MINIMUM IMPACT SUPPRESSION TACTICS (MIST) Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor Training

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2. MINIMUM IMPACT SUPPRESSION TACTICS (MIST) Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor Training April 24-26, 2007 Duluth, MN Chris Holbeck Environmental Planning and Partnerships Specialist Dept BAER Team Leader Voyageurs National Park

3. Effective Strategies and TacticsRole of the WRAWhy READs are Necessary

4. Putting out the fire shouldn’t cause more damage than the fire itself

5. GENERALLY Personnel, and equipment carry exotic plant seeds Decontaminate gear coming and goingWater operations impact wetland and riparian areas Pick a hardened area for filling bladder bags Know what retardant is used before the fireFueling stations always spill Use adequate spill containmentExcavators are better than dozersMap locations of potential impacts Work with your FMO & Ops staff to develop a Pre Suppression Plan

6. LINE CONSTRUCTION Let it burn, it’s wilderness after all Burn out from natural barriers Scratch rather than dig, find a rakeLean toward wet line, water drops, sprinklersUse the tactics, and equipment with the least impact, pair the width & depth of the line to fires behaviorBlast it, it creates more natural appearing fire-lines and stumps. It’s also non toolRemove ground fuel, but don’t disturb the soil

7. Line Construction continuedMinimize cutting of trees, burned trees, and snags, move the line insteadCabin cut stumps and ends for estheticsScrape around tree bases rather than cut the treeCheck critical resource maps and avoid, arch sites, cultural heritage sites, wetlands, T&E locations

8. MOPUPDevelop a reasonable mop up strategy with Operations +/- 100ftProtect unburned islands in the interiorWet mop or cold trail the perimeterObstruct access to the lineto prevent equestrian and OHV traffic Protect habitat trees, manage hazard trees

9. AVIATION MANAGEMENTHeli Spot Exotics from the Heli Base Saw damage Trailing Heli Base Soil Compaction Exotics introduction Haz Mat spills Water Acquisition Aquatic exotics Bank erosion Use of Retardant Contamination Acidification Work with your FMO & Air Ops staff to develop a Pre Suppression Aviation Plan

10. ICP, Spike Camps, Drop Points Overnight crews in non wildernessSelect a previously disturbed area that will accommodate the intended useAvoid lake side, stream, side or other wet areas. Pre hardened surfaces are best, harden the surface if you have toGet a camp managerContain your wasteUse LNT, if you have to create a spike camp

11. Document Impacts

12. SAFETY Considerations for the WRA LCES, 18 Watchouts & 10 Standard Orders.Use natural openings for safety zonesCreate a black spotBurn more rather than clear more Identify unique hazards to your areaWork into wilderness from the edgeDon’t go direct

13. On the Home Unit, or as READ to the IMT • Find the Pre Suppression Plan • Consult Resource Specialists on location of sensitive resources • Attend and Speak at Planning Meetings and Morning Briefing • Meet with Ops Sec Chief, Division, Crew Boss and Squad Boss • Develop written procedures and guidelines and integrate in IAP Call for more READs

14. READ for Squad, Crew, or Division • Find the Pre Suppression Plan • Consult Resource Specialists on location of sensitive resources • Attend Planning Meetings and Morning Briefing You work for the Agency Administrator Consult the agency Rep on your level of authority

15. Why READs are Necessary • Prevent Avoidable Suppression Impact • Document Location and Type of Impacts • Transition to Rehab or BAER • Apply Land Manager Specific Fire Management Philosophy

16. Suppression ImpactsParadise Fire