wildlife ecosystem restoration objectives, potentially focusing on regeneration of mast-producing trees and maintaining herbaceous understory diversity.

Operational Considerations

Restricted Access Due to Hazards

The presence of an LFG (Landfill Gas) pipeline precludes the use of heavy equipment or vehicles in the vicinity of the pipeline right-of-way. The pipeline (10") is buried and follows the trace of the abandoned Western Union telegraph line that crosses the Refuge boundary in that portion of the FMU just southwest of the Sandy Hill landfill site.

• Wetlands are present that may prevent the use of heavy mechanized equipment. Assigned RA's will identify areas where vehicular access and/ or heavy equipment are likely to be placed at risk.

Helispots

In an emergency situation, the parking lot of the National Wildlife Visitor Center could be used as a landing area. The FMU is heavily forested and presents few opportunities to land larger rotary-winged aircraft.

Water Dip Sites

The South Tract FMU-3 contains two locations (see FMU map) where water is present in sufficient quantity to provide support for wildland fire operations; Redington and Cash lakes.

Potential Fire Camp Locations/ ICP Locations

There are no locations present in this FMU suitable to support large-scale incident operations

• 47 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

4. WILDLAND FIRE OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE

The procedures used to implement the Fire Management Plan (FMP) of Patuxent Research Refuge are c?vered in this section. Information pertaining to this management is either directly provided or references are cited as to • where it may be located.

4.1 Appropriate Management Response (AMR)

The use of the appropriate management response on a wildland fire allows agency administrators the ability to choose from a full spectrum of fire suppression actions. Not all wildfires need to be suppressed with the same level of intensity. Appropriate management responses will be based on the considerations analyzed and pre­ planned in this Fire Management Plan. The descriptions and/ or references that follow describe the planning and operational responses that Patuxent Research Refuge will utilize when planning and responding to wildland fires.

Preparedness

Preparedness is the work accomplished prior to fire occurrence that ensures that the appropriate management response (AMR), as outlined in this Fire Management Plan, can be effectively implemented. Preparedness activities include: fire preparedness planning, normal unit strength (NUS), training, physical fitness, and budget planning. The overall objective of a good preparedness program is to have a well-trained and equipped fire management organization that is able to effectively manage most fire situations. Preparedness efforts should be accomplished prior to the fire season. Specific preparedness actions are found in Appendix F. Planning • Preparedness planning for Patuxent Research Refuge is updated on a regular basis (annual review). Planning includes: annual operations plans, detection and dispatch, communications, pre-season plans, staffing step-up plans, and wildland fire situation analysis (WFSA).

Annual Operations Plan

Patuxent Research Refuge must rely heavily upon the fire protection capabilities of cooperators at both the local and state level. For this reason, implementation of preparedness activities, as outlined in the FMP, takes on an added measure of importance and is essential to the implementation of a smoothly functioning fire management program.

Local MOU's for wildland fire protection will be updated on an as-needed basis by Refuge staff and local fire departments. Any provisions to reimburse the departments for suppression expenses on the Refuge must be outlined in an operating plan which is separate from the MOU.

Patuxent Research Refuge has a working agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for fire management. While not developed to the level of an annual operating plan, it does provide guidelines for mutual aid. Efforts will be made to develop and update annually current agreements. Elements will include:

• Review ofMOU's (5-year cycle) 48 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Update dispatch and staffing plans • Review communications plans and assigned frequencies • Staffing and availability • • Review prescribed bum schedules Fire Directory

The Refuge relies heavily upon neighbors, visitors, staff, and cooperators to detect and report fires. Effective communication of information received relating to wildland fires can be facilitated through efficient use of contact personnel. A Fire Directory (Appendix E) has been prepared for that purpose. It will be reviewed and updated annually. Copies will be maintained at the Zone Fire Management Office (MD-DE), the Refuge Headquarters, and with the Local Fire Agencies.

Communications

Fire radios will be programmed with selected local fire agencies frequencies (Appendix H) to maintain communication within the local response area.

The Refuge radio system is the primary communication link among staff. Cell phones can be used as a back-up to the radio system. An updated list of cell phone numbers will be exchanged.

Most local agencies communicate using local or county frequencies. These frequencies will be identified in the • MOU for use by FWS.

Pre-Season Plan

Pre-Season Planning data will be updated annually by the Refuge staff. Pre-Season Plans will be placed in the Fire Management Office, and with the Dispatch Plan located at the Refuge Headquarters. These plans include:

• Emergency response map(s): roads, gates, trails, water sources, helicopter landing areas, etc. • Mutual aid zones/fire cooperator districts (include maps with boundaries). • Hazard/Risk map: rivers and streams, power lines, wetlands, gas lines, firing ranges, potential unexploded ordnance locations, impoundments, high voltage electrical transmission lines. • Natural and cultural resources map: sensitive zones, non-sensitive zones, restricted vehicle access areas, T &E species, etc. (NOTE: Actual maps do not have to be included in the plan as a means to protect these resources from unauthorized access. However, copies should be made available to personnel involved in emergency operations. • Capital Improvements list - structures, communications towers, labs, pens, support structures.

Staffing (Step-Up) Plan

A Staffing (Step-Up) Plan (Appendix D) has been developed that provides an effective planning tool for establishing adequate personnel and equipment needs during periods of varied fire danger. The Staffing (Step­ Up) Plan takes into consideration a wide range of fire weather conditions, ranging from normal to severe, as well as increased National or Regional preparedness levels (IV or V), when developing recommended management .actions. Elements of the plan include: staffing levels and implementation (breakpoints), crew and equipment 49 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan placement, and funding (additional firefighters may be hired temporarily to supplement existing fire personnel) .

There are five staffing levels; Low, Medium, High, Very High, and Extreme. Specific breakpoints are established for each level. Levels are calculated using a matrix of indices consisting of: the National Fire Danger • Rating System (NFDRS) Burning Index (Bl), Ignition Component (IC), Rate of Spread (ROS), Energy Release Component (ERC), and Keetch-Byrum Drought Index (KBDI) (Table 2). Indices are calculated for a variety of fuel models. Fuel Model L (grass) is the primary fuel model utilized, but several others are also included since they could have applicability depending upon weather and fuel conditions on the Refuge. Fuel Model E (in fire season) and R (summer or non-fire season) are used for hardwood leaflitter during the months of the year indicated.

Table 2 National Fire Danger Rating System Output Data

INDICES FML* FME FMR

90 97 90 97 90 97

IC 21 30 28 38 32 42 SC 63 95 14 21 5 7 ERC 3 4 27 30 21 24 BI 31 43 43 54 23 30 KBDI 465 595 465 595 465 595

Note: Data from Blackwater NWR. Data inputs: 1995-2008 RAWS, Greenup date: 4/15; Freeze date: 10/30; Annual Precipitation: 45"; Time Frame: Jani-Deel; 88 NFDRS, FireFamily Plus v 4.0.2 •

Daily Fire Staffing (Step-Up) Planning will be implemented using the BI (Optional ERC) calculated and tracked by the Zone Fire Management Officer (ZFMO) and FWS Region 5 Staff. The Zone Fire Management Officer (ZFMO) will contact the Refuge when periods of fire danger exceed normal limits. These situations typically develop as the result of protracted periods of drought as expressed in indices found in the Keetch-Byrum Drought Index (KBDI). The ZFMO monitors fire potential throughout the year for the Refuge.

Based on current and forecasted conditions, the ZFMO will evaluate the need for additional planning actions and advise the Refuge Manager of such actions or conditions as needed.

Another alternative to determine local staffing based upon NFDRS indices is to utilize internet resources located at the following website: http://gacc.nifc.gov/eacc

Once the connection has been established, look under the section labeled "Predictive Services" on the left side of the web page and click on the tab labeled "Fuels/ Fire Danger". A screen will appear labeled "Wildland Fire Assessment System" (WF AS). Next, click on "Observed Fire Danger". After locating the Refuge on the map, compare the adjective class to the legend found on the map's lower margin, the fire danger staffing class for the current day is shown. By clicking on "Forecast Fire Danger" the predicted staffing class for the following day is shown. 50 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

In addition, National and Geographic Area Interagency Preparedness Levels are established as a means to increas_e readin~ss and response to wildland fire incidents over a broad geographic area. The levels range from I • to V with V bemg the most severe. These levels are changed depending on fire activity, weather, and availability of adequate fire personnel. Each level has a set of guidelines as to crew activities and movement that should correspond to Step-up Planning. In the event that Area and National Preparedness Levels are different, the Refuge will follow the guidelines based on the higher of the two levels. The ZFMO will keep the Refuge appraised of changes based on these Preparedness Levels. The following are the guidelines for each of the levels:

• Level I: Normal Staffing and activities to include prescribed fires. • Level II: Normal Staffing and activities to include prescribed fires. Monitor current fire danger, predicted weather, and long-range forecasts. • Level III: Normal Staffing and activities to include prescribed fires, monitor conditions and activate step­ up plan. • Level IV: Activate the step-up plan. The Regional Fire Management Coordinator (RFMC) must give approval before ignition of all planned and approved prescribed fires. Approval must be based on an assessment of risk, impacts of proposed actions on Area resources and activities, and includes consultation with the Geographic Area Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (GMAC). • Level V: Activate the step-up plan. The Regional Fire Management Coordinator must give approval, before ignition, of all planned prescribed fires, ensuring that local resources are available to carry out the application without additional outside resource needs. Approval must be based on an assessment of risk, impacts of proposed actions on Area resources and activities, and include consultation with GMAC. If outside resources are required, the FWS representative on the national MAC Group must assess risk and impacts of the proposed action and present the request to the National MAC Group for review prior to proceeding. The FWS Fire Management Branch must be notified by the RFMC of any prescribed bums • conducted at Level V, even if no outside resources are needed. Detection

Most fires on the Refuge are discovered and reported by local residents, members of the public traversing the area for travel or recreation, sheriff's departments, etc. These may or may not be reported directly to the Refuge Headquarters. Most likely, individuals will contact local fire departments through the 911 dispatch system and Refuge staff may not find out about the fire until after suppression actions have taken place. Since there are so many sensitive sites located within the Refuge, it is important to work effectively with local fire departments to establish good relations and develop effective response procedures.

According to the standards outlined in the Refuge Step-Up Plan, all employees perform their daily duties with a heightened state of readiness on those days when high fire danger is expected, but the small size of the staff at the Refuge often precludes the use of special detection patrols in all but the most severe of expected conditions. In extreme cases, dependent upon severity funding, the Refuge may consider additional resources from other areas to meet initial-attack and detection needs. This process would be undertaken in concert with guidance provided by the ZFMO.

Staffing:

• Normal staffing for the Refuge allows for 3-6 collateral duty firefighter positions. The Refuge will make every 51 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan attempt to meet minimum staffing levels, but will explore_ opportun~ties to ~tilize firefighting yersonnel from • nearby refuges, national parks (e.g. Greenbelt and National Capital Reg10n), state agencies, the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local fire departments.

Equipment:

All fire fighting equipment should be in a ready state and inventoried prior to the start of the fire season. Equipment includes personal protective equipment, hand tools, backpack pumps, hoses, fittings, and firing devices. An inventory can be found in Appendix G. A designated Refuge employee will serve as the cache manager.

Normal Unit Strength

Refuges that have a Fire Management Plan should also have a cache of firefighting tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) adequate to support all initial attack personnel. Cache equipment, other than capitalized property, is considered to be the station's Normal Unit Strength (NUS). NUS will include personal protective equipment and safety items required by personnel for initial attack as well as prescribed fire assignments. All firefighters will be issued the required PPE from the Refuge cache including: Aramid (Nomex) pants and shirts, gloves, helmet, goggles, field pack, fire shelter, overnight pack, sleeping bag, headlamp, and personal first-aid kit. Refuges should develop inventory systems to track equipment levels in their caches.

Training:

Annual Fire Safety Refresher: All personnel involved in fire management activities are required to participate in fire management refresher • training annually in order to be qualified for fire management activities in that calendar year. Refresher training will concentrate on local conditions and factors, the Standard Fire Orders, Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES), 18 Situations, Common Denominators, and NWCG courses Standards for Survival, Lessons Learned, and Look Up, Look Down, Look Around. Current Issues relating to wildland fire safety (WFSTAR) are also required as a portion of each refresher session. Fire shelter use and deployment, including practical and classroom training. must be included as part of the annual training.

Qualifications:

Departmental policy requires that all personnel engaged in suppression and prescribed fire duties meet the standards set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). Patuxent Research Refuge will conform strictly to the requirements of the wildland fire management qualification and certification system and FWS guidelines.

A training plan will be developed at the Zone level (with regional concurrence) and updated annually to identify individual training needs and utilize interagency training opportunities. Service policy sets training, qualification, and fitness standards for all fire positions. All fire personnel (full time fire or collateral duty) will be provided with the training (classroom and on-the-job) required to meet Service fire position qualification standards for the positions they are expected to perform. On-the-job training is encouraged and will be conducted at the field level. Whenever appropriate, fire qualification task books will be used to document fire •

52 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

experience of trainees. The Refuge supports the development of individual Incident Command System (JCS) overhead personnel from among qualified and experienced Refuge staff for assignment to overhead teams at the • local, regional, a~d nation_al level. The Z~MO ~ill coordinate fire training needs with those of other nearby refuges, cooperatmg agencies, and the Regional F1re Management Coordinator (RFMC).

Physical Fitness:

The Federal Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualifications Standards Program (MSP) has been fully implemented by all DOI agencies. All employees and casual (AD) firefighters who participate in wildland fire activities requiring an arduous fitness level must participate in the MSP and be medically cleared prior to attempting the Work Capacity Test (WCT).

Personnel involved in wildland fire operations are required to meet FWS standards for physical fitness as established in the "Red Book" (Chapter 13, Firefighter Training and Qualifications Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations - 2008). The entire document is available online at the following web address: http://www.nifc.gov/policies/red book.htm. Chapter 13 of the guide details information pertaining to physical fitness standards, testing procedures, and eligibility requirements. Employees not meeting fitness and training requirements may assist in support capacities, but will not be permitted on the fireline. Personnel will not perform fire jobs for which they are not qualified. Effective in 2008, FWS employees must achieve an arduous fitness rating when serving on a prescribed burning crew as well as conducting initial attack actions.

Cooperative and/ or Mutual Aid Agreements:

Two Ft. Meade stations and four local county fire stations (Prince George's and Anne Arundel) are within three • miles of the Refuge, each providing adequate response for wildfires within or threatening the Refuge. Although not current at this time, updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) or Agreements will be developed with these departments. Once established, these agreements will be attached to this Plan (Appendix I). References to sharing of suppression costs should not be addressed in the MOU but will be included in the Agreement's Annual Operating Plan.

Agreements will be reviewed annually to ensure their currency. As a minimum the following subject areas should be addressed:

• Suppression procedures • Incident Command structure • Current personnel and equipment use costs

Size-Up, Initial, and Extended Attack Response Procedures

Once notified of a wildland fire on Refuge lands, the Refuge Manager or his/ her designee will contact the appropriate County 911 Dispatch Center and confirm the presence of a wildland fire on or near Refuge property. Because of the geographical setting of the Refuge, either county or Ft. Meade units are likely to be in a response mode at the time of notification. As soon as contact has been confirmed the FWS ZFMO will be notified of the fire by the Refuge. Qualified and available Refuge staff will respond to the fire, either serving directly on suppression-related activities, as Resource Advisors (RA), or in other support activities related to • 53 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan the safety of Refuge visitors and property (e.g. implementing public closures, preparing Refuge facilities for the • potential impacts from wildland fire, etc).

Size-Up Procedures:

As was discussed in an earlier section of this FMP, most wildland fires on the Refuge are likely to be discovered by persons other than Refuge staff, and reported through the local 911 dispatch system. The appropriate department having operational responsibility for the area in which the fire is located is then contacted and responds to the fire. Size-up activities related to wildland fire(s) are performed by the first suppression forces to arrive on the scene, with the most experienced firefighter assuming the role of Incident Commander (IC). That individual continues to function as the IC until relieved by an individual with a higher wildland fire qualification. Regardless of who responds first to a fire report, key information must be gathered and transmitted to personnel responding to the initial report of the fire. Information to be gathered includes the following:

• Size of the fire (acres) • Flame length, direction fire is moving, rates of spread, etc • Location (Lat/ long and or UTM) • Access (best routes into the scene and routes of egress) • Roads, trails • Fuels (present and in the foreseeable future) • Weather (wind speed, direction, relative humidity, temperature) • Topography (steep, flat, rolling, etc) • Resource Needs • Hazards (power lines, gas lines, etc) • Values at Risk (structures, cultural resources, etc) •

Initial Attack

The Refuge will participate in initial attack, to the extent practicable, on wildland fires that occur both on and adjacent to Refuge lands. Fires that occur outside of the Refuge which have the potential to threaten Refuge land may be suppressed utilizing Refuge resources in concert with local and state cooperators. All fires will be managed under the Incident Command System (ICS). As a part of that system, a Unified Command Structure will be established with the neighboring fire departments in suppressing fires occurring on the Refuge. In the event that no qualified FWS incident commander is available, the Refuge Manager will designate a Resource Advisor (RA) to assist and advise the Incident Commander (IC) on the appropriate management response (AMR) to be utilized on Refuge lands. No matter which agency the IC comes from, he/she will:

• Locate, size-up, and coordinate suppression activities, including briefing incoming personnel, directing their actions and providing the equipment needed to undertake suppression of the fire safely and effectively. • Provide for public and firefighter safety first. • Considering current and predicted fire conditions assess the need for additional suppression resources and estimate the final size of the fire. • Assess the need for law enforcement personnel for traffic control, investigation of fire cause, evacuations, etc. 54 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Keep the Refuge Manager informed of the situation as it develops . • Provide information to the Refuge Manager so that a briefreport can be transmitted to the ZFMO. • Notify the Refuge Manager when an initial attack is unsuccessful. Initiate the planning for an extended • attack (WFSA). • Other duties as described in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fireline Handbook.

Regardless of whether it is a cooperator or Refuge staff initiating suppression operations on fires occurring on the Refuge, the following principles will apply:

• When evaluating the Appropriate Management Response (AMR) for wildfires, public and firefighter safety are to receive the highest priority consideration. • All fires on the Refuge will be staffed during active burning periods until the fire is brought into a controlled status. Staffing is maintained until the fire is declared out. • The Incident Management System (JCS) will be utilized to manage wildland fires on the Refuge. Regardless of agency affiliation, the Incident Commander will be the individual best qualified to assume the duties of that position. Jurisdictional integrity will not be compromised no matter which organization the IC belongs to. • The Fire Management Plan and the Delegation of Authority provide general strategy options for an Incident Commander (IC). He/she has the discretion to select and implement tactics within the limits described for the appropriate FMU, including when and where to use minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST). • Suppression operations will be managed in the most cost-effective manner possible .

• Public Information

Informing the public is an important part of fire suppression, fire prevention, prescribed fire, and the FWS mission. During wildland fire operations the IC/Burn Boss is responsible for providing fire information to the press and the public. The IC may delegate this task as needed to an Information Officer (IO). Local newspapers and radio stations in Laurel and Bowie, Maryland provide the main sources for public information distribution.

Extended Attack

The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for developing a plan that meets extended attack needs when initial attack efforts on a fire are deemed unsuccessful. This may occur when a fire exceeds the capability of suppression resources to control the fire in the initial attack phase, when additional Refuge or private lands are threatened, or when fire complexity exceeds the capability of current command or operational forces.

In any case, the preparation of a Wildland Fire Situational Analysis (WFSA) is the first step in preparing to meet the challenge of the more complex extended attack fire situation. Detailed information relating to the preparation of a WFSA is included in the following section.

The IC will coordinate with the Refuge Manager to ensure that the appropriate interagency collaboration occurs in the preparation of the WFSA. In addition, the IC will: • Order and assign appropriate new and incoming resources. • Complete a Delegation of Authority (Appendix J) • 55 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

The Refuge Manager will be responsible for coordinating the following:

• Notification of the FWS ZFMO of the situation. • Assist with the transition to the next appropriate management level based on incident complexity. • Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA)

When a fire escapes initial attack, a new strategy must be developed in order to safely and effectively suppress the fire. This selection process is accomplished through the development of a Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (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. They are consistent with the expected probability of success /consequences of failure. The Refuge Manager 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. The ZFMO, with input and assistance from Refuge staff, will prepare this document.

An electronic version of a WFSA can be found at the U. S. Forest Service website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/wfsa/.

NOTE: The WFSA process will be replaced (target date 2009) with a comprehensive fire decision analysis system referred to as the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS). When this system becomes • operational, updates will be included in this section of the FMP, replacing references to the then obsolete WFSA.

Aviation

Aircraft operations will adhere to interagency aircraft use regulations and policies. The use of aircraft for detection flights and initial attack operations is allowed utilizing the closest aircraft resources concept, including those owned by or under contract to the state or local entities. After the first burning period or during extended attack, Department oflnterior Aviation Management Directorate (AMD) certified aircraft and pilot must be utilized.

Aircraft used in prescribed fire and non-fire treatments will meet interagency standards. Each project will have an aircraft use plan as a part of the overall project plan.

Dispatch Operations and Obtaining Resources

Area Dispatch Center

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge serves as the area dispatch center for FWS resources in Maryland and Delaware. Requests for assistance should go first to the Blackwater Coordination Center, which in tum will relay information and requests to the Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC).

56 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Interagency Dispatch Center

• Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR) is located in the geographic area served by the Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC). Federal and state agencies, including PRR, located in the 20-state area served by the center, receive logistical support, resource assistance, and intelligence information for anticipated and ongoing wildland fire activity. EACC facilitates movement ofresources (people, aircraft, and equipment) among any of the agencies located in the area. In addition, EACC monitors wildland fire potential, weather, and wildland fire use within the area. EACC also responds to requests for support to other geographic areas from the National lnteragency Coordination Center (NICC) located in Boise, Idaho. Although the primary focus of EACC is to respond to wildland fire incidents, the center now provides support for a wide range of all-risk incidents such as earthquake, flood, hurricane, hazardous material spills, etc. EACC also provides a clearinghouse through which its members can participate in training, workshops, and/ or special projects.

Local Dispatch( s)

Patuxent Research Refuge is located in operational areas covered by Emergency Operations Centers (911) located in both Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties, Maryland. In addition to the emergency numbers for both (911 ), administrative numbers are:

Prince George's County • 301 883-5200 (business hours) • 301 583-2200 (after business hours)

Anne Arundel County • • (410) 222-8040 Processes for Complying with Regulatory Requirements

Smoke

A detailed discussion of smoke and air quality can be found in Section 4.2 (Fuels Management) of this plan.

Endangered and Threatened Species

Consultation regarding species subject to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) will occur and is a requirement for each prescribed burn plan. The Plan must be reviewed by an Endangered Species Specialist from the Ecological Services Division. The Refuge considers Species of Concern listed by the State of Maryland in the same category as federal listings when participating in the consultation process.

State Historic Preservation Office

Patuxent Research Refuge utilizes FWS archeologists for work on the Refuge but has no direct communications with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). As a matter of policy, regional FWS archeologists do consult with the SHPO on matters pertaining to cultural resources found on the Refuge .

• 57 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Reporting Requirements Daily Fire Reports • Every unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is required to report wi~dland fir~ occurrence daily (if a _fire occurs). Patuxent Research Refuge will report directly to the ZFMO, whom tum, will forward the appropr:iate fire occurrence information to the Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC). The ICS 209 Form, Incident Status Summary, provides an excellent guide for wildland fire reporting and should be compl~ted for each large (timber fires > 100 acres and grass fires > 300 acres) wildland fire on the Refuge. A copy of this form can be found at the following internet website address: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/fire/docs/ics209.pdf

Individual Fire Reports

All wildland and prescribed fires on the Refuge will be documented on forms (Appendix K) utilizing the Fire Management Information System (FMIS). Categories include:

• All wildland fires on FWS and FWS protected lands including natural outs. • Wildfires threatening Refuge lands on which suppression action is taken. • Prescribed fires that remain within prescription. When a fire exceeds prescription criteria, it should be treated as a wildfire, and a separate report should be prepared including acres burned by the wildfire from the time of its discovery until the time of it being declared out. • All false alarms responded to by Refuge personnel

Reports are required regardless of who takes the appropriate management response (AMR) action (e.g. • contractor, cooperator, etc). When FWS personnel take action on a cooperative fire, the agency with jurisdiction on the land where the fire occurs will file a complete report and share it with all parties involved, including billing for assistance, etc.

FMIS forms contain basic fire information and serve as historic documents used to track the fire history of the Refuge. A hard copy of each report should be kept on file at the Refuge, with a copy being sent to the ZFMO. All reports are to be completed and submitted within 15 days after a fire has been declared out. The IC will complete the appropriate FMIS fire report and Crew Time Reports for all personnel assigned to the fire, and return these documents to the ZFMO for entry into the FMIS. The ZFMO will ensure that all expenses and/or items lost on the fire are reported, that the timekeeper is advised of all fire time to be charged to the fire, and that expended supplies are replaced.

Records Management

The Refuge will keep on file a hardcopy of all reports submitted to the ZFMO. In addition, all prescribed bum plans and supporting documents should be retained in a Refuge master file for easy retrieval. They should be filed in an incident-specific format.

Individual Fire Reports, particularly those requiring extensive documentation, should include all documents prepared over the life of the incident, including resource orders and equipment orders, purchases, weather reports, maps, charts, fire weather data, etc. These should all be kept in a separate file named for the fire and • maintained by calendar year for easy reference. 58 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

4.2 Fuels Management • Background Patuxent Research Refuge has utilized prescribed burning as a management activity since 2002. In that year five treatments for a total of 63 acres (average of 12.6 acres) were implemented. In 2004 (50 acres), 2005 (28 acres), and 2007 (6 acres) prescribed bums were implemented for a total of 84 acres. To date, prescribed fire has been used as a tool to enhance native grasses and forbs on Refuge grasslands.

Multiple opportunities exist on the Refuge for the utilization of fire management methodologies that assist in managing hazard fuels and in meeting resource objectives. These methodologies have been developed and analyzed in the Environmental Assessment prepared for this Fire Management Plan (2000). Options include the application of prescribed fire, non-fire (mechanical, chemical) and their use in combination.

Goals Related to Fuels Management

• Reduce hazardous fuels through the application of prescribed fire, mechanical, or chemical means, to maintain fuel loadings within acceptable ranges ( determined by fuel type), and reduce the threat of wildland fire to areas of concern by establishing acceptable defensible space around improvements and structures. • Conduct a comprehensive inventory and assessment of fuels on the Refuge (none presently exists). • Restore and maintain native ecosystems (e.g. native grasslands, upland oak forest, xeric or barren (savannah communities) and habitat. • There are a number of remnant native grasslands found on the Refuge. In addition, there are non-native grasslands (agricultural fields, defunct rifle ranges, etc) in some areas. Prescribed fire will be used to • reduce woody invasion ( e.g. sweetgum) recycle nutrients, reduce litter layers, increase cover of native warm season grasses and reduce non-native cool season grasses (e.g. tall fescue). • There is evidence that fire-dependant or fire-adapted vegetation communities historically existed on the Refuge. A pre-1950 inventory of "noteworthy Plants of the Patuxent Research Refuge" covering the Central and South Tracts, noted the presence of fire adapted pitch pine. "Barrens" were also found in areas on the Central Tract FMU, containing fire -adapted species such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), blazing star (Liatrus sp.), and blunt-leaved agalinis (Agalinis obtusifolia, previously Gerardia decemloba). More recently, plant ecologists have found potentially fire-adapted habitats on the North tract FMU. These "coastal plain oak barrens" are characterized by overstory species such as sand hickory (Carya pa/Iida), post oak (Quercus stellata), and blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica). Understory species include; prickly pear ( Opuntia humifusa), (Cyperus grayi) and little bluestem. These xeric habitats probably represent a rare community type for Maryland. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) also occurs on the North Tract FMU. • Enhance forest habitat for wildlife, and in a research context, investigate the efficacy of using fire for wildlife benefit. • Since it is likely that fire historically influenced forest habitats in the mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (Frost 1998), the Refuge will investigate opportunities to restore natural fire regimes in Refuge forest habitats. • Maintain select and existing successional openings for wildlife. • Aid in the control of invasive species where appropriate. Among the invasive species that have significant potential for increased coverage are: Bradford Pear (Pyrus ca/leryana), Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium nimineum), and Mile-a-minute-weed (Polygonum perfoliatum). • 59 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Hazardous fuel reduction achieved through the use of prescribed fire as a means to maintain fuel loadings within acceptable ranges ( determined by fuel type) and reduce the threat of wildland fire to • areas of concern by establishing acceptable defensible space around improvements and structures. • Explore research opportunities regarding fire and ecosystem management.

Planning and Analysis

Planning for prescribed burning will begin no later than one year in advance of the anticipated date(s) of implementation. This allows for sufficient time to complete appropriate planning, analysis, and coordination. It also helps ensure that all site and contingency considerations have been taken into account during the planning process. Considerations include: identification of species of concern, cultural resource locations, fuel conditions, fire behavior, location of values at risk, etc. All potential bum areas will be identified and ranked according to their importance as early in the development process as possible. Proposed dates for implementation will be selected based upon the ecological needs of the unit, likely environmental and fuel conditions during the proposed bum date, availability of personnel, etc.

• In general, grassland units will be burned during the early spring (March - April) prior to the emergence of native, warm-season grasses. • Debris and hazard fuel reduction bums can be implemented during various times of the year, dependent upon the presence of adequate fuel moisture. • In some units, mowing, fire break construction, and other site preparation activities will be undertaken just before burning is to take place. • Monitoring processes identified, in place, and pre-treatment readings completed. • • Areas requiring multiple treatments ( e.g. prescribed fire and chemical) will be treated with herbicide (usually Roundup© or Plateau©) far enough in advance of prescribed fire implementation that the desired effects on vegetation will be achieved before burning operations commence.

There are some other management considerations specific to Patuxent Research Refuge that may impose restrictions on the use of prescribed fire. Although these restrictions do present challenges to management, they are not of a size or scope that precludes the use of prescribed fire as an effective tool in meeting Refuge goals and objectives. The challenge for managers is to develop strategies and tactics that effectively mitigate the impacts that are present for any given bum unit. Impacts that have been identified include:

• Small staff with limited qualifications and experience. • A narrow bum window with a limited number of days when the unit(s) are in prescription due to transport wind requirements, appropriate fuel moisture levels, proper soil moisture, etc. • Air Quality and public safety concerns resulting from smoke generated by prescribed bum operations.

The Maryland Air Quality Implementation Plan has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All of the state of Maryland is classified as "in attainment", meaning that it meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the following criteria pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide. Parts of Maryland, including Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties, are in non-attainment for the pollutant ozone.

60 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

The management of smoke will be incorporated into the planning of prescribed fires, and, to the extent possible, in the suppression of wildland fires. Sensitive areas will be identified and precautions will be taken to safeguard visitors and Refuge neighbors. When burning is done adjacent to roads, highways, airports, or other sensitive areas, close attention will be kept on wind conditions to prevent a driving • hazard. There will be no hesitancy to postpone a bum when the wind conditions are questionable, even if the bum is within the pre-planned prescription.

All prescribed bums on the Refuge require an open burning permit issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment. This may be done through the Central Regional Office of the Maryland Forest Service. If prescribed burning is being conducted in the Central or South Tract FMU's, the open burning permit will be obtained from the Prince George's County Health Department. All burning is to be conducted according to the terms and conditions of the respective permit(s).

• Restrictions that reduce the opportunity to bum a given area using a variety of fire intensities that are necessary to stress or kill woody species and create an appropriate vegetative mosaic (for example, fuel loadings may be too heavy to safely utilize fire in areas near structures or improvements). • The close proximity to development (the wildland-urban interface) and traffic on area roads. • The need to protect sensitive habitat(s) and nesting birds during certain times of the year.

Priority-Setting (the processes used to identify and prioritize fuel treatments).

Habitat Management Plans ( currently under development) will outline the long-term strategy for the use of prescribed fire as an ecosystem maintenance and habitat management tool. Items that should be considered for discussion under the HMP umbrella include: • • The appropriate role of fire in the overall suite of available management tools. • Designation of individual bum units (location, size in acres, maps of each). • The preferred treatment interval (varies by fuel type). • The recommended treatment sequence (also called the bum rotation). • The annual target acreage on the Refuge to be treated. • Monitoring to be performed and frequency needed.

Once Refuge staff have determined the areas to be burned in a given 1-3 year period, the ZFMO will be responsible for the preparation of the individual prescribed bum plan(s) for the units indicated. He/she may at his/her discretion, assign plan preparation to a qualified Bum Boss or other qualified employee. The development of plans that encourage the participation of other agencies and cooperators is encouraged.

Guidance

Normally, a refuge relies upon its Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) to serve as the primary document utilized in the prescribed fire planning process. Refuge objectives are outlined in detail and provide guidance that is useful in developing implementation plans for all refuge operations, including prescribed fire and hazard fuel reduction through non-fire methodologies. Since Patuxent Research Refuge is in the process of preparing its CCP beginning in 2008 (a 2-3 year completion time), current Habitat Management Plans (or their equivalent) (HMP) will be called upon to provide the operational guidance necessary until the CCP is completed. During the interim time period, annual reviews will be conducted to ensure compliance with changes in guidance and • 61 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan regulation. Preparation and Implementation • The Prescribed Bum Plan is a project-specific implementation document. It serves as the legal document that provides the Agency Administrator (Refuge Supervisor) the information needed to approve the Plan and the designated Prescribed Fire Bum Boss the information needed to implement the prescribed bum. The size and complexity of the prescribed fire project will determine the level of detail needed in each plan. Regardless, the plan must follow the Prescribed Fire Plan Template found in Appendix B of the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide {2008).

A Complexity Analysis for each individual prescribed bum will be determined using the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide PMS 424, January 2004. Most bums at Patuxent Research Refuge are expected to be of low complexity. However, it is possible that some bums being conducted in close proximity to developments and/or busy highways, or those being implemented in areas where fuel loadings are heavier than normal, may be of moderate complexity or higher.

Prescribed bum plans must be prepared by an individual that meets the interagency qualification standards of RXB2 for low or moderate complexity bums, or RXB3 for low complexity bums. Several people may be involved in the preparation, but the Prescribed Fire Plan Preparer is responsible for the final plan content. Specifically, this individual will:

• Prepare the plan in accordance with the policy and guidance as found in the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide. • • Coordinate with resource management and/ or technical specialists (i.e. wildlife biologists/ cultural resource specialists) to ensure that the plan meets management and operational objectives. • Ensure that a technical review of the plan is conducted by a qualified technical reviewer (the technical reviewer cannot be the preparer of the plan). • Interact with the technical reviewer to ensure that all of the plan elements are adequately addressed. • Complete and sign the Complexity Analysis.

Responsibilities

Appendix C contains a detailed discussion of the responsibilities related to fuels management for the positions of Regional Fire Management Coordinator, Agency Administrator (Refuge Manager, Project Leader, or Refuge Supervisor), Zone Fire Management Officer, and other specific Refuge positions.

Prescribed Fire Burn Boss

The Prescribed Fire Bum Boss is responsible for the safe execution of the prescribed bum, within the limits of the approved Burn Plan. On the day of the burn, the Bum Boss completes the GO-NO-GO Checklist found in Appendix B of the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide. The completion of this checklist ensures that all prescription, staffing, equipment, and other plan specifications are met before, during, and after the completion of the prescribed burn.

62 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Education

• Areas that have been treated with prescribed fire provide excellent opportunities for the public and Refuge staff to see first-hand the effects of fire. They also provide superb opportunities to explain the purpose of prescribed burns to the public. When properly implemented, these programs demonstrate the Refuge's capability to safely conduct prescribed fire operations, increase the public's tolerance of the aesthetic effects that result from the bums, and develop public support for prescribed burn objectives.

Seasonality Factors

Prescribed burning in Maryland can best be accomplished during the fall and spring months, generally October thru mid-December and again in February to late April. To meet specific resource objectives, some prescribed bums should be planned for the summer months (growing season bums), though projects implemented during this time period are problematical due to concerns regarding air quality and fuel moisture. Implementation is largely dependent on the amount of precipitation that has fallen over the previous 30 day period. Depending on precipitation totals, there exists potential for prescribed and wildfires year-round.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring program policy and procedures for the prescribed and non-fire projects are detailed in Section 5 of this Fire Management Plan.

Reporting Requirements

• Prior to the implementation of any prescribed bum, Patuxent Research Refuge will report intended project implementation dates and information to the following entities:

• Maryland Forest Service (Central Region Office) • Applicable Cooperating Fire Department(s) (Anne Arundel County, Prince George's County, Ft. Meade) • County Emergency Operations Centers (911) (they will in tum notify county sheriff's patrols) • Maryland Department of the Environment (Open Burning Permit) • Prince George's County Health Department (for Central and South Tract FMU's only) • Anne Arundel County Health Department (for North Tract FMU only)

Exceeding the Parameters of an Existing Prescribed Burn Plan

The Prescribed Bum Plan will specify who has the authority to declare the prescribed bum a wildfire (typically the Prescribed Fire Bum Boss). A prescribed fire must be declared a wildfire when the Prescribed Fire Bum Boss determines that contingency actions have failed or are likely to fail and cannot be mitigated by the end of the next burning period by on-site holding forces and/or contingency resources. In addition, an escaped prescribed fire must be declared a wildfire when the fire either spreads outside of the project boundary identified in the Prescribed Burn Plan or is deemed likely to do so, and cannot be contained by the end of the next burning period. In either case, the preparation of a Wildland Fire Situational Analysis (WFSA) is required, the appropriate management response made, and implemented.

• 63 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Non-Fire Fuel Treatments

Non-fire fuels treatments are an essential component of the Refuge fire management program. When the use of prescribed fire does not present a feasible alternative to accomplish hazard fuel objectives, areas may be • identified for non-fire fuels treatment. Typically, this would consist of manual, mechanical, chemical or combination treatments. Not all treatments are suitable for all vegetation types. Treatments vary depending on factors including the condition of the vegetation, vegetation management goals, proximity to development, time of the year, and various environmental factors present at each individual project site. For some sites, a combination of treatments may be the management choice. For example, mechanical treatment may be used to create fuel breaks before the implementation of a prescribed bum.

Wildland Urban Interface

Large-scale urban development persists around the perimeter of the Refuge boundary. Cooperative planning involving the Refuge, Region 5 WUI Specialist, local fire departments, and the Maryland Forest Service will be necessary to ensure public and resource protection safety. The Refuge acknowledges the potential presence of trouble spots and will work to develop plans (included in the Annual Operating Plan) to minimize wildland/ urban interface issues. Wildland/urban interface planning will include procedures to:

• Identify and map resources and private property that need protection and planning actions. • Use mechanical, chemical, and/or prescribed fire to provide hazardous fuel reduction or fire breaks. • Initiate public information and education programs.

As a result of the preparation of this Fire Management Plan, the Refuge is now able to access a comprehensive • Wildland Urban Interface Geographic Information System State Wildand Fire Assessment Atlas (Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 2005). The Refuge will utilize this document as a starting point in assessing hazards and risks to both Refuge resources and those found adjacent to the contiguous boundary.

Project Accomplishments

To date, no projects having a direct benefit to WUI resources have been implemented on the Refuge.

Processes Used to Identify Fuels Treatments

Identification of Fuels Treatment Areas

The Wildland Fire Assessment Atlas discussed in the previous section is a good management tool to use for the development of hazardous fuel treatment areas on the Refuge. As a minimum, the following should be identified as a result of the assessment effort:

• Comprehensive fuels maps for the entire Refuge and adjacent lands (<1 mile). • Identification of hazardous fuels (fuel types and fuel loading). • Identification and mapping of historic fuels treatments by treatment type. • Location of values at risk in relation to hazardous fuels (e.g. WUI/Refuge support structures, etc) .

64 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Once the identification and assessment of fuels is complete, a prioritization of hazard fuel units will be completed. Those areas presenting the greatest hazard and risk will receive priority in planning and • implementation. In addition to the identification and prioritization process, an assessment of fuel management options should be undertaken, with emphasis upon the impacts of each treatment type on Refuge resources. Where practicable, opportunities will be developed with local landowners and adjacent agencies to prepare and implement joint fuel treatment plans, particularly in those areas where mutual protection interests are present.

4.3 Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation

Wildland fires can cause damage to natural and cultural resources as well as to facilities. The extent of this damage may be such that evaluation and repair is needed to restore resources to pre-fire conditions. The preferred method of repair is through the natural recovery process. This may not be possible in all situations. For these cases, specific program guidance for Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) is found in Departmental Manual Part 620 Chapter 3 (620 DM 3), the Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response Guidebook, and Chapter 11 of the FWS Fire Management Handbook. The following website contains policy and guidance for the implementation of emergency stabilization and rehabilitation at the refuge level:

http://elips.doi.gov?app_ DM/act_getfiles.cfrn?relnum=3610

Another valuable resource is the DOI ES and BAR website:

http://www.fws.gov/fire/ifcc/Esr/home.htm • Post-fire recovery planning at Patuxent Research Refuge will be conducted by Refuge and regional staff. Wildfires will be evaluated for fire suppression damage repair needs as soon as safely possible. Repair will be accomplished by and through the use of incident resources (including expenses).

There have been no previous ES or BAR treatments on the Refuge.

4.4 Prevention, Mitigation and Education

Fire Prevention and Mitigation

Fire starts due to human activity are the most likely cause of fire occurrence at Patuxent Research Refuge. The Refuge will make efforts, within the framework of their staffing and expertise, to reduce these occurrences by providing public information, education and enforcement. The Refuge will consider a number of independent actions, in some cases in conjunction with cooperators, relating to fire safety and prevention, to include the following:

• Educational materials pertaining to fire safety, which are available through the National Interagency Coordination Center, will be obtained and made available to visitors to the North Tract Contact Station and the National Wildlife Visitor Center. • 65 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Should conditions of high fire danger be present, staff and volunteers will emphasize the need for fire safety as part of their programs and visitor contacts. • Fire danger rating signs will be erected seasonally at the main entrances to the North, Central, and South Tract FMU's, the National Wildlife Visitor Center, and will be updated daily throughout fire season. • • Emergency closures and restrictions on the Refuge will be implemented by direction of the Refuge Manager. Refuge restrictions will be consistent with those mandated by the State of Maryland. • The Maryland Forest Service has a well-established prevention program that directs the public to current sources of fire prevention information. Patuxent will assist the Maryland Forest Service in these matters if requested by the State. • Human-caused wildfires result in major expenditures of fire suppression funds and usually cause unacceptable resource damage. Prevention efforts will be directed toward reducing fire occurrence from these causes. • Conduct a Fire Prevention Analysis that identifies the hazards, risks, and values of the existing Refuge and those lands within the approved acquisition boundary. • Prevention efforts for the Refuge will be guided by a Fire Prevention Analysis. Those areas identified as having the greatest hazards and risks will be considered for some method of fuels modification such as the use of prescribed fire or various mechanical methods. Most fuel reduction methods will be achieved by construction of and maintenance of fuel breaks. • Since inadvertent or intentional ignition of wildland fuels by humans is an illegal activity, the Refuge will investigate, to the best of its capabilities, all human-caused wildfires as soon as possible after discovery. Investigations may range from those conducted by initial attack resources, to a full-fledged investigation conducted by a qualified arson investigator. • Refuge employees will be expected to relate to the public the beneficial effects of prescribed fire as opposed to the negative impacts brought on by unwanted human-caused fires. Primary emphasis will be placed on information dissemination essential to understanding the potential severity of human-caused wildland fires and how to prevent them. •

Education

Public education is necessary to gamer support for and understanding of fire management programs on the Refuge. A prevention program which informs the public of the current wildland fire danger, while also teaching about fire's value as a management tool, will be the primary emphasis. Since prescribed fires are planned management activities, coordination with news media can be handled prior to burning using news releases and public service announcements. Members of the Refuge Visitor Services staff will serve as Information Officer(s) (IO) for the Refuge, addressing public/media inquiries regarding the fire program, and coordinating outreach and educational activities related to the fire program. A single release issued in late fall prior to the winter bum season may be adequate. Additional releases may be warranted when summer or unusually large or complex prescribed bums are anticipated. News media can become an advocate for the bum program if invited to witness a bum in progress and shown the positive results that can accrue from a properly implemented prescribed bum.

As the Refuge develops a prescribed fire program, it is anticipated that some projects will be conducted in areas accessible to the general public. It will benefit the program to take advantage of opportunities to inform and educate the general public, and to alleviate any concerns and fears they have related to fire. This can be accomplished through interpretative signs and displays on site, and guided field trips, which explain fire's role 66 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

in the ecosystem. Classroom programs and talks, targeting various age groups, can focus on the Refuge's prescribed fire objectives. • 5. Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and evaluation are essential elements of the Refuge fire management program. They provide the means by which Refuge personnel are able to determine if applicable sections of the Fire Management Plan are being implemented as planned and if fire-related goals and objectives are being achieved.

Background

Monitoring and evaluation are part of both the wildland fire suppression and the prescribed fire programs. Monitoring may be short term, as exemplified in those cases where wildland fires require immediate suppression, or may be long term, as a result of the need to closely monitor habitat changes over an extended period. Monitoring is required to ensure that goals and objectives of the prescribed bum are within acceptable environmental parameters as stated in prescribed bum plans.

Types of Monitoring

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring provides the basic background information needed for decision-making. This information is essential, regardless of whether it involves a suppression response, a prescribed fire, or is being used as a means to determine the relative potential for fire activity. At a minimum, the following information • will be collected and disseminated in a manner that is consistent with safe and effective operational programs: • Weather (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, etc). • Fire danger rating (Extreme, Very High, High, Moderate, and Low). • Fuel conditions (fuel moisture). • Resource availability. • Special concerns and values to be protected. • Other biological, geographical or sociological data as needed.

This data can be collected hourly, daily, monthly, seasonally, yearly, or as appropriate to the rate of change for the variable of interest, regardless of whether there is an active wildland fire burning on the Refuge. The sampling frequency can be derived from management objectives, risk assessments, resource constraints or the rate of ecological change. The ZFMO can assist the Refuge in establishing an efficient and effective means to gather this data.

Prescribed Fire Monitoring

Monitoring is conducted pre-bum, during the active phase of the prescribed bum, and post-bum. Pre-bum and post-bum evaluations are accomplished with transects or plots depending on the habitat type and fire unit. The ZFMO, in concert with the Regional Fire Biologist, will provide specific guidance as to the type and amount of monitoring to be conducted . • 67 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

All of the prescribed burning done at the Refuge will be well documented. Basic site conditions will be recorded during prescribed bums to ensure that prescribed fires are conducted within the appropriate range of • environmental conditions (prescription). No special equipment is necessary for monitoring fire behavior. Since most bums on the Refuge will be low to moderate intensity, they should be easily measured by rate of spread and flame length observations. Should more comprehensive fire behavior and effects information be necessary, it will be outlined in the Prescribed Bum Plan.

Basic monitoring to determine habitat response will generally use photo-points. These points will be re-visited and photographed during subsequent seasons. It is vital that Refuge staff devote time to post-bum monitoring of established plots. Comparisons over time will aid in determining if bum and resource objectives are being met. More complex monitoring efforts may be undertaken for research related to prescribed bums, or to answer questions about the effects of prescribed fire on specific wildlife or habitat parameters. Such monitoring can require vegetation transects, breeding bird point counts, presence/absence of target species, etc. An excellent reference resource for monitoring procedures can be found in the Fire Monitoring Handbook, USDI, National Park Service, 2007.

Wildland Fire Suppression

Reconnaissance monitoring provides a basic overview of the physical aspects of a fire event. On some wildland fires, this may be the only monitoring data gathered. The following data should be collected as a minimum for all fires:

• Fire Cause (Origin) and Ignition Point. • Fire Location and Size. • Logistical Information. • Fuels and Vegetation Description. • • Current and Expected Fire Behavior. • Potential for Further Spread. • Current and F orecasted Weather. • Resource or Safety Threats and Constraints. • Smoke Volume and Direction of Movement.

If trained staff is available, the following data should be gathered on all fires:

• Slope. • Aspect. • Elevation. • Ambient Weather Conditions (Dry Bulb/ Wet Bulb Temperature, Relative Humidity. Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Shading and Cloud Cover, Fuel Moisture, Drought Index, Duff Moisture, Fuel Model. • Rate of Spread. • Perimeter or Area Growth. • Flame Length. • Direction of Fire Spread. • Smoke Characteristics. • Mixing Height. • 68 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

• Transport Winds

• Habitat Response Monitoring Requirements

Hazard fuel reduction funds may be used to facilitate adaptive management when evaluating the fuels management program and project effectiveness. It can also ensure that Refuge resource management goals and objectives are not compromised by fuels management projects. The use of 9263 or 9264 funds will be limited to monitoring first-and-second-order effects of fuel management projects (prescribed fires, mechanical or chemical fuel treatments, etc.) on fuel and wildlife habitat composition and structure that are recognized and well-described as measurable objectives in an approved Refuge habitat management plan. Funding wildlife population inventories, fire effects research, or management studies on wildlife is not an appropriate use of fuels funding. Evaluating fuel management treatment effects on wildlife habitat composition and structure is intended to complement these inventories, management studies and research projects. Because fuels management effectiveness monitoring is not an emergency, Base-8 personnel costs or costs associated with back-filling personnel or personnel overtime costs will not be funded. Fuels management effectiveness monitoring requires the preparation and approval of a monitoring plan. This plan can be a separate Fuels Treatment Monitoring Plan or part of a holistic adaptive management program that integrates all Refuge resource monitoring activities. Whether separate or integrated the plan should contain:

• A full description of the fuel and wildlife habitat monitoring attributes, monitoring objectives, and approved monitoring protocol description in enough detail that a successor could continue the monitoring, and identify the monitoring need. • A description of management actions to be taken when monitored habitat attributes reach established threshold levels. • • The Refuge's commitment to implementing and completing the monitoring and management actions. The ZFMO, Regional Fire Management Coordinator and/or Regional Fire Biologist will assure that before any fuel treatment monitoring (beyond the first order fire effects monitoring in the Prescribed Fire Plan) is approved, the following guidelines are met:

• The fuel and wildlife habitat monitoring activities are adequately described in the approved Refuge Fire Management Plan and/or an approved Refuge Habitat Management Plan. • The monitoring protocols meet regionally-established fuel and wildlife habitat monitoring protocols established under the Fulfilling the Promise WH-10(1) action item or the Service's Fuel and Fire Effects Monitoring Guide. • The monitoring plan is independently reviewed by the Regional Fire Biologist to determine if the proposed protocols are the most cost effective and statistically defensible means of addressing monitoring objectives. • All stakeholders are made aware of any management changes that may occur as a result of the monitoring effort.

Reporting and Documentation

Prescribed bum plans will be the primary document used to record prescribed fire information. Bum plans • document air quality requirements, personnel, costs, fire behavior, weather, fire summary, and bum critique

69 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

information. Like suppression fires, prescribed bums will also be documented on FMIS forms (Appendix K) and entered into the appropriate operational applications computer system by the ZFMO. A hard copy will be • retained at the Refuge in a separate record.

Prescribed Fire Critiques and Plan Review

Each wildland fire and prescribed fire will have after action reviews done as informal documentation covering what worked, what did not, why, and what could be done better the next time. Prescribed fires will be critiqued by the Bum Boss and documented in the Prescribed Bum Plan. The ZFMO, RFMC, Refuge Manager, Incident Commander, and other subject-matter experts selected by the RFMC will conduct a formal critique in the event of:

• A significant injury/accident • An escaped prescribed fire • The presence of any significant safety concerns • Smoke management problems

Prescribed Fire Program Compliance with Agency Policy

The Refuge will meet or exceed standard and qualification requirements as outlined in the FWS Fire Management Handbook and the Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (NWCG publication 310-1, May 2008). The ZFMO and/or RFMC will assist Refuge personnel in maintaining the qualifications necessary to implement the fire program as outlined in this Fire Management Plan.

In accordance with FWS policy, all bum plans will be reviewed and approved through the processes described in the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide, July 2008). • 6. Glossary of Terms Used in Wildland Fire Management

The terminology used in wildland fire management is constantly evolving with new advances in technology and changes in operational policy. A continually updated and complete Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology is available on the Internet at the following address: http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/ glossary/index.htm

NOTE: For convenience, a truncated version is included in this Fire Management Plan. It contains only those words, terms, and phrases that might prove helpful in clarifying the basic concepts discussed in this plan.

AQency Administrator 1 Managng officer ot an .agency. division lherlof. « jurisdiction having mtukHy rnponsibilitiy for incident mitigation and management. EumplH: NPS Park Supenmendart. BIA Agency Superirundant. USFS Forest~. ILM Dislrict Manager. FWS R..-ug. M.inager, Stala Forest Olllcer. Firw Chief. Police Chief.

--· I.ft Otnc• Appropriate M...... ~ (AIIR) 1 Arrf specific Ktion suitable to mNl Fn ~ Unrt !FMU) objeeti¥H. Typ,cally. the AMR rqn olCr05S .a spectrum

Burnilla lndu 1 An KtrMtil of !he p«enul diflcuky cl In ccntainmant as it rtlaliK to the fl..lmelengch at 1h• head of Iha fi,._ 2 A ~ number relawd to the con1ribution 1Nt fn behavior maes to the .nount or efJort Meded to contain a fn in a spec,tled fuel type. Doubling Iha burning n»x ind~ !hat twice the effort wiH be ,.qunc1 to CClfllain a fn in that fuel type n - previously reqund, providing • all 01her panime,a,s - held Constanl Sia Clns of Fin 1 As to S1Za of wildfire: Class A- OM-four1h acre or lltss; Class B - men lhan onHDUrth acre. but Ins than 1O acrH: Cius C - 1D acres or mere. but less than 100 ilCl'H; Class D - 1DD ilCfft or mere. but less than 300 acres; Class e -300 acrK or more, but less than 1.000 acres; Class F - 1,000 acrK or men. but IKs than 5.000 acns; Class G - 5.DOD acrn or fflOf'e. - a>so: C.1 of ,.,. Energy lWeilM Component(ERC) 1 The ccmputed total heat release par unit au (British thlrmal units per square foot) within the ftamin; front • the hNd ol a mowin; fire. ExandedAltacll Suppression ilCWlly I'« a wildh 1hat has n« been contaiMd or oonvolled by initial auack or con11nc,ency fcrces and for whdl mere 1ire4ighting rKOUreK a,. amving.. 111 route. or beftg orderad by the initlal attack inc>dent commander.

F"nElhc1s 1 The physical, biological, and ecological impactS of fire en the environment. F"n Dan.., Rating Systlffl 1 Th• ccmplete prog,am MCHUly 1D produce and apply fn ~ ...... including c1a ccllecticn. cla procnsing, fn danger modeling, CQITll1'Ql\ic:alions, anc1 data stcra;e. - _, N1110N1 trn 0 ..aer "-o a~ ,.... ~nt 1 Adivi1iff requi,-d I'« the proteeticn of bumabl• wildland values from fire and the UH of prncribed fi,. ID mNt land rnana;ement objec1ivK.

,... ~ Plan (Flfll) 1 A plan whch identifiK .and integmff all wildland fire manau-t and relatad ac1Mties with., the context al appn,wd land/resout'I» ~ plans. It deftnff a program to mana;e wildland fires (ffldfire. prescri>ed fire, and wildland fire UH). Th• plan is suppiemlflled by operabonal plans. including but not limi~ to ~spllns. preplanned dispaech plans. • prevention that and plans. Fn Mana;ement Plans assure wildland fn man~ goals and components are cocrdinalad.

F"n Management Unit CFMU) 1 A I.and ~-~able by objeclMS. management constrams, ~ic fulurK. acc:ns. valuH ID be proteclK. pddical boundarin. fuel types. major fire regime groups. etc. that HI it apart from the characteris1ic1 of an ~ FMU. The FMU may haw dom4'1ant manac,ernent objecbvn and pre-select9d strawgiK asli9Md to accomplish thKe objeclivff. F".-• l'rnuPP'ftSion 1 ActM1ies undenaluin in aidvan~ of fil'9 occurrence 1D help ensura more elhCliw fire suppression. Aciivdies includes overall planning. l'KfU>1ment ancl !l'llining ot fire personnel. proclnfflenl and marntenance ol firwfighting •pment ancl supplies. fuel lr'Ntm9nt and crNtin;. maintain~. and irnprovw,g a ,ysiem aff\Jeltnab. roads. waler SCUf'Cfl. and com,oj lines. ,.... l',-tion Ac:tiVllln 5UCh H public educaticn. communily outreach.• ••bcemenl and reduction offuel haurds 11Y1 are int.nded to ~ wildland fire and the risks it poses 10 Ii,_ and property. ,... it..,. 1 OftCl1)ticn of the patt.ms ol fire OCCUITWIC4ts. frequency. sia. ~- ancl scn'llimn ~ and tire effects H well. in a l1iVM aru or KOSystlm. A lire,...- is a genenlluticn based en Ire hisaories • fldividual liln. Fire 19giines can ofla, be dftCl'lbed as ~ becW some partS of the his1Dries uwally 91'1 ~-and the rwpetitions can be counted and mNMAd. such as fire 1'91:um intarval. _ _,.o: -~■ GoOIIPI F"n ltetilfte Clllfflll Condition Class 1 A quaiatiw ffllNSW9 clasilllld n1D thrN c1as- cltttcrlling the rwlatillie cittl1rM of~ fnlm hiStcrical fire ,....s. poss,cly resulting ., allefiltions ol key eoosy,19m components such n species COfl1)0lition, IINdl.nl sia;e. stand 31119. Ci1009Y c/iotuN. and liel loadil!IJS. __, e.nd-Cl- • 71 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Fuell~ng 1 The amount of fuel present exprflsed quan1itatively in terms of weight rA fuel per unot aru. This may be available fuel (conswnable fuel) or toial fuel and is usually dry-ight.

Huard As-t Assess haurds to ~ risks. Assess the mpact of uch haz.-d n i.rms of pc1el1tial loss. cost or 11r.11egic degradation based on probability and wwrity. • .Sl'e&'SO:~l'\tet ~k Huard Fuel A fuel ~x defined by kind. arrangement. ~. condition. and location that prH41111S a threat rA ,gnilicn and resisw,c:. to control.

Huard Map 1 Map of the area of operations 1ha.t shows al of the known aerial haZards. including but not limited to poMr lines. miliwy 1ra,nng areas, hang gliding illHS. ecc. Incident CommMCllr (ICT1. ICT2, ICT3, ICTol, or ICT51 1 This !CS position is rnponsible for overall management of the incident and 111POrts to the Agency Adminislra10r for the agency having inC>denl jurisdiction. Th,s position may have one or mere deputies assigned from the same agenc:y or from an assisting agency(s). lniml Attack (IA) A plamcd rHpOnM to a wildfire~ the woldfire's potential fQ behavior. The objective ol init:.al attack is to s10p the spread of the fn and put it out at least 00Sl An aggrnsive suppression action oonsiswnt with fiefightar and pubic sas.ty and values 10 be l)l'OWcted. Kfftch--8yram Drought Index (KBDI) 1 An Htmate (0-800) of the amount of precipitauon (in 100lhs of inches) llffded to bring the 'l0p B inches of soil ~k to sa1uraion. A value of Ois compi.t. saturation rA !he soil. a value of 800 mNns 8.00 inches d ~ would be needed for sniraion. In the 1988 version of NFORS. outputs of KSOI are uM

Preparedness Plan 1 A written plan providing for tme,Y recogndicn of approaching critical &• situations. pnority settng. the deployment of forces. and other actions to respond to 1hose situations. PrescrilMd Burning 1 Application of prescribed fire. Prescribed Fire 1 Arly fire ignited by management actions to meet specific 00,ectiYH. A written. approved prescnbed fn plan mvst eiost. and NEPA requnments {where applocable) must be met. prior to ,gnition.

Prescribed Fn Burn Plan 1 A plan requintd for each fn application igni1ed by management.. Plans are documents prepar9d by qua!ffied personnel. approved by 1he agency aaninistrator. and include criteria for the condibons under which the f>re wil be 00nduc1ed (a prescription)- Plan content varies among the agencies.

Prncription 1 Measurable criteria that define conditions under which a prescribed fn may be ignited. guide ~n of appropriate management r•sponns, and in

72 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

itl'W9fttion 1 Adivibes diredad M reducing the ncodence of ru.s. including l)Vblic education. law ~ persoHI contlet, and reduction of fuel haDrds (fvels man~ent). 2 Ac.1ions to avoid an incident to inservene for 1he purpose of S1opf>ing an incident tram occurring. or 10 l'lll'tigate an incidenfs e«.ct to protect W. and property. lncl~s m--dffigned to mitigate dllNQI by 19ducing or eliminamg risks to persons or property, IKMning lhe poaentill • elects or conMqUencu of an incident Rehabiliulion Efforts undertillken wilhin thrff y.ars cf a wildlillnd fire to repair or mprow fire dillrrlag,a,d !ands unlikely to - to ill management approved conditions or 10 repillir or,.~ min« bicilitin dillmillged by fire.

Retillrdillnt 1 A substillnCe or chem~ agent which 1'9ducu lhe llamfflillbility of combustillles.

Smoke~ 1 The policies and prac1ices i~by air and ~rill l'ft(lUf09 manilllgers directed at minimiZing the illTIOUnt of smoke entering populilted arHs or impacting HMiiiw sites, aVOOding signiliCillnt deterioration of air qllilllity and vidilltions of Nill1ional Amt»ent Ar OVilllity Standilll'ds, and mlligillting human-cillllHd vis.i>ility impae1s if'I Class I aren.

SupprNsion 1 All 1h• work of extinguishing or confining a fire ti.ginn:ng with its discowry.

Wlldfn An unplanned. unwanted wialilnd fire 'flCiUding unaulhorized human-c.illused fires. escaped wildland fire use events, escaped prescribed fire pro,ecu. and ill odier wildlilllld fires where the objectv• is to put the m out. SHatSO; iJIICO ....flelll'IN "l\'ldlllld •ire Wlldfn s..,,.siclft 1 An appropri• management response to wildfire, escaped wialand t,,. use or pracrib9d h thillll results in cu,t.aiir.,.nt of h spread and eliminiltH an iden1ifted thruts from the particu!M fire. Wildlillnd An area in which dew!opment ,s essen1iilllly non-existent. except for l'Oillds. railroads. powerlines. and simil¥ transportilltion facilities. Structures, if any. are widely SCilltterwd. WildlandFin • 1 Any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildlillnd. Three distinct typeS of wildland fn have bffll defined and~ wildfn. wilclland fn use. and prescrib«l fire. SH •sa. -erlDed •ire WICIIIN W1dl- •ire UH Wlldl.lnd Fire AsHSsment Syst.m (WFAS) 1 An 11ternel-based information system. providing na1i011al views of wuther and fire poten1iilll, ncluding na1icnal h danger and -illth• maps and satell~ ~H maps.

Wlldland Fire Sitwltion Anilllysis (WFSA) A decsion-mak"'9 procen lhillt l!'llilllu.atn ahmative wildfire supp,9ssion stmegies against seleeted enviroo~. soaal. powtical. and economic criteria. and provides ill record of those decis,c,ns.

Wildland UrtNln ~ (WUI) 1 Th• line, illrea, or mn• where structures and~ human dev~ mNt or ni.mw,gle ~ undeveloped wildland or v.gelillt"'9 fuels .

• 73 •

•

• Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDICES • FOR PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE

FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN

•

• 74 •

•

• Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIX A MAPS

1. Patuxent Research Refuge - Research Natural Areas

IJS. 1-7S/I& WI/.DUrESERVICE ~ PI/Juyent Researc!, Re/11ge: Research Atdural Areas

____ ,...,. __ . --lkalJIWCIF._!t...... • I ll - 1, pSIGFcntt

..lln.li11V25. 2008

75 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXB • Authority and Policy References

•

• 76 •

•

• Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

A. Protection Act of September 20, 1922 (42 Stat. 857; 16 U.S.C. 594) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to protect, from fire, lands under his/her jurisdiction and to cooperate with other Federal agencies, States, or owners of timber. • B. Economy Act of June 30, 1932 (47 Stat. 417; 31 U.S.C. 1535). Authorizes Federal agencies to enter into contracts and agreements for services with each other.

C. Reciprocal Fire Protection Act of May 27, 1955 as amended by the Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act of 1989 (69 Stat. 66, 67; 42 U.S.C. 1856a)(l02 Stat. 1615). Authorizes reciprocal fire protection agreements with any fire organization for mutual aid with or without reimbursement and allows for emergency assistance in the vicinity of agency facilities in extinguishing fires when no agreement exists.

D. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962.(80 Stat. 927)(16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee)(l6 U.S.C. 460k-460k4). Governs the administration and use of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

E. Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of December 18, 1971. (88 Stat. 668; 43 U.S.C. 1601). Alaska Natives' lands are to continue to receive forest fire protection from the United States at no cost until they become economically self­ sufficient.

F. Disaster Relief Act of May 22, 1974. (88 Stat. 143; 42 U.S.C. 5121). Authorizes Federal agencies to assist State and local governments during emergency or major disaster by direction of the President.

G. Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of October 29, 1974 et seq. (88 Stat. 1535; 15 U.S.C. 2201) as amended. Authorizes reimbursement to State and local fire services for costs incurred in firefighting on Federal property.

H. Federal Grants and Cooperative Act of 1977. (Pub. L. 95-244, as amended by Pub. L. 97-258, September 13, 1982. 96 Stat. 1003; 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308). Eliminates unnecessary administrative requirements on recipients of Government • awards by characterizing the relationship between executive agencies and contractors, States and local governments and other recipients in acquiring property and services in providing U.S. Government assistance.

I. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of December 2, 1980. (94 Stat. 2371, 43 U.S.C. 1602-1784). Designates certain public lands in Alaska as units of the National Park, National Wildlife Refuge, Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Wilderness Preservation, and National Forest systems resulting in general expansion of all systems. Any contracts or agreements with the jurisdictions for fire management services listed above that were previously executed will remain valid.

J. Supplemental Appropriation Act of September 10, 1982. (96 Stat. 837). Authorizes Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts with State and local government entities, including local fire districts, for procurement of services in pre-suppression, detection, and suppression of fires on any unit within their jurisdiction.

K. Wildfire Suppression Assistance Act of 1989. (Pub. L. 100-428, as amended by Pub. L. 101-11, April 7, 1989). Authorizes reciprocal fire protection agreements with any fire organization for mutual aid with or without reimbursement and allows for emergency assistance in the vicinity of agency facilities in extinguishing fires when no agreement exists.

L. Other Legal Mandates. Although Service and Refuge System policy and individual Refuge purpose provide the foundation for management, the manner in which Refuges are administered mandates that they must also comply with a variety of other Federal laws, executive orders, treaties, interstate compacts, and regulations pertaining to the conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources . • 77 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

The "Digest of Federal Resource Laws oflnterest to the Service" can be accessed at the following website: http://www.fws.gov/laws/Lawsdigest.html

Other Policy References •

1. Departmental Manual, 620 DM 1-3, Wildland Fire Management, General Policy and Procedures; Wildland Fire Management, General Policy and Procedures - Alaska; and Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation.

2. United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual sections 095 FW 3 Emergency Preparedness and Response -- Wildland Fire Management, 241 FW 7 Wildland Fire Safety, 232 FW 6 Training Standards for Wildland and Prescribed Fire Operations, 621 FW 1 Wildland Fire Policies and Responsibilities, 621 FW 2 Fire Management Planning, and 621 FW 3 Prescribed Fire.

3. United States Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Management Handbook

4. Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, also known as the "Red Book."

5. Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide, September 2006

6. National Wildlife Refuge System Wildland Fire Management Strategic Plan (May 2006)

7. Wildland Fire Use Implementation Procedure Reference Guide, May 2005

8. A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildfire Risks to Communities and the Environment: 10-Year Strategy Implementation Plan (December 2006) 9. National Fire Plan (September 2001) and Healthy Forest Initiative (August 2002) •

78 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXC STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES • AND PROGRAM ORGANIZATION

•

• 79 •

•

• Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

PROGRAM ORGANIZATION/ STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES • FIRE MANAGEMENT Introduction:

The standards described here are truncated and are provided to serve as a general outline for overall fire program guidance. They have been taken directly from the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book), Chapter 4 found at the following website:

http://www.nifc.gov/policies/red book.htm

Agency Administrator Roles:

Regional Director

The Regional Director is responsible to the Director for fire management programs and activities within their region. The Regional Director will meet the required elements outlined in the Management Performance Requirements for Fire Operations and ensure training is completed to support delegations to line managers and principal acting personnel.

Regional Chief and Refuge Supervisors

Regional Chiefs and Refuge Supervisors are delegated specific leadership responsibilities by the Regional Director. They provide oversight and direction, in coordination with the Wildland Fire Management Program for the National Wildlife Refuge System. These responsibilities occur through • established lines of authority as assigned by the Regional Director.

Project Leader

The Project Leader is responsible to the Regional Director for the safe and efficient implementation of fire management activities within their unit, including cooperative activities with other agencies or landowners in accordance with delegation of authorities.

Fire Management Staff Roles

Regional Fire Management Coordinator (RFMC)

The Regional Fire Management Coordinator provides the coordination, training, planning, evaluation, and technical guidance for the region and is available to provide assistance for intra-agency and interagency wildland fire management needs. The RFMC will meet the qualification requirements established by the Service for the position. The RFMC, through written delegation by the Regional Director, is delegated the authority to represent the region on the Geographic Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (GMAC Group). The RFMC is responsible for implementing the decisions of the MAC Group as they affect U.S. Fish and Wildlife areas. The decisions of the GMAC Group include the

• 80 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan prioritization of incidents, and the allocation and reallocation of firefighting resources to meet wildland • fire management priorities.

During prescribed fire planning, along with the technical reviewer, provides a second review of the individual prescribed fire burn plan and recommends approval to the Refuge Supervisor (subject to any needed modifications).

Zone Fire Management Officer

An FMO may be assigned to provide wildland fire management support to a group ofrefuges (zone or district) when individually each refuge does not warrant a fulltime FMO. This individual, the Zone Fire Management Officer (ZFMO), provides many of the day-to-day needs ofrefuges in his/her assigned area. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: gathering and disseminating applicable fire intelligence data, such as information on weather, fuels, personnel allocations, etc; providing assistance in program management for individual refuges to include: training, personnel administration, documentation and records, prescribed and non-fire fuels treatment plans, etc.

In addition to the general duties outlined in the preceding matrix, the ZFMO will assign the appropriate Prescribed Fire Bum Boss to implement each prescribed bum project. Prescribed burns that are of greater complexity necessitate a Prescribed Bum Boss that possesses higher qualifications. The ZFMO is cognizant of the requirements needed to match the appropriate level of command with the complexity of the prescribed bum. He/she will also ensure that the prescribed bum plan receives technical review by a qualified individual. Prior to and during prescribed fire implementation the ZFMO will monitor weather, fuel conditions, and other environmental factors. This information will be transmitted to the • Refuge Manager and/or cooperators involved in the project.

Refuge Specific Fire Management Responsibilities

Refuge Manager

The Refuge Manager is responsible for the full range of management activities of the Refuge, including fire management. Primary responsibilities include signature authority for the delegation of authority, fire management plan, prescribed bum plans, developing cooperative agreements, and associated management plans. Other responsibilities include the designation of Resource Advisors (RA) on suppression fires, as well as authorization for the use of mechanized equipment and fire suppression foam in applicable tactical applications. The Refuge Manager approves the complexity analysis and pre­ ignition approval checklist for prescribed bums (which constitutes final approval for bum implementation).

Deputy/Refuge Operations Specialist

The Deputy Refuge Manager or Refuge Operations Specialist oversees the day-to-day operations of the Refuge. In the absence of the Refuge Manager, he/she assumes the role of Acting Refuge Manager.

81 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Refuge Biologist

The Refuge Biologist may serve as a Resource Advisor on initial and extended attack wildland fires. • Reviews prescribed bum plans for compatibility with Refuge land management plans. Serves as key member of the Annual Prescribed Bum Plan development team, providing input as required on issues relating to wildlife and habitat. He/she manages the Refuge fire monitoring and evaluation programs.

Outdoor Recreation Planner

He/she serves as the Information Officer and as the point of contact on wildland fires on the Refuge (suppression and prescribed).

Maintenance Worker

The maintenance worker is responsible for the general maintenance of the Refuge including fire suppression equipment. He/she may serve as a firefighter/ crew member on suppression fires and prescribed bum operations.

Office Assistant

The Office Assistant provides administrative assistance and support for Refuge suppression and prescribed fires. He/she may also provide dispatch services for fire management operations . •

• 82 •

•

• Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXD • Patuxent Research Refuge Mobilization and Step-Up Plan Staffing and Step-Up Action Adjective Class SC-I Normal Tours of Duty and operations. Low Normal number of qualified initial attack personnel on duty. BI Range All firefighting equipment is serviced and available. 0-7 SC-2 Normal Tours of Duty and operations. Moderate Normal number of qualified initial attack personnel on duty. BI Range All firefighting equipment is serviced and available. 8-15 SC-3 Normal Tours of Duty and operations. High Normal number of qualified initial attack personnel on duty. BI Range All firefighting equipment is serviced and available. 16-30 Schedule routine ground patrols of Refuge Fire Management Units and daily checks of all prescribed burn units. SC-4 Normal Tours of Duty to include weekend coverage and possibly evening coverage to 1800 hours. Very High Consider a minimum of two initial attack personnel (from other Refuges or cooperators) on duty or BI Range available on 60 minutes notice. 31-42 Consider heavy equipment with operator available ( equipment and operators may be from other Refuges). Curtail all prescribed burning operations, or within prescription, contact and seek RFMC approval. 100% mop-up required. • Normal Tours of Duty to include weekend and evening coverage to 1800 hours. SC-5 Consider a minimum of two initial attack personnel on duty or available on 30 minutes notice (from Extreme other Refuges or cooperators). Consult ZFMO for possible pre-positioning ofresources from other BI Range areas experiencing lower fire danger/occurrence. Consider hiring local qualified AD firefighters. 43+ Increase initial attack capabilities by pre-positioning resources from other areas experiencing lower fire danger/occurrence (from other Refuges or cooperators). Minimum additional resources are three fire fighters and an additional engine. Heavy equipment operators readily available, with extended hours beyond normal Tours of Duty as necessary (equipment and operators from other Refuges). Follow Maryland State Fire Closure restrictions, or consider temporary closures of portions of the Refuge to visitation. Notify all cooperators and permit-holders of the Refuge fire danger situation. No prescribed burning will be implemented.

Note: The indices used in this Mobilization and Step-Up Plan were derived from data gathered at the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS - Station #182002) located at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland. NFDRS Fuel Model L (grass) was used as the primary fuel model to establish the staffing class breakpoints .

• 83 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Procedures for determining staffing class:

Step 1. Obtain forecasted or actual Burning Index (BI) and Keetch Byrum Drought Index (KBDI) from the ZFMO who can supply forecasted or actual index values on a daily basis. Compare current BI with • the Staffing Classes above.

Step2. Using the KBDI value obtained, modify the staffing as follows:

KBDI Range Staffing Adjustment

0 - 100 Reduce 1 Class 101 - 300 No change 301 - 450 Increase 1 Class >451 Increase 2 Classes

This staffing determination should reflect actual conditions and be in line with what Maryland is forecasting for daily fire danger. If not, then adjustments are needed, especially as more historical weather data is collected. Consult the ZFMO for revisions and assistance. •

84 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXE

FIRE DIRECTORY • PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE

INDIVIDUAL/ AGENCY: CONTACT INFORMATION:

ALLEN CARTER-U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE; OFFICE: (757) 986-3409 X 101 REGIONAL FIRE MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR; FAX: (757) 986-3929 REGIONV CELL: (757) 647-1992 KELLYANN GoRMAN-FIRE MANAGEMENT OFFICER- OFFICE: (410) 228-2692 Xl28 BLACKWATER NWR; ZONE FIRE MANAGEMENT CELL: (443) 521-3921 OFFICER, MD-DE REFUGES FAX: 410 228-3261 TIM CRAIG-FIRE MANAGEMENT OFFICER-GREAT OFFICE: (757) 986-3480 DISMAL SWAMP NWR HOME: (757) 416-2638 CELL: (757) 647-1596 BRAD KNUDSEN-U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE; REFUGE OFFICE:(301)497-5582 FAX: (301)497-5765 MANAGER, PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE NANCY MORRISSEY-U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICE: (301) 497-5817 FAX (301) 497-5515 SERVICE; DEPUTY REFUGE MANAGER, PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE HOLLIDAY 0BRECHT-U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE; OFFICE: (301) 497-5587 FAX: (301) 497-5515 REFUGE BIOLOGIST AND REFUGE FIRE CELL: (240) 882-1077 COORDINATOR; PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE: NATIONAL OFFICE: (301) 497-5763 WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER • ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PHONE: 911 {NON-EMERGENCY) (410) 222-8390

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PHONE: 911 {NON-EMERGENCY) (301) 499-8400

FT. MEADE FIRE DEPARTMENT (301) 677-4735

MARYLAND STATE FOREST SERVICE (301) 888-1670 OR (301) 645-4347 800 628-9944 MARYLAND STATE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

• 85 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXF • TABLES

•

• 86 •

•

• Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Appropriate Management Response (AMR) Objectives for • All Refuge Fire Management Units

SITUATION STRATEGY TACTIC 1. Wildland fire on Refuge lands Restrict the fire within the 1. Hold the fire at natural and/or which does not threaten life, defined boundaries established human developed barriers. natural or cultural resources or prior to the fire or during the fire. 2. Utilize firing operations (bum- property values. out) 3. Observe and patrol

1. Wildland fire on Refuge Take suppression actions, as 1. Direct and indirect line property with low values to be needed, which can reasonably be construction. protected. expected to check the spread of 2. Use of natural and man-made 2. Wildland fire burning on the fire under prevailing barriers. Refuge lands. environmental conditions. 3. Utilize firing operations (bum- 3. Escaped prescribed fire out). entering another unit to be 4. Patrol and mop-up of the fire burned. perimeter.

1. Wildland fire that threatens Aggressively suppress the fire 1. Direct and indirect line life, property, or sensitive using direct or indirect attack construction. resources. methods, holding the fire to the 2. Engine (Pump) and water use. 2. Wildland fire on Refuge lands fewest acres burned as possible. 3. Aerial delivery of water and • with high resource values to be retardant. protected. 3. Observed and/ or forecasted extreme fire behavior.

• 87 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

Annual Refuge Fire Management Readiness Activities • Activities - Unless Noted otherwise to be Complete J F M A M J J A s 0 N D before the end of the month Update Interagency Fire Agreements/AOP's X Medical Testing (Arduous-rated employees) X Winterize Equipment X Inventory Fire Cache X Complete Training Analysis X Annual Refresher Training X Annual Fitness Testing X Pre-Season Equipment (Mechanized) Preparation X Review and Update Fire Agreements with Cooperators X Prescribed Fire Bum Plan(s) Preparation and Approval X Review and Update Fire Management Plan X Prepare Pre-Season Risk Analysis X Contact National Weather Service for Updated X Weather Operations Plan/ Procedures •

88 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXG • FIRE CACHE SUPPLIES, PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE July 1, 2008

( 1) pr. leather lineman gloves

( 1) pr. leather firefighter gloves

(2) hand pumps for Indian water backpack tanks

(2) pr. chainsaw chaps

(4) water bladders for water backpacks

(2) plastic felling wedges

(1) hose, 50', 2 ½" (white)

(2) hoses, 50', 5" (blue)

(2) hoses, 50', 1 ½" (yellow) • (1) hose, 50' garden, black (1) Indian backpack water tank with hand pump

( 1) fire shelter without outer carry bag, old style

(27) water bottles, plastic

(1) nozzle, 1 ½", FSS

( 1) nozzle, I" with shutoff comb. barrel

(5) hose reducers, metal, 1 ½" NH/CMP/FSS

(1) hose connector, "y" for garden hose, metal

(2) Chainsaw helmets, Stihl, with face shields and ear protection

( 5) chainsaw files, 7/32"

( 1) red firefighter backpack • 89 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

(2) green firefighter pants, 36-40 x 30, 28-32 x 34 (3) yellow firefighter shirts, medium • (2) goggle inserts, dark green

(1) red firefighter jacket, medium

(3) chainsaw chains, assorted sizes

( 1) chainsaw tool, universal

(4) firefighter head lamps

( 1) yellow firefighter backpack kit with leather gloves, goggles, and fire shelter ( old style)

( 1) yellow firefighter backpack with 2 water bottles and assorted belt clipped pouches

(4) orange double-headed axe sheathes

(2) double-headed axes

(3) fire rakes (4) fire shovels • (3) flappers

(4) sleeping bags, green

(3) drip torches

(1) red 5-gallon gas can (torch mix)

(1) 2-gallon gas can for 4-cycle pump (straight gas)

(2) plastic gas cans for 2-cycle chainsaws

(2) 22 oz. red fuel bottles (MSR)

(1) red I-gallon gas can

(3) containers of bar chain oil (I-gallon total)

90 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXH

RADIO FREQUENCIES • Patuxent Research Refuge

System Rx Freq Rx Tone Tx Freq Tx Tone Assi2nment Remarks BWRFIRE 162.2375 156.7 162.2375 156.7 Tactical Ops Primary Freq MDFS 151.460 114.8 151.460 114.8 MD-DNROPS Backup to Ops AA County 800Mhz 800 Mhz 911 System Separate Radio Air Ground 168.625 168.625 110.9 A/C Emergency All Monitor 1st Call Fire Ops 173.7625 173.8 164.1625 173.8 Command Contact Disp. P GCounty Unavailable

Note: Frequencies will be updated at least annually or as needed . •

• 91 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIX I • AGREEMENTS/ MOU's PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE

NOTE: There are currently no written agreements in place for Patuxent Research Refuge. Their development has been identified in this FMP as a priority action to be accomplished as soon as is practicable.

•

• 92 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXJ DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

• NAME OF INCIDENT COMMANDER IS ASSIGNED AS INCIDENT COMMANDER OF THE NAME OF INCIDENT, PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE FOR THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE, EFFECTIVE TIME AND DATE.

THE INCIDENT COMMANDER HAS FULL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THE FIRE SUPPRESSION ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LAW AND FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE POLICY AND DIRECTION AS PROVIDED BY THIS OFFICE. HABIT AT MANAGEMENT PLANS AND OTHER APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE RESOURCE ADVISOR.

NAMES OF RESOURCES ADVISORS AND CONTACT INFORMATION ARE ASSIGNED AS RESOURCE ADVISORS. THEY OR THE REFUGE MANAGER WILL BE CONSULTED IN SITUATIONS WHERE NATURAL RESOURCE DECISIONS OR TRADE OFFS ARE INVOLVED UNLESS LIFE SAFETY ISSUES REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND THOSE ACTIONS WILL BE DOCUMENTED.

SPECIFIC DIRECTION AND FIRE SUPPRESSION PRIORITIES FOR THE NAME OF INCIDENT ARE AS FOLLOWS, AND ARE IN PRIORITY ORDER:

1. PROVIDE FOR FIREFIGHTER AND PUBLIC SAFETY •

2. USE OF MINIMAL IMPACT TECHNIQUES SHOULD BE EMPLOYED TO REDUCE HABITAT DAMAGE. USE • NATURAL BARRIERS AND ROADS IF POSSIBLE FOR BURNOUT OPERATIO NS. 3. USE OF DOZERS OR TRACTORS REQUIRES APPROVAL OF THE REFUGE MANAGER OF THEIR DESIGNATE (RESOURCE ADVISORS) PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION. THE USE OF FIRE RETARDANT (CLASS A FOAM), DELIVERED EITHER AERIALLY OR FROM GROUND RESOURCES REQUIRES APPROVAL OF THE REFUGE MANAGER. IN NO CASE WILL ITS USE BE ALLOWED CLOSER THAN 300' FROM RIPARIAN RESOURCES. INCLUDE OTHER STANDARDS OR CONDITIONS AS NEEDED.

TURN BACK STANDARDS 1. ALL NAME OF INCIDENT CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS, BILLS, MEDICAL PROBLEMS, EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, AND FIRE CACHE RE-SUPPLY SHALL BE CLOSED OUT PRIOR TO TEAM BEING RELEASED.

2. ROAD DAMAGE DURING SUPPRESSION EFFORTS WILL BE REPAIRED PRIOR TO THE TEAMS DEPARTURE.

3.FIRE PERIMETER MOPPED-UP SPECIFY AND ALL LINES CHECKED FOR HEAT AND INTEGRITY.

4. REHABILITATION PLAN WILL BE COMPLETED IN COORDINATION WITH THE REFUGE BIOLOGISTS AND RESOURCE ADVISORS •

• 93 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

5. FIRE PERIMETER MAPPED BY GPS AND LOADED INTO THE REFUGES GIS DATABASE. 6. TORT CLAIMS REVIEWED BY REFUGE MANAGER OR THEIR DESIGNEE. • AN INDIVIDUAL DESIGNATED BY THE REFUGE MANAGER WILL REPRESENT HIM/HER ON ANY OCCASION WHERE THE REFUGE MANAGER IS NOT IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE.

REFUGE MANAGER, ------PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE DATE AND TlME.

•

94 • Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

APPENDIXK • FMIS Report Forms (Suppression and Prescribed)

•

• 95 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

WILDLAND FIRE REPORT

GENERAL TAB (I) Fire Type: ______(7) Fire Subtype: ______(2) Org. Code: ______(8) Measurement Method: ______• (3) Fire Name: ______(9) Ignition Owner: ______(4) Discovery Date:_/_/__ (I 0) Ignition State: ______(5) County: Code: ______(11) Ignition Cause: ______(6) Cong. District: ______(12) WFSA? Yes or No (13) IfWFSA = yes, Date: ______

Burn State: ____ Burn Owner: Burn Acres: ------Burn State: ____ Burn Owner: ____ Burn Acres: ---- Burn State:---- Burn Owner: ---- Burn Acres: ____ (14) Burn State: ____ (15) Burn Owner: ____ (I 6) Burn Acres: ____

(17) ManagementLevel: ______

( 18) Resource Type Resource Type (I 9)Ouantity Quantity

Values at Risk

(20) ~ (21) Subtype

(22) Discovery Date:_/_/__ (23) Time: __: __ (24) Initial Attack Date:_/_/__ (25) Time: ____

(26) Control Date:_/_/__ (27) Time: ____ (28) Out Date:_/_/__ (29) Time: __: __

LOCATION TAB • (30) Latitude: __. __ . __ (31) Longitude: __. __ . __ (32) Aspect: _____ (33) Lay of Land: _____ (34) Slope: _____ (35) Position of Slope: _____ (36) Elevation: _____ (37) Special Area Type: ______

EMISSIONS TAB (39) Value: ____ (38) Fire Danger Index: ____

FINAL TAB (40) Person Completing Form: ______(41)Title: ______(42) Date:~/_/__

(43) LC.: ______

(44) Narrative:

• 96 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

PRESCRIBED FIRE/MECHANICAL/CHEMICAL/OTHER TREATMENT REPORT

GENERAL TAB

(I) Fire Type: Rx, Mech, Other (circle) (7) Fire Subtype: --,-----,------,------(2) Org. Code: _ •------­ (8) Measurement Method: •------­ (3) Fire Name: •------­ (9) Ignition Owner: _ •------(4) Initiation Date: _t_•_j__ ( 10) Ignition State: _ • ______(5) County Code: _ •------­ (6) Cong. District: _ •------

Bum State:_ • Bum Owner: • ___ Bum Acres:_ • __. _ Bum State: ____ Bum Owner: ---- Bum Acres:---- . Bum State: ____ Bum Owner:___ _ Bum Acres: ___ _ (II) Bum State: ____ (I 2) Bum Owner:___ _ (13) Bum Acres: ___ _

(14) Complexity Level: ______

( 15) Resource Type ( I 6)Ouantity Resource Type Quantity •

Values at Risk

( 17) ~ ( I 8) Subtype •

(19) Initiation Date:_/_/__

(20) Start Date:_/_/__ (21) Completion Date:_/_/__ LOCATION TAB (22) Latitude: _ •_._• _ ._ •_ (23) Longitude:_ •_ ._ •_._•_ (24) Aspect: _ Flat___ _ (25) Lay of Land: _ Flat ___ (26) Slope: _ <25%__ _ (27) Position of Slope: _L__ _ (28) Elevation: _0-500__ _ (29) Special Area Type: _•------PRESCRIBED TAB (30) Proj. Area Size (Ac):_ • ___ (31) Local Contract Used?: Yes or No • (circle or highlight) (32) FireBase Project Number: _ •--- (33) RX Fire Type: __• ______(33b) Black-line Average Percent Cover: ___ (34) Pattern: ______(35) Method: Aerial: ______(or) Ground: ___• ______(36) Treatment Objective_ • ______

EMISSIONS TAB (37) Fire Danger Index: ____ (38) Value: _____ (39) WX Station Type: ______(40) Station ID: _____ NFDRS Emissions (must be completed for each fuel model)

(41)NFDRSAcres: _____ (42) NFDRS Fuel Model: ____

97 Patuxent Research Refuge Fire Management Plan

(43) Emissions: Complete the% Consumption for FWS acres.

Fuel Model % Consumption Paraeters 0 - 1/4" ¼" - I" 1" - 3" 3"+ Woody Herbaceous DufT (ln)

FINAL TAB

(44) Person Completing Form:_ •------(45) Title: __• ______(46) Date: __/ _ • _/_

(47) Bum Boss: _ • ______

(48) Narrative: •

98 APPENDIXL • DEBRIS BURNING POLICY AND PROCEDURES In order to provide some clarification of policy and establish operating procedures for Region 5 Refuges and field stations, the following protocol should be followed when considering the use of fire to dispose of debris. These guidelines are in compliance with and elaborate on policy contained in Section 2.2.5 of the Service Fire Management Handbook.

Step 1 Determine if burning the debris pile is environmentally acceptable considering local, State, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The combustion of environmentally hazardous materials, such as certain types of treated lumber, is not an acceptable practice on Service lands, and could be in violation of local and State air quality regulations. Even if the debris materials are "natural" vegetative waste with no known chemical additives, the smoke produced by burning could be a public health and safety menace if persons with respiratory ailments are situated downwind, or if highway visibility is obscured. Whenever possible, debris material should be recycled into a useable material such as wood chips, mulch, firewood, etc. When recycling is not feasible, debris materials should be transported to a landfill or appropriate area where they can be safely disposed of. Consistent with Service policies regarding solid waste (561 FW 5) stations are encouraged to reduce solid waste by promoting waste reduction, reusing and recycling materials, and proper disposal.

Step 2 If logistics or cost considerations make the transportation and disposal of materials at a landfill prohibitive, and there is no State or local air quality ordinance against open burning, then the use of fire may be considered as a disposal tool. All debris disposal bums must be reviewed for complexity by the Zone Fire Management Officer. This can typically be accomplished by a single telephone call or • electronic message. The ZFMO may wish to see a written description or photograph of the proposed project. In a few cases, the ZFMO may wish to visit the bum site.

Type A: Type A debris disposal bums are those where bum piles are completely surrounded by non­ combustible barriers to fire spread, such as a body of water, gravel parking lot, bare soil, or snow cover There is no chance that the fire could spot into nearby combustible vegetation. The burn piles are relatively small and fuels are consumed quickly. The Project Leader or Refuge Manager will be required to complete the Debris Burning Checklist, which must be discussed and approved by the ZFMO. Approval may be either verbal or written. In these cases the ZFMO may decide to treat this as a simple maintenance operation, and no prescribed bum plan would be required. No qualified Prescribed Bum Boss or prescribed bum crew members would need to be present, and the bum operations may be allowed to proceed at the Project Leader's (Refuge Manager) discretion.

Type B: These bums are slightly more complex than those described in Type A. Nevertheless, they are still surrounded by non-combustible barriers providing no direct opportunity for escape. Embers from the debris pile are still potentially a problem and should be considered during the discussion and planning process with the ZFMO. Examples of this type of burn are debris piles that burn with more intensity than those discussed in Type A bums. Examples include old wooden buildings or very large piles of wood that need to be burned. The Project Leader (Refuge Manager) will need to complete the Debris Burning Checklist and then discuss that document with the ZFMO. As in the Type A bum, no bum plan is required, and a qualified Bum Boss and crew are not necessary. However, the ZFMO may • 99 wish to consult closely with the Project Leader (Refuge Manager) and/ or Fire Department Chief to • ensure the operation is conducted safely.

Type C: Type C bums are considered the most complex of the debris bum disposal bums, characterized by a greater chance of escape into adjacent combustible vegetation, smoke sensitive areas that could potentially be downwind, or large piles with high volumes of fuel that produce high fire intensity levels. Type C bums will require that the ZFMO, or an individual of his/ her choosing who is qualified as a Prescribed Fire Bum Boss at the appropriate complexity level, develop a Prescribed Bum Plan following the standard format found in the current Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Reference Guide. The Plan will be approved and signed-off on in the manner described in the Reference Guide. The bum will be conducted by the Bum Boss and qualified prescribed bum crew members, working in support of the Project Leader (Refuge Manager). It is likely that the Bum Boss and the crew members will have to be detailed from other areas to support the bum. In these cases, expenditures may be funded by the Regional Fire Management Office. A single Type C bum plan may be prepared for multiple project years, provided that it is updated on an annual basis to reflect current conditions. Project Leaders (Refuge Manager) and ZFMO's are encouraged to anticipate these types of bums well in advance so that funding can be programmed for their implementation. •

100 • DEBRIS BURNING CHECKLIST

What type of debris disposal bum is planned?

• ______Type A

______Type B

______Type C

Have all other disposal alternatives been considered?

Have State and local air quality requirements been considered and met?

Has a bum permit been obtained through the local fire department, town, county, or State Fire Warden? If so, are all requirements of the permit going to be met during implementation?

What is the local Fire Danger rating Level or Class Day rating? (Burning is permitted ln Low and Moderate days - Class l and 2 ONLY).

• List fire suppression steps taken in the event of an escape.

What contingency steps have been taken in the event of an escape?

Localities may require complete extinguishment prior to leaving a fire unattended. How will this requirement be met?

Contact and discussion with the Zone Fire Management Officer has taken place?

------Zone Fire Management Officer Approval

______Project Leader (Refuge Manager) Approval

• 101 •

•

• APPENDIX M - ANNUAL FMP REVIEW CHECKLIST

Element Yes No Comment • I. Date FMP was approved • Annual Review yrs 1 - 4 by Refuge Manager • Year 5 of Plan, Contact District FMO. FMP requires revision and Regional Director aooroval. 2. Will the FMP continue to adequately provide for firefighter and public safety as the first priority in every fire management activity this vear? 3. Does this FMP continue to support land and resource management Plans? • Completion of CCP or new habitat management plan might require more extensive FMP revision. 4. Were there any significant fire management activities from the previous year that were not adequately addressed within the scooe of this FMP? 5. Does the direction in this Plan remain economically viable given the values needing protection, and the costs to administer? 6. Does this FMP continue to be based on best available science? 7. Does the FMP provide for adequate response to wildland fire (wildfire) and prescribed fire (if applicable)? • Directories/Contact List( s) updated • Agreements and Operating Plans current • Staffing/equipment meet Service policy and ready • Annual work and Prescribed Bum Plans completed • Seasonal Assessment made by District FMO 8. Were there additional lands added to the Refuge last year? • Total acres to amend • Burnable acres

9. If additional lands were added, will environment compliance requirements • (EA for this FMP) adequately allow for fire management program activities to be conducted if aoorooriate? 10. Based on FMO advice, are there changes in national fire policy or direction that now conflict with direction within the FMP? • Policy changes warrant an amendment . • Policy changes are significant - need for immediate revision . • Policy changes can be incoroorated within the 5-vear revision . 11. Considering the responses above, can this FMP be amended without further review? • If yes, attach amended information, including maps. Refuge Manager approval. Notify the District FMO. • Ifno, most likely the FMP and/or environmental compliance require Plan revision and Regional Director approval. Contact District FMO for assistance.

Having reviewed the FMP for calendar year ___, and addressed the questions above, I find that the Plan continues to support fire program needs (safety, resource protection, hazard fuel treatments, wildlife enhancement, and ecosystem restoration as afplicable ). The Plan amendments are attached, and require no further review or approval. This is the (please circle) 1st 2° 3rd 4th 5th implementation year for this Plan.

Refuge Manager Date • 102