WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN (2016)
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
For the
Colville Indian Reservation
Prepared By:
Land & Property Management
Colville Confederated Tribes
Nespelem, Washington
And
Revised by Mt Tolman Fire Staff
Keller, Washington
April 2016
Wildland Fire Management Plan
For the
Colville Indian Reservation
Revised by: Mt Tolman Fire Staff
90 Mt Tolman Road
Keller, WA 99140
(509) 634-3100
Recommended for Approval by: ___________________________________________________
Fire Management Officer, Ike Cawston
Date
Recommended for Approval by: ___________________________________________________
Forest Manager, Joseph Holford
Date
Recommended for Approval by: ___________________________________________________
Superintendent, Debra Wulff
Date
Recommended for Approval by: ___________________________________________________
Colville Tribal Council Chairman
Date
Approved by:__________________________________________________________________
Northwest Region Office, Regional Director, Stanley Speaks
Date
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Table of Content
TABLE OF CONTENT
Chapter I - Wildland Fire Management Plan Introduction ........................................................................... 9
Purpose and need .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Environmental Compliance .......................................................................................................................... 9
Authority for Implementation of the Wildland Fire Management Plan ........................................................ 9
Compliance with bureau of Indian Affairs Policy ...................................................................................... 10
Enabling Management Policies................................................................................................................... 10
Resource values to be protected .................................................................................................................. 10
Role of Wildland Fire Management Plan ................................................................................................... 10
Fire Policy history ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter II – Tribal Goals and Objectives Directed Toward Wildland Fire Management .......................... 12
Tribal Fire Management Policy .................................................................................................................. 12
Tribal Fire Management Goals ................................................................................................................... 12
Specific Fire Management Goals ................................................................................................................ 12
Fire Management Standards ....................................................................................................................... 13
Fire Management Guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter III – Description of Area ............................................................................................................... 14
Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Land Ownership .......................................................................................................................................... 14
General Climate/Weather............................................................................................................................ 14
Fire/Fuels .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Historical Perspective ................................................................................................................................. 15
Existing Conditions..................................................................................................................................... 19
Plant Associations ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Ponderosa Pine PAG’s ................................................................................................................................ 20
Douglas-fir PAG’s ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Grand Fir PAG ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Subalpine Fir PAG’s ................................................................................................................................... 23
Fuel Models ................................................................................................................................................ 24
Chapter IV – Values to be Protected ........................................................................................................... 27
Socioeconomic/Tribal Trust Responsibilities; Life .................................................................................... 27
Socioeconomic/Tribal Trust Responsibilities; Budgets, Staffing, Training Requirements ........................ 27
Resources, Property and Other Values ....................................................................................................... 27
Timber ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
Range/Agriculture ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Cultural/Historical/Religious Values .......................................................................................................... 29
Wildland Urban Interface ........................................................................................................................... 32
Air Quality .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Water Quality .............................................................................................................................................. 33
Wildlife Habitat .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Large Ungulates .......................................................................................................................................... 35
Other Mammals .......................................................................................................................................... 37
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Birds.................................................................................... 38
Sharp-tail Grouse ........................................................................................................................................ 39
Bald Eagle ................................................................................................................................................... 41
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Mammals ............................................................................ 42
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Table of Content
Lynx ............................................................................................................................................................ 42
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Fish ..................................................................................... 44
Bull Trout .................................................................................................................................................... 44
Chinook Salmon.......................................................................................................................................... 44
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Plants................................................................................... 45
Soils ............................................................................................................................................................ 45
Other Values to be Protected ...................................................................................................................... 46
Chapter V – Preparedness Strategy............................................................................................................. 47
Authority and Responsibility ...................................................................................................................... 47
Overhead Staff ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Superintendent ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Forest Manager ........................................................................................................................................... 48
Fire Management Officer ............................................................................................................................ 48
Finance Section ........................................................................................................................................... 48
Tribal Coop Coordinator ............................................................................................................................. 48
Office Assistant II ....................................................................................................................................... 49
Logistic Section .......................................................................................................................................... 49
Assistant Fire Management Officer - Logistics ......................................................................................... 49
Training Officer .......................................................................................................................................... 49
Lead Dispatcher .......................................................................................................................................... 50
Dispatcher ................................................................................................................................................... 50
Warehouse Manager ................................................................................................................................... 50
Fire Prevention Officer ............................................................................................................................... 51
Fire Prevention Technicians ....................................................................................................................... 52
Heavy Equipment Mechanic ....................................................................................................................... 52
Fire Lookouts .............................................................................................................................................. 52
Relief Lookouts........................................................................................................................................... 52
Assistant Fire Management Officer – Fuels/Fire ........................................................................................ 52
Prescribed Fire/Fuels Specialist .................................................................................................................. 53
Supervisory Fuels Technician ..................................................................................................................... 53
Operations Specialist .................................................................................................................................. 53
Aviation Manager ....................................................................................................................................... 53
Heli-tack Crew ............................................................................................................................................ 54
Supervisory Equipment Operator................................................................................................................ 54
Equipment Operators .................................................................................................................................. 54
District Fire/Fuels Technicians ................................................................................................................... 54
Engine Operators ........................................................................................................................................ 55
Support Facilities ........................................................................................................................................ 55
Equipment ................................................................................................................................................... 55
Facilities ...................................................................................................................................................... 55
Mt. Tolman Fire Center Offices .................................................................................................................. 55
Fire Training Center.................................................................................................................................... 55
Fire Warehouse ........................................................................................................................................... 55
Heavy Equipment Shop .............................................................................................................................. 56
Detection ..................................................................................................................................................... 56
Fire Lookouts .............................................................................................................................................. 56
Aerial .......................................................................................................................................................... 56
Coordination Agreements ........................................................................................................................... 56
Cooperators ................................................................................................................................................. 57
Non-Fire Support Overhead ........................................................................................................................ 57
Training and Qualifications ........................................................................................................................ 57
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
4
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Table of Content
Training Program ........................................................................................................................................ 57
Physical Fitness Program ............................................................................................................................ 58
Air Operations............................................................................................................................................. 58
Chapter VI – Mobilization Strategy ............................................................................................................ 59
Dispatch Hierarchy ..................................................................................................................................... 59
Weather Forecasts ....................................................................................................................................... 59
Local Weather Stations for Determining Fire Danger Indices .................................................................... 60
Criteria and Action Guidelines ................................................................................................................... 60
Pre-suppression ........................................................................................................................................... 60
Closure Plan ................................................................................................................................................ 60
Incident Mobilization Guide ....................................................................................................................... 64
Mission Statement....................................................................................................................................... 64
Policy .......................................................................................................................................................... 64
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... 64
Administrative Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 65
Multiple Fire Situations .............................................................................................................................. 67
Reciprocal Areas ......................................................................................................................................... 68
Extended Attack Mobilization Strategy ...................................................................................................... 68
Off-Reservation Dispatch Procedures ......................................................................................................... 68
Overhead Crews .......................................................................................................................................... 68
Equipment and Supplies ............................................................................................................................. 69
Aircraft ........................................................................................................................................................ 70
Reports ........................................................................................................................................................ 71
Precaution Levels ........................................................................................................................................ 71
Preparedness Levels .................................................................................................................................... 72
Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) Mobilization Strategy ................................................... 72
Chapter VII – Prevention Strategy .............................................................................................................. 75
Specific Items that Warrant Special Mention ............................................................................................. 75
Fire (Burning) Permit System ..................................................................................................................... 75
Public Information and Education .............................................................................................................. 75
Closures/Restrictions .................................................................................................................................. 77
Enforcement ................................................................................................................................................ 77
Hazard Abatement ...................................................................................................................................... 77
Prevention Workload Analysis (PWA) ....................................................................................................... 78
Firework Policy........................................................................................................................................... 78
Public Information and Education .............................................................................................................. 78
Information ................................................................................................................................................. 78
Education .................................................................................................................................................... 79
Public Safety Measures ............................................................................................................................... 79
Fire Critique ................................................................................................................................................ 79
Annual Summary Report ............................................................................................................................ 80
Annual Fire Management Plan Review ...................................................................................................... 80
Chapter VIII – Appropriate Management Response Strategy .................................................................... 81
Fire Management Zones ............................................................................................................................. 81
Decision Responsibilities and Risk Analysis .............................................................................................. 85
Stage I – Initial Fire Assessment................................................................................................................. 87
Stage II – Short –Term Implementation Actions ........................................................................................ 87
Stage III – Long-Term Assessment and Implementation Actions .............................................................. 88
Periodic Fire Assessment ............................................................................................................................ 89
Wildland Fire Decisional Support System (WFDSS) ................................................................................. 89
AMR Prescription Determination ............................................................................................................... 90
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
5
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Table of Content
Prescription Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 90
Chapter IX – Fuel Management/Hazard Reduction .................................................................................. 101
Risk - Hazard Assessment ........................................................................................................................ 101
Non-Urban Interface Hazard Reduction Workload .................................................................................. 102
Wildland Urban Interface Hazard Reduction Workload ........................................................................... 103
Example Strategies.................................................................................................................................... 103
Indirect ...................................................................................................................................................... 103
Direct ........................................................................................................................................................ 103
Rearrangement .......................................................................................................................................... 103
Treatment Plan Development Strategy ..................................................................................................... 103
Fuel Bed Conditions ................................................................................................................................. 104
Guidelines ................................................................................................................................................. 104
Treatment Plan Implementation Strategy ................................................................................................. 105
Implementation Team ............................................................................................................................... 105
Duties ........................................................................................................................................................ 105
Prescribed Burning Parameters ................................................................................................................. 106
Scheduling................................................................................................................................................. 106
Authorization to Burn ............................................................................................................................... 107
Mop Up ..................................................................................................................................................... 107
Financing .................................................................................................................................................. 109
Burn Complexity....................................................................................................................................... 109
Smoke Management Strategy ................................................................................................................... 109
Monitoring Strategy .................................................................................................................................. 110
WFDSS Strategy ....................................................................................................................................... 110
Chapter X – Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (BAER)..................................... 112
Specifications, Treatment and Funding Conditions .................................................................................. 113
Watershed Treatments .............................................................................................................................. 113
Natural Resource Specifications (Other then Watersheds): ...................................................................... 114
Protection of Threatened and Endangered Species (Flora and Fauna) ..................................................... 114
Weed Control ............................................................................................................................................ 114
Timber Resource Values ........................................................................................................................... 114
Cultural Resource Treatments................................................................................................................... 115
Cultural Resources Damage Assessment, compliance and Rehabilitation (including archeology, cultural
landscapes and traditional cultural properties).......................................................................................... 115
Historic Structure Condition, Assessment, Compliance and Rehabilitation ............................................. 116
Infrastructure & Safety Specifications ...................................................................................................... 116
Fence ......................................................................................................................................................... 116
Resource Protection and Public Safety Actions ........................................................................................ 117
Facility Replacement ................................................................................................................................ 117
Facility Construction/Structural Stabilization and Clean-up .................................................................... 117
Slash Mitigation ........................................................................................................................................ 118
Other Rehabilitation Measures.................................................................................................................. 118
BAER Measures for Protecting Investments ............................................................................................ 119
Dust Abatement ........................................................................................................................................ 119
Research and Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI) Plots ........................................................................... 119
Other ......................................................................................................................................................... 119
Minimum Impact Fire Suppression........................................................................................................... 119
REFERENCES CITED ............................................................................................................................. 121
ACRONYMS AND GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................ 124
APPENDIX 1…………………………………………………………………………………................132
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
6
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Table of Content
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure III - 1. Precipitation Zones on the Colville Indian Reservation. ..................................................... 16
Figure III - 2. Fire Management Zones on the Colville Indian Reservation. ............................................. 22
Figure III - 3. FBO Fuel Models on the Colville Indian Reservation. ....................................................... 26
Figure IV - 1 Wildland/Urban Interface Zones on the Colville Reservation. ............................................ 32
Figure IV - 2. Colville Indian Reservation Big-game Winter Range. ....................................................... 36
Figure IV - 3. Hellsgate and Omak Game Reserves on the Colville Indian Reservation. ......................... 36
Figure IV - 4. Sharp-tail Grouse Leks, Nesting and Winter Range on the Colville Reservation. ............. 40
Figure IV - 5. Balk Eagle Nest and Winter Roost Sites on the Colville Reservation. ............................... 42
Figure IV - 6. Lynx Habitat Distribution on the Colville Reservation. ..................................................... 43
Figure VIII - 1. National Wildfire Coordinating Group Policy Framework and Flowchart. ..................... 83
Figure VIII - 2. Fire Management Zones and Representative Locations on the Colville Reservation. ..... 93
Figure VIII - 3. Energy Release Component (ERC) Calculated for Nespelem and Kramer, both in
FMU1/RL Non-Urban Trust Areas. ................................................................................................... 92
Figure VIII - 4 . Energy Release Component (ERC) Calculated for Kramer in a FMU2/RL Non-Urban
Trust and FMU3/RL Non-Urban Trust Areas)................................................................................. 957
Figure VIII - 5. Energy Release component (ERC) Calculated for Gold Mountain in a FMU3/RL
Figure VIII - 6 Energy Release Component (ERC) Calculated for WUI (ERC) Figure VIII - 7
Energy Release Component (ERC) Calculated for FMU 6 and 7/RL Natural/Wilderness areas..99
LIST OF TABLES
Table IV - 1. Value Estimate of Current (2001) Range and Agriculture Values. ...................................... 28
Table IV - 2. Risk of Significant Negative Effects to Cultural Resources from Fire, Suppression and
Rehabilitation. * ................................................................................................................................. 31
Table IV - 3. Known Occurrences of Endangered or Threatened Plant Species on Lands within or
Adjacent to the Colville Indian Reservation. ..................................................................................... 45
Table V - 1. Available Shared Fire Support Resources. ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table VI - 1. Manning and Specific Action Guides for the Colville Reservation. .................................... 61
Table VI - 2. Closure Plan Action Guidelines for the Colville Reservation. ............................................. 63
Table VII - 1. Fire Prevention Specific Manning and Action Guide for the Colville Reservation. ........... 76
Table VII - 2. Fire Problem Identification – Colville Reservation ............................................................ 78
Table VIII - 1. WFIP Implementation Stages for the Colville Reservation. .............................................. 86
Table VIII - 2. Guide for Wildland Fire Suppression Response in the FMU1 (Low Elevation Shrub
/Grassland-Dry) /RL Non-Urban Trust Areas on the Colville
Reservation……………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table VIII - 3. Guide for Wildland Fire Suppression Response in the FMU2 (Low Elevation Shrub
/Grassland-Dry)/RL Non-Urban Trust Areas on the Colville Reservation. ..................................... 914
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
7
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Table of Content
Table VIII - 4. Guide for Wildland Fire Suppression Response in the FMZ3 (Low Elevation
Timber/Shrub - Dry)/RL Non-Urban Trust Areas on the Colville Reservation. .............................. 935
Table VIII - 5. Guide for Wildland Fire Suppression Response in the FMZ4 (Mid-High Elevation
Timber/Shrub - Moist)/RL Non-Urban Trust Areas on the Colville Reservation. ...Error! Bookmark
not defined.7
Table VIII - 6. Guide for Wildland Fire Suppression Response in the FMU5 WUI (Wildland
UrbanInterface Areas on the Colville
Reservation…………………………………………………….….9Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table VIII - 7. Guide for Wildland Fire Suppression Response in the FM6 (Subalpine Forest)/RL
Grizzly and FMU7 Mountain/Moses Mountain Areas on the Colville Reservation. ....................... 100
Table IX - 1. Proposed Average Annual Fuels Treatment Activity, PFIRM Colville Reservation. ....... 103
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
8
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter I. Introduction
CHAPTER I - WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE AND NEED
The Wildland Fire Management Plan for the Colville Indian Reservation is a strategic plan that
defines the fire program role in the management of wildland and prescribed fire on the Colville
Indian Reservation. This Wildland Fire Management Plan (WFMP) is an integral part of the
Colville Indian Reservation Plan For Integrated Resources Management (PFIRM).
The implementation of this WFMP will allow fire to play its natural ecologic role on the
Reservation while protecting human life, structures and cultural resources. The WFMP includes
fire prescriptions, incorporates the use of management-ignited prescribed fire in predetermined
areas, and allows for multiple suppression strategies on all fires declared wildland. Fire is an
active and powerful natural force that has the potential to affect most all areas and land
management programs of the Colville Indian Reservation. The WFMP will govern a highly
complex fire program that meets Colville PFIRM objectives.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
This Wildland Fire Management Plan is tiered to the Colville Indian Reservation Plan For
Integrated Resource Management Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of
Decision. The Record of Decision for this EIS is, in essence, a programmatic statement of intent
that establishes basic policies and sets forth the planning element that will be employed by the
Colville Natural Resources Department in future site-specific decisions. Copies of the
Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision may be obtained from the Colville
Confederated Tribes, Department of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155.
AUTHORITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT
PLAN
The Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy directs that every Federal land area with burnable
vegetation will have a Wildland Fire Management Plan. The goals and objectives for the WFMP
on the Colville Indian Reservation are established by the Colville Confederated Tribes
Department of Natural Resources and implementation of the fire management program on the
Reservation is the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Interior (USDI), Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA).
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
9
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter I. Introduction
COMPLIANCE WITH BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS POLICY
The secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, through the wildland fire bureau directors and
the Deputy Commissioner of Indian Affairs, is responsible for the fire management activities of
the Department (including such activities when contracted for, in whole or in part, with other
Agencies or Tribes) under the statutes cited in 910 DM 1.1.
Enabling Management Policies
References that identify current fire management policies, authority and management’s direction
for the Colville Confederated Tribes can be found in the following:
Bureau of Indian Affairs Manual #99-04 Part 90, Release 5/99.
25 CFR 163.28 Fire management authority given to the Secretary, USDI.
National BIA Fire Management Planning Analysis (FMPA) Handbook, 1997
National Fire Management Analysis System (NFMAS) Technical Manual, 1997.
National Interagency Incident Management System (IMS) Technical Publications PMS
310-1-2000 and PMS 330-1-1993.
Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG),.
Record of Decision and Plan for Implementation, Integrated Resources Management
Plan, Colville Indian Reservation,
RESOURCE VALUES TO BE PROTECTED
Fire can either destroy or enhance resources on the Colville Indian Reservation thereby affecting
the Tribe’s economic well-being. It may be necessary for the Fire Management Staff to
aggressively suppress wildland fire to protect resource values, and at other times wisely and
judicially utilize prescribed fire to protect and enhance other resource values. Colville Tribal
members have expressed their interest in both aspects of the fire management program. Natural
resources such as forestry, range, wildlife, water and air quality are integral parts of the culture
and economics of the Colville Indian Reservation and both aspects of fire management can be
used to protect these multifaceted resource values. Person-made or natural resource components
of Colville historic and cultural resources can be irreversibly damaged by uncontrolled fire and
need to be protected whenever possible.
ROLE OF WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Wildland Fire Management Plan for the Colville Indian Reservation describes the
operational procedures in fire management that implements portions of the Colville Indian
Reservation Plan For Integrated Resource Management, 2015-2030. The WFMP is the primary
link between the Reservation’s resource management plans and fire management field
operations. The Fire Management Planning Analysis (FMPA) determines most effective level
(MEL) fire suppression program levels based on resource values.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
10
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter I. Introduction
FIRE POLICY HISTORY
Fire policy and fire management on the Colville Indian Reservation has been guided through the
years by national fire policy direction and trends.
Fire policy has been modified substantially during the last century. The first national fire policy
came after several years of severe fires between 1910 and 1935. In the context of the ecological
theory of the time, fire exclusion was believed to promote ecological stability. In addition, fire
exclusion could also reduce commodity damages and economic losses.
In 1935 the “10 AM Policy” was instituted wherein the objective was to prevent all human
caused fires and contain any fire started by 10 a.m. the following day. By the 1960’s fire
management costs were increasing exponentially. In addition, research was demonstrating that
some positive benefits could be derived from natural and prescribed fire, and some leeway was
granted for early and late season fires. A 10-Policy was added in 1971, which set a presuppression objective of containing all fires within 10 acres. In 1977, a new fire policy
encouraged a pluralistic approach – fire by prescription. In the event initial attack failed
alternatives to full suppression were to be considered. Fire suppression became fire
management.
Review following the 1988 Yellowstone fires continued fire policy evolution. The review
affirmed the positive benefits of fire, but also identified the inherent risks and liabilities of using
fire and recommended greater planning, preparation, cooperation, and management oversight.
The extent and fatalities of the 1994 South Canyon Incident led to another review that again
affirmed the positive benefits of fire. It recognized that fire was part of a larger problem, one of
several symptoms of natural ecosystems becoming increasingly unstable due to altered regimes.
It talked about the needs for landscape level resource management, the integration of fire into
land management planning and implementation, and the involvement of all affected landowners
and stakeholders. A report 1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy & Program Review
documented these findings.
This direction was reviewed following the 2000 fire season with a report prepared by the
Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, Managing the Impact of Wildfires on Communities and
the Environment: A Report to the President in Response to the Wildfires of 2000. The report
focuses on several key points: restoring landscapes and rebuilding communities, undertaking
projects to reduce risks, working directly with communities, and establishing accountability.
Congress expressed its support with substantial new financial resources along with new direction
for aggressive planning and implementation to reduce risks of wildland fire in Wildland Urban
Interface acres. The Secretaries’ report and the Congressional action are generally known as the
National Fire Plan.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
11
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter II. Goals and Objectives
CHAPTER II – TRIBAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES DIRECTED
TOWARD WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT
TRIBAL FIRE MANAGEMENT POLICY
Support and direction for the Colville Fire Management Program is located within the Colville
Indian Reservation Integrated Resource Management Plan 2015-2030 The PFIRM provides
support for fire suppression, pre-suppression programs and prescribed burning programs.
Tribal Fire Management Goals
An important goal of the Colville Confederated Tribes is to manage the Tribe’s natural resources
holistically through the development and implementation of the Integrated Resources
Management Plan 2015-2030 that was approved by Colville Business Council Resolution. The
Colville PFIRM establishes a list of fifteen socio-economic, ecosystem enhancement and
protection goals to be achieved on the Colville Indian Reservation. In order to accomplish these
FIRM goals under direction of the Federal Wildland and Prescribed Fire Policy and Fire
Management Planning Analysis, fire management specific goals along with standards and
guidelines have been established.
Specific Fire Management Goals
The following fire management specific goals have been developed for the Colville Reservation:
Every firefighter, every fireline supervisor, every fire manager and every Agency
administrator will take positive actions to ensure compliance with established safe
firefighting practices.
Recognize the role of wildland fire as an essential ecological process and natural
change agent and incorporate applicable knowledge into the fire planning process.
Life and property values will be protected from damaging wildfires.
Prescribed fire will be used for protecting and resource benefits under approved plans
and acceptable conditions.
Air quality impacts will always be considered in the prescribed fire planning process.
An effective fire suppression capability will be maintained with minimum funding
requirements and the utilization of suppression methods least damaging to the
Reservation’s resource values and environment.
An aggressive wildland fire prevention program will be supported.
Utilize only trained and qualified personnel on wildland and prescribed fire
assignments.
All wildland fires will be rehabilitated to minimize further damage or destruction to
soil, water, forest, wildlife, roads, fauna and flora.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
12
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter II. Goals and Objectives
Fire Management Standards
The following standards have been developed to coordinate the requirement of the Colville Fire
Management Goals with guidelines set forth by the Federal Wildland and Prescribe Fire Policy,
and the Fire Management Planning Analysis:
Firefighter and public safety are the first priority in every fire management activity.
Maintain an effective wildland fire suppression program and responsive prescribed fire
management program.
Develop fire management plans, programs, and activities that will support tribal land and
resource management plans and their implementation when attainable.
Foster Federal, State, Tribal, and Local interagency coordination and cooperation.
Maintain a fire management program that is economically viable, based on values to be
protected, costs, and land resource management objectives.
All wildland fire personnel will be trained to those standards listed in the Wildland and
Prescribed Fire Qualifications System Guide (PMS 310-1)
Rehabilitate all wildland fires according to standards and guidelines outlined in the BAER
Handbook.
Fire Management Guidelines
To meet the Reservations’ fire management goals and standards, the following guidelines will be
followed:
1. Manage a wildland fire program that provides for firefighter and public safety, is cost-efficient, is
responsive to land stewardship needs and to other resources management goals and objectives.
2. Maintain a training program that will provide sufficient numbers of trained and qualified
firefighters to support the wildland fire and prescribed fire programs.
3. Maintain a comprehensive fuel's management program that addresses multi-disciplinary fire
applications.
4. Conduct a fuel's inventory that will integrate with the GIS database and provide for long term
trend monitoring.
5. Actively participate in interagency fire management operations through planning and sharing of
resources under formal agreements.
6. Maintain a wildland fire prevention program that will strive to reduce all human caused wildland
fires.
7. Continue to utilize Fire Management Planning Analysis for program planning.
8. Support and maintain a responsive and effective Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation team.
9. Promote tribal contracting and employment opportunities when available.
10. Aggressively suppress all wildland urban-interface wildfires.
11. Utilize “Light-Hands-on-the-Land fire tactics whenever feasible.
12. Provide for a safe working environment by strictly adhering to national standards for
qualifications, physical fitness, and personal protective equipment as outlined in PMS 310-1,.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
13
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
CHAPTER III – DESCRIPTION OF AREA
LOCATION
The 1,392,265-acre Colville Indian Reservation is located in the north central portion of the State
of Washington. The Reservation, the largest in the State of Washington measures approximately
35 miles north to south and 80 miles east to west. About 610,000 acres of the Reservation are in
Okanogan County and 782,000 acres in Ferry County. More specifically, the Reservation is
bounded on the east and south by the Columbia River, on the west by the Okanogan River and
on the north by the township line common to Townships 34 and 35 north of the Willamette
meridian. Much of the Reservation is mountainous covered by conifer forest, but lands
bordering the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers are arid and naturally covered with vegetation of
steppe environments. About 1,023,700 acres of the Reservation are in tribal trust and the
remaining lands are in a non-trust status (owned by private individuals or corporations).
The principal towns on the Colville Reservation are Nespelem, Keller, Elmer City and Coulee
Dam in the central portion, Inchelium in the eastern portion and East Omak on the western
boundary. In addition to the Reservation communities, a large number of people live in more
rural locations throughout the Reservation. This wildland urban interface with natural vegetation
fuel complexes is increasing each year.
LAND OWNERSHIP
The land ownership pattern on the Reservation is complex and dynamic. Two basic categories of
ownership are present: trust lands, which are held in trust by the U.S. Government, and fee patent
lands, which are on the county land records and are taxed. Trust lands include both tribal lands
owned collectively by the Tribes and allotted lands owned by Tribal members. Joint ownership
of an allotment by several heirs is common.
Non-Indians own most fee lands, while both the tribes and individual tribal members own some
fee lands. Small amounts of land within the Reservation are owned by, or held in easement by,
the U.S. Government, State of Washington, Ferry County or Okanogan County. These publicly
owned lands are mostly rights-of-way associated with highway and road construction or dams
and developments. The total trust land amounts to approximately 1,063,200 acres, of which
1,023,700 acres are tribal lands and 39,500 acres, are allotted lands. Fee land acreage is
approximately 321,886 acres. The amount of lands under tribal ownership is continuing to
increase with the tribal policy of buying fee and allotted land whenever possible (U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation 1979).
GENERAL CLIMATE/WEATHER
Because of the location of the Reservation and its elongated east-west shape, the Reservation
encompasses the interface of three climatic regimes. Vegetation of the southern portion of the
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
14
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Reservation along the Columbia River reflects the strong influence of the arid and semi-arid
climates and steppe region (shrub and grass dominated vegetation) of the north central Columbia
Basin.
The western half of the Reservation displays the strong influence of the rain shadow cast by the
Cascade Mountain range that produces a warmer and drier climate than the ponderosa pine and
Douglas-fir forestlands to the east. The eastern half of the Reservation (in particular the northeast
corner) is influenced by the maritime weather patterns that produce the cooler and moister climates
that add grand fir and western red-cedar to the forest composition in the extreme northeastern
Washington.
The bulk of the annual precipitation comes during the winter months in the form of snow at the
higher elevations, and rain at the lower elevations. Summers are characterized by a hot dry period,
July through mid September, punctuated by monsoon type thunderstorms. See Figure III - 1 for
precipitation patterns.
FIRE/FUELS
Historical Perspective
Many elders say the forest is different today than it used to be. They picture the forest as having
been open and park-like with big ponderosa pine trees and very little brush. They describe riding
horseback through a forest unimpeded by thick vegetation. In 1904, a forester named Franklin
Reed described two forest types on the Reservation (Reed 1904):
"... a pure, open stand of bull pine (ponderosa) with a ground cover of bunch grass. The stand
consists of 10 to 15 trees, 12 inches and over diameter breast-high, per acre..."
Reed describes this pine type as occurring on predominantly southern exposures up to 3,500 feet
elevation. The second type, which he called mixed forest, occurred above 3,500 feet elevation,
on all north exposures below that, and in the bottom of deep, narrow, sheltered valleys, such as
the San Poil River and Hall, and Barnabee Creeks. He describes this mixed stand as:
"... a dense stand of red fir (Douglas-fir) and larch with a varying intermixture of yellow
(ponderosa) and lodgepole pine. The stand is often so dense as to prevent the growth of grass,
but where it is open enough the ground cover is usually pinegrass. (The) proportion of timber
under 12 inches in diameter breast high is so high that the yield per acre is not heavy..."
These early descriptions indicate that forest conditions in the historical past may have been
different than they are today. Historical conditions are likely to represent the forest as influenced
by natural processes, and thus may be indicative of the nature or ecology of the forest.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
15
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Figure III - 1. Precipitation Zones on the Colville Indian Reservation.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
16
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Reed describes fire on the Reservation as follows:
"Fires have occurred in the timbered portion of the Reservation every summer since anything was known about
the country. At one time or another, the whole area has been burned over. Once a forest fire gets burning no
attempt is ever made to put it out unless it gets so near to threaten destruction to buildings or fences."
Boyce and Dumas (1997) pointed out that fires have burned through Reservation forests for
thousands of years, most likely since the recession of the ice age 10,000 to 15,000 years before
present. The Reservation is subject to considerable summer thunderstorm activity. Additionally,
the indigenous people had a tradition of igniting fires for various reasons. These factors, in
conjunction with rainfall patterns, created a historic pattern of frequent fires across the Reservation.
At the dryer low elevations, fire resistant ponderosa pine predominated in mosaics of even-aged,
relatively open stands. At the highest elevations or in very moist areas, seral species were
periodically replaced by cataclysmic fire events.
Between 1910 and 1930 there were several large stand-replacing fires in the higher elevations
characterized by sub-alpine fir and lodgepole pine. By 1930, though, fire suppression had begun to
change the forest. The transition between forest and rangeland appears to have expanded into areas
that did not support trees in the past. The density of trees throughout all alterations of the forest has
increased as well, primarily from the suppression of fires. Further discussion on the changing forest
in response to fire control is shown in the Forest Vegetation section.
Historically the frequency, intensity, and extent of fires differed considerably across the
Reservation. These differences can be categorized by the concept of the fire regimes as described
by Agee (1981). They are a function of growing environment (temperature and moisture patterns),
ignition pattern (lightning, human), and plant species characteristics (fuel accumulation, adaptations
to fire). Fire regimes found on the Colville Reservation include”
High-severity regimes: Fires are very infrequent (more than 100 years); they are usually high
intensity, stand replacement fires. They are typically moist and cool areas where fire occurs under
unusual conditions, such as during long drought and with dry, hot winds (Pickford, et. al. 1980).
Fires are often of short duration (days to weeks) but of high intensity and severity. Historically this
regime would be characterized by the sub-alpine habitat types and covers about 80,500 acres. In
Table I - 1 below describing the Vegetative Cover Types these would be categorized as lethal
natural fire regimes.
Moderate-severity regimes: Fires are infrequent (25-100 years); they are partial stand replacement
fires, including significant areas of high and low severity. They occur in areas with typically long
summer dry periods and fires will last weeks to months. Periods of intense fire behavior are mixed
with periods of moderate- and low-intensity fire behavior; variable weather is associated with
variable fire effects. Historically this regime would be characteristic of the wet Douglas-fir, grand
fir habitat types and areas dominated by hardwoods or a hardwood conifer mix, and covers about
612,823 acres. These Vegetative Cover Types are categorized as mixed natural fire regimes (Table
I - 1).
Low-severity regimes: Fires are frequent (1-25 years); they are low intensity fires with few
overstory effects. Frequent fires limit the time for fuel to accumulate, so typical fire intensity is
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
17
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
moderate to low. Historically this regime would be characteristic of the ponderosa pine and dry
Douglas-fir habitat types and covers about 242,305 acres. These Vegetative Cover Types (Table I –
1) are categorized as non-lethal natural fire regimes.
Table III - 1. Plant Association Groups (Cover Types) Identified on the Colville Indian
Reservation.
PLANT ASSOCIATION
GROUPS
Ponderosa Pine – Grass
Ponderosa Pine – Bitterbrush
PLANT ASSOCIATIONS
Ponderosa Pine/bluebunch
Wheatgrass (PIPO/AGSP)
Ponderosa Pine/Idaho fescue (PIPO/FEID)
Ponderosa Pine/bitterbrush (PIPO/PUTR)
Ponderosa Pine/ricegrass (PIPO/ORHY)
Ponderosa Pine/bitterbrush/bluebunch
wheatgrass (PIPO/PUTR/AGSP)
Ponderosa Pine/bitterbrush/Idaho
Fescue (PIPO/PUTR/FEID)
CROWN*
DENSITY
AREA
ACRES
45%
68,175
40%
45%
50%
45%
64,838
45%
Douglas-fir – Warm, Dry
Douglas-fir/Idaho fescue (PSME/FEID)
90%
Douglas-fir – Cool, Dry
Douglas-fir/pinegrass (PSME/CARU)
Douglas-fir/pinegrass/bearberry
(PSME/CARU/ARUV)
Douglas-fir/spirea (PSME/SPBEL)
95%
85%
Douglas-fir – Warm, Moist
Douglas-fir/snowberry (PSME/SYAL)
Ponderosa Pine/snowberry (PIPO/SYAL)
100%
90%
Douglas-fir – Cool, Moist
Douglas-fir/oceanspray (PSME/HODI)
Douglas-fir/ninebark/heartleaf
arnica (PSME/PHMA/ARCO)
Douglas-fir/ninebark-pachistima
(PSME/PHMA-PAMY)
22,960
86,332
90%
95%
95%
253,666
257,385
100%
Grand Fir
Grand fir/twinflower (ABGR/LIBOL)
Grand-fir/twinflower/Pacific Yew (ABGR/LIBOLTABR)
Grand-fir/fairy bells (ABGR/DIHO)
Western Red-cedar/twinflower (THPL/LIBOL)**
Western Red-cedar/wild sarsaparilla
(THPL/ARNU3)
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
51,450
Subalpine Fir – Warm
Subalpine fir/twinflower (ABLA2/LIBOL)
100%
18,015
Subalpine Fir – Cold
Subalpine fir/huckleberry (ABLA2/VACCI)
Subalpine fir/pine grass (ABLA2/CARU)
Subalpine fir/pachistima (ABLA2/PAMY)
100%
100%
100%
62,469
TOTAL
--886,810
* Existing crown closure density (tentative – needs adjustment for Reservation)
** The western red-cedar plant associations have been included in the grand fir PAG because of their limited area
and distribution.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
18
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Non-forest regimes: Vegetation of the southern portion of the Reservation along the Columbia
River reflects the strong influence of the arid and semi-arid climates and steppe region (shrub and
grass dominated vegetation) of the north central Columbia Basin. Fires are frequent (1-25 years);
the effect on vegetation varies by species composition and community structure. For example,
longer fire free intervals lead to dominance of bitter/sage brush communities which when burned
are replaced for a time by herb dominated communities. This savanna type covers approximately
446,165 acres.
Existing Conditions
The fire regimes as shown above have formed the structure of natural forests on the Reservation.
However, few Reservation forestlands have been managed for natural conditions such as those
created by fires of the past. Fire is less prevalent on today's landscape than in historic times, due to
effective fire control policies. Success in fire suppression has allowed more uniform and increasing
fuel loads across the Reservation, shifting forest fire effects that were typically of low and moderate
severity in historic fires to severe fires today. Ironically, the increased risk of valuable timber loss
has forced the use of more intensive and often mechanized forms of suppression actions. This in
turn has added to fire costs with greater impacts on other resource values (CCT 1992).
Fire exclusion, and past selective cutting, has changed the structure, composition and density of the
today’s existing forest. Fire suppression removed the primary source of natural thinning in forest
stands. It also removed a powerful force that selected in favor of seral species by favoring thickbarked fire resistant trees and shade intolerant pioneer species. Additionally, suppression of
naturally recurring fires has allowed the accumulation of fuels.
Selective harvest methods have advanced the successional character by disproportionately removing
seral species while opening up the forest canopies enough to favor the establishment of either brush
or shade tolerant climax species. Favoring the creation of understory plant communities changed
the structure, or multiple canopy stands. Existing conditions now after eighty years of management
are many multi-level stands that support more trees per acre than they did historically. The upper
canopy levels are often made up of the remnants of the pre-management forest, largely ponderosa
pine and western larch. The lower levels are frequently made up of over-dense stands of shade
tolerant, climax species. Accumulated fuel levels are high. Historical photographs and narratives
illustrate a change in understory vegetation with brush becoming a more dominant component.
Land use patterns have also altered the natural fire regimes. In the savanna areas noted above
approximately 20,000 acres is now cultivated. There are significant areas of urban concentration,
approximately 1,600 acres and more rural urban interface that is difficult to map but is estimated
at approximately 4,000 acres.
The fire management zones (Figure III - 2) are based upon areas of habitat types noted above,
natural fire regimes, natural ignition patterns, and expected fire behavior given current fuels
conditions. Areas by zones are Zone 1: 397,256 acres, Zone 2: 318,070 acres, Zone 3: 319,950
acres and Zone 4: 255,480 acres.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
19
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Plant Associations
Clausnitzer and Zamora (1987) developed the classification system used on the Colville Indian
Reservation to describe 28 plant associations found on forested areas. This ecological
classification provides for the identification of biological site potential by means of vegetation
characteristics and involves the recognition of land units based on potential climax vegetation or
plant associations (Daubenmire 1968).
The Plant Association Group (PAG) is the environmental unit used by the Colville Reservation
forest resource management teams. Plant Association Groups provide a means to organize many
forest stands into a more manageable number of identifiable units having relatively similar biotic
and abiotic environments. The PAG vegetation, soils and other physical characteristics on a site
serve as indicators of future species composition, productivity potential and probable responses
to management actions.
The 28 forest plant associations identified on the Reservation were combined into nine plant
association groups (PAG’s) based on similar environmental conditions, disturbance regimes,
response to disturbance and productivity. Figure I-3 provides a list of these forest plant
associations and acreage on the Reservation for each PAG.
Compared to lands in the Cascade Mountains to the west and Selkirk Mountains to the east, the
Reservation supports a limited diversity of plant associations. Based on information in the plant
association database the major climax tree species on the Reservation Figure I-3 is Douglas-fir.
Four relatively similar Douglas-fir PAG’s occupy over 70 percent of the Reservation forest.
Ponderosa pine PAG’s occur at the lowest elevations and constitutes about 15 percent of the
forested landscape. Grand fir occurs at higher elevations east of the San Poil River, with
volcanic ash modified soils generally being the only environmental factor differing between the
Douglas-fir and grand fir associations. Subalpine fir PAG’s dominate the highest elevations,
making up the remaining 8 percent of the potential forest vegetation.
Ponderosa Pine PAG’s
The forested area of the Reservation classified into the ponderosa pine PAG’s is dominated by
ponderosa pine with only minor amounts of Douglas-fir. Quaking aspen may occur on wetter
soils. These PAG’s include a large part of the deer and elk winter range. Ponderosa pine forests
present at the turn of the century were the result of frequent low intensity fires, caused by both
lightning and aboriginal ignitions. The result was a forest mosaic of small to moderate sized
even-aged patches. Stocking levels were low, creating very open stands.
Now, stands in the ponderosa pine PAG’s are often choked with understory regeneration as the
result of an extended period of fire exclusion. The extensive stocking has encouraged a
proliferation of a number of bark beetle species. Whereas fire formerly thinned the stands from
below, the bark beetles are now thinning them from above, killing the most valuable trees first.
This is occurring despite repeated entries that have removed high-risk trees and reduced the
amount of old-growth to low levels. Mistletoe, which was formerly a localized problem, is now
widespread with understory trees being rapidly infected by residual overstory. The large stumps
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
20
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
created by several cycles of previous logging are increasingly the focus of annosum root rot
centers. Plentiful ladder fuels, mistletoe brooms and dead and down material makes the threat of
catastrophic fire a greatly increased possibility in the area identified in the ponderosa pine
PAG’s. Under existing conditions, tree mortality appears to be increasing and site productivity
declining in these PAG’s.
Douglas-fir PAG’s
Tree species occurring on lands in the Douglas-fir PAG’s include Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine,
western larch, lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen. The lower elevation area in these PAG’s
provides deer and elk winter range. Fire history indicates slightly less frequent fires of slightly
higher intensity than in the drier ponderosa pine PAG’s and has created a large mosaic of patches
burned by surface fires or crowning fires. Fire resistant and seral species were favored, with
regeneration occurring in the fire created openings and fire induced thinning occurring
elsewhere. Individual stands within the complex mosaic were largely even-aged. All the
common forest pests, while present, were usually at endemic levels.
With fire control starting in the early 1900s, the natural thinning and stand replacement function
in these PAG’s no longer occurred to any level of significance. The introduction of selection
logging along with fire control no longer opened up stands sufficiently to favor the establishment
of shade intolerant seral species. Additionally, the fire functions of duff reduction for site
preparation and continual culling of the more fire sensitive climax species was eliminated. The
result has been a massive conversion to a condition of overstocked Douglas-fir understories. The
seral species overstories diminished as successive stand entries continue.
Armillaria and laminated root disease, which formerly were endemic, have exploded in the
presence of their preferred host, Douglas-fir. Bark beetles in epidemic proportions are serious
pests related to the overstocked conditions while mistletoe has spread under the multi-canopy
conditions.
Grand Fir PAG
The grand fir PAG has the greatest diversity of tree and understory plant species. Tree species
include grand fir, Douglas-fir, western larch, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce,
western red-cedar (moister soils), Sitka alder, paper birch, and quaking aspen. Lands in this
PAG provide deer and elk summer range, hiding and thermal cover. This PAG, located on soils
more moist than occupied by Douglas-fir PAG’s, sometimes occupies favorable aspects or
sheltered positions in a complex matrix within the Douglas-fir zone. The natural fire frequency
within lands classified in the grand fir PAG varies from somewhat longer than the Douglas-fir
PAG’s to nearly rotation length in the wettest locations. In most cases, recurring fires precluded
the development of thin barked, shallow rooted climax grand fir while favoring fire resistant
western larch. Douglas-fir in older age classes also has a thick bark and might be classified as
moderately fire resistant. In many cases the natural stands prior to wildfire suppression were
nearly indistinguishable from the Douglas-fir zone stands except for a more lush understory
vegetation and an increased component of Douglas-fir allowed by the longer fire frequency.
Historically, grand fir was well represented only in the most humid or protected locations.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
21
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Figure III - 2. Fire Management Zones on the Colville Indian Reservation.
FMZ 4
FMZ 3
FMZ 2
FMZ 1
N
E
W
S
Colville Indian Reservation
March 2002
22
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Here, as in the Douglas-fir zone, fire exclusion and selection logging have allowed the
development of understories of the most shade tolerant species (grand fir and Douglasfir), resulting in chronic overstocking, multi-level stands, and large numbers of host trees
for a variety of forest pests and diseases. Annosum root rot in grand fir is a serious
problem along with various heart rot fungi. Armillaria and laminated root rots attack
both grand fir and Douglas-fir. Dwarf mistletoe in Douglas-fir and western larch reacts
dramatically when closed stands are opened up, and the understories are soon infected in
multi-story stands. The spruce budworm and tussock moth are expected to soon become
epidemic and the combination of all of the above plus the chronic overstocking can be
expected to create future bark beetle problems. Fuel buildup and large quantities of
ladder fuels, combined with the fire sensitive grand firs, insures that any fire in the future
will cause serious damage or stand replacement.
Subalpine Fir PAG’s
Tree species located on lands within the subalpine fir PAG’s include subalpine fir,
Douglas-fir, western larch, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, Sitka alder, quaking
aspen, and paper birch. The area provides cover for deer and elk during the summer
season along with forage in disturbed areas. Being at the highest elevations or in the
coldest areas, lands in these PAG’s have the lowest fire frequency. The longer period
between fires, plus generally favorable climatic conditions, allowed for higher fuel
accumulations than in most forest areas of the Reservation. Fires, when they occurred,
were more likely to be catastrophic in nature and resulted in stand replacement with seral,
fire related lodgepole pine or lodgepole pine-western larch mixtures. In some areas,
even-aged fire-resistant old-growth western larch stands developed. Climax subalpine fir
is found only in limited areas on the Reservation.
Fire suppression and selection logging have allowed many old-growth western larch
stands to develop understories of shade tolerant subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce or
Douglas-fir, with each successive selection harvest decreasing the amount of western
larch remaining in the overstory. Armillaria, laminated, and annosum root rots are
damaging the shade tolerant species. Douglas-fir and western larch mistletoe infections
have become serious in the partially harvested overstories, and understories are becoming
infected. Spruce budworm and tussock moth are now present in the host species
(Douglas-fir and subalpine fir) and are expected to cause future significant losses.
Lodgepole stands have not, for the most part, been selectively logged but for many years
were bypassed because of low product values. This has resulted in a large inventory of
lodgepole at or near rotation age, most of which is in an overstocked condition.
Mountain pine beetle activity is increasing and will continue for many years into the
future. Lodgepole mistletoe, while present, is usually not serious due to the extensive
even-aged structures and younger age of the stands.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
23
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Fuel Models
The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) depends upon an ordered set of
weather records to establish conditions of the day. These weather conditions along with
the 1978 NFDRS fuel models are used to represent the day-to-day and seasonal trends in
fire danger. Modifications to the fuel models are possible by changes in live/dead ratios,
moisture content, fuel loads, and drought influences by the large fuel effect on fire
danger. The 13 fuel models for fire behavior estimation are for the severe period of the
fire season when wildfires pose greater control problems and impact on land resources.
Fire behavior predictions must utilize on-site observations and short-term data to
extrapolate from remote measurement stations. The field use situation generally is one of
stress and urgency. Therefore, the selection options and modifications for fuel models are
limited to maintain a reasonably simple procedure to use with fire behavior prediction
methods such as BEHAVE, and FARSITE. The NFDRS fuel models are part of a
computer data processing system that presently is not suited to real-time, in-the-field
prediction of fire behavior. Therefore, this discussion of fuel model acreage deals
primarily with the 13 FBO fuel models. Conversion to the NFDRS models can be made
as explained by Anderson 1982. Time since disturbance will greatly affect the assessment
of fuels for any given site; therefore the following discussion is a snapshot in time.
The following gives the approximate acreage of fuels conditions on the Reservation
derived from satellite imagery.
Fuel Model 1
Fuel Model 2
Fuel Model 5
Fuel Model 8
Fuel Model 9
Fuel Model 10
Urban
Agriculture
Water*
Rock/Thin Soils
325,049 Acres
294,614 Acres
335,161 Acres
226,439 Acres
107,498 Acres
13,102 Acres
1,400 Acres
37,887 Acres
10,471 Acres
11,121 Acres
Total
1,362,742 Acres
*Does not include the acreage of Reservation under the waters of Rufus Woods and Roosevelt Lakes.
A large portion of that area designated as Fuel Model 5 is covered with timber. These
areas have a large component of the understory vegetation in brush species. This
component produces a large live fuel component which does not occur in Fuel Models 8
and 9, and which differs from the species composition found in fuel model 2. In addition,
the amount of large fuel loading characteristic of Fuel Model 10 is not applicable in many
of these stands. However, in some areas, the fuel depth characteristic of Fuel Model 5 is
not met but this Fuel Model gives a better fit than the others do. In the future, a custom
Fuel Model should be developed for these areas.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
24
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
This assessment is available as a grid coverage for the Reservation. This coverage can be
used with the FARSITE fire area simulator as a strategic and tactical tool for the
Reservation staff.
Some of the Reservation fuels characteristics remain fairly constant over a relatively long
time period such as those classified as non-forest regimes as discussed previously.
However, disturbance of the native forest vegetation occurs presently on the scale of
approximately 20,000 acres per year. This is primarily through timber harvest and timber
stand improvement activities. Therefore, at any one time there is approximately this
acreage in fresh activity fuels, primarily of Fuel Model 11 and to a lesser extent Fuel
Model 12. As these fuels are treated for either hazard reduction or age, the fuel
assessment for that particular tract will change.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
25
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Description of Area
Figure III - 3. FBO Fuel Models on the Colville Indian Reservation.
N
W
E
S
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
26
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter IV. Values to be Protected
CHAPTER IV – VALUES TO BE PROTECTED
During development of the Plan For Integrated Resources Management, 2015-2030 (PFIRM) a
wide range of Issues, Concerns and Opportunities (ICOs) involving fire and fire impacts were
disclosed and evaluated. Below is a summary of values to be protected as directed in the
PFIRM. For a more detailed discussion of fire ICOs and the values to be protected consult the
PFIRM.
SOCIOECONOMIC/TRIBAL TRUST RESPONSIBILITIES; LIFE
The first priority in every fire management activity is the safety of the firefighter and the public.
The nature of fire management and fire suppression is hazardous duty for the firefighters and can
pose a threat to the public. Firefighters are taught how to recognize potential hazards to their
well-being and instructed not to take action that might compromise their safety. On the other
hand, the public may not recognize the hazard or how to avoid being involved. A fire produces
smoke that can cause unsafe visibility and breathing conditions especially for any one that
suffers from a respiratory problem.
SOCIOECONOMIC/TRIBAL TRUST RESPONSIBILITIES; BUDGETS, STAFFING,
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
The PFIRM and this Wildland Fire Management Plan will increase the current responsibilities of
the Fire Management Staff with significant changes in wildland fuel management and fire use.
Increases in Fire Management budget may be necessary. The US Congress has also established
separate moneys for accomplishing wildland hazard fuel reduction and this could become
available once the WFMP addressing these goals is approved.
RESOURCES, PROPERTY AND OTHER VALUES
Timber
Fire can play a duel role in forest management in that it can destroy a valuable revenue resource
causing a major impact on local economics. Fire can also be used by forest management to clean
up unwanted natural/activity fuels and prepare forest sites for natural and artificial regeneration.
Boyce and Dumas (1997) pointed out that fires have burned through Reservation forests for
thousands of years, most recently since the recession of the ice age 10,000 to 15,000 years before
present. The Reservation is subject to considerable summer thunderstorm activity. Additional,
the indigenous people had a tradition of igniting fires for various reasons. These factors, in
conjunction with rainfall patterns, created a historic pattern of frequent fires across the
Reservation. At the dryer low elevations, fire resistant ponderosa pine predominated in mosaics
of even-aged, relatively open stands. At the highest elevations or in very moist areas, seral
species were predominately replaced by cataclysmic fire events.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
27
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter IV. Values to be Protected
Recently fire exclusion, and past selective cutting, has changed the structure, composition, and
density of today’s forest. Fire suppression removed the primary source of natural thinning in
forest stands. It also removed a powerful force that selected in favor of seral species by favoring
thick-barked fire resistant trees and shade intolerant pioneer species. The success in fire
suppression has allowed more uniform and increasing fuel loads across the Reservation, shifting
fire effects that were typically of low and moderate severity to severe fires today.
The 1,392,265-acre Colville Indian Reservation is comprised of 901,622-acres of forestland of
which 673,025-acres has been classified as commercial forestland. The PFIRM identifies an
annual allowable harvest from these forests at 77.6 MMBF per year with a present net value of
$125.5 million.
A PFIRM objective is to “Restore fire as a natural process by developing and implementing
prescribed fire plans on a landscape basis.” In many cases, this would be accomplished with a
combination of reducing stocking to desired levels, followed by prescribed fire. Standards and
guidelines for the treatment of harvest fuels are contained in the PFIRM. The PFIRM also
increases the level of prescribed fire on non-harvest areas to restore and maintain desired forest
conditions to 6,400 acres per year.
Range/Agriculture
Range and agricultural lands would suffer a short-term impact causing loss of crops and/or
grazing within the area burned over. The following Table IV -1 represents a value estimation of
current range and agriculture values for the Colville Reservation. These figures were provided
by the Colville Agency, Bureau of Land Operations Office and represent an approximate
estimate.
Table IV - 1. Value Estimate of Current (2001) Range and Agriculture Values.
Resource
Livestock Forage
Wildlife/Plant Residual
Dryland Grain
Dryland Hay
Fences
Spring Development
Corrals
Total
calculation
1,100,000 acres x 1 ac/aum x $6,00/aum
1,100,000 acres x.1ac/aum x $6.00/aum
5,000 acres x 40 bu. x $4.00/bu
3,500 acres x 2 tons x $60/ton
1,200 miles x $6,000/mi.
300 x $500/repair
10 x $2,000
value
$ 660,000
$ 660,000
$ 800,000
$ 420,000
$7,200,000
$ 150,000
$ 20,000
$9,910,000
Fire could also provide long-term benefits to rangeland by reducing shrub cover, recycling
nutrients, increasing biomass production, stimulation of seed production and retardation of
encroachment by conifers while maintaining improved stands of grass. Fire will consume
dropped ponderosa pine needles that contain a phytotoxin that can inhibit the germination and
growth of grass seedlings. The PFIRM calls for 1,000 acres of rangeland to be treated by
prescribed fire annually.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
28
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter IV. Values to be Protected
Cultural/Historical/Religious Values
Fire can play a duel role in this area; (1) causing extensive damage to cultural and historical
resources, and (2) improving the site conditions by removing unwanted fuel, restoring the natural
life history of important food and medicinal plants, and improving visibility.
The importance of cultural resources to the CCT has been formally stated in the PFIRM and the
Colville Cultural Resources Protection Ordinance (Resolution 1983-411), which sets out the
basic procedures for cultural resources management on the Colville Reservation. In 1996, the
Colville Business Council (Resolution 1996-29) also established the position of the Tribal
Historic Preservation Officer (THPO). The THPO has been designated as the primary point of
contact regarding cultural resources management on the Colville Reservation. Under the
National Historic Preservation Act, the THPO is to be consulted regarding the potential of
undertakings on the Reservation to adversely affect cultural resources.
Over 600 cultural resources have been recorded within Colville Reservation. Prehistoric camps
are the single most common type of cultural resource, many of which have been recorded along
the Columbia, Okanogan, and San Poil Rivers. Camps make up a little more than a quarter of
the known sites. All historic-period sites combined make up another quarter of the known sites.
Many of the historic-period sites are abandoned homesteads, but corrals, mining adits and shafts,
and logging camps are also present. Stacked rock features (cairns), pits hollowed out of talus
slopes, and other rock alignments constitute another 20% of the recorded sites. Many of these
rock features are considered to be prehistoric burials, and they are considered highly sensitive.
Rock features are most common in areas of exposed bedrock, especially on ridges or
promontories, or on talus slopes. Other categories of cultural resource include burials, rock art,
major prehistoric villages, rock shelters, peeled trees, and prehistoric trails. Additional
information on cultural and historic values can be found in the PFIRM. The Colville
Confederated Tribes value cultural resources because they represent a physical link to the history
of the Tribes and because of their role in traditional beliefs and activities that continue into the
present day.
In the Ordinance, the CCT has adopted criteria developed by the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation (ACHP) regarding the significance of cultural resources. In brief, a cultural
resource is considered significant if it is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP). Eligible resources are generally over 50 years old, retain their integrity of
location and setting, and meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history; or
2. that are associated with the lives of person significant in our past; or
3. that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or
that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a
significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
or
4. that has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
(36 CFR60.4)
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
29
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter IV. Values to be Protected
Cultural resources that meet these criteria are considered eligible for inclusion in the National
Register, and consideration of the effects of fire management on these resources is required
under Tribal and Federal laws and regulations. An event or undertaking is considered to have a
significant or adverse effect on a cultural resource if it alters the attributes of that resource such
that it no longer eligible for inclusion. For example, a distinctively constructed wooden
homestead would no longer be considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP if it burned down
as a result of an uncontrolled wildfire. The wildfire would be considered to have an adverse
effect on that particular cultural resource.
Not all cultural resources are equally at risk to damage from fire or fire-related activities like
suppression or rehabilitation. Table IV-2 below summarizes the risk of damage to some of the
major categories of cultural resource present on the Colville Reservation.
The potential for fire damage to prehistoric cultural resources varies with the type of resource
and the intensity of the fire. Hot and deep burning fires have the capacity to fracture stone tools
found in campsites, and hot fires may damage pictographs painted on granite because the heat
can cause the rock to "exfoliate" or loose thin slabs of material near the surface. Peeled trees are
obviously at risk to damage from fires. Cairns, talus pits, and other rock features, on the other
hand, tend to be relatively unaffected by fire. Fires may actually improve some traditional
cultural properties because they can remove underbrush and diseased trees that interfere with
traditional uses. Historic period sites, particularly abandoned homesteads, are particularly
subject to fire damage because they often contain wooden structures that burn rapidly. Historic
archaeological sites are more subject to fire damage than prehistoric sites because they lay closer
to the surface and many of the glass and ceramic items can easily be fractured by heat.
Suppression has the capacity to significantly affect any cultural resource, especially when they
involve the use of heavy equipment. Standard fire-fighting procedure often involves the use of
bulldozers to dig firelines along the flanks of fires and along ridgelines. Bulldozers can easily
damage prehistoric campsites and historic-period home sites. People building cairns and other
rock features important to traditional practices have often favored rocky ridgelines, placing them
directly in the path most likely to be taken by someone building a fire-break.
Rehabilitation typically focuses on stabilization of soils and restoration of vegetation in burned
or bulldozed areas, so in many cases, it helps to preserve cultural resources that might otherwise
be lost through erosion. Nevertheless, the use of heavy equipment during rehabilitation also
creates the potential for significant negative effects. Salvage logging after a burn, like any other
logging, also has the potential to adversely affect cultural resources.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
30
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Table IV - 2. Risk of Significant Negative Effects to Cultural Resources from Fire, Suppression and Rehabilitation. *
fire intensity
Cultural
resource Type
Cool
Moderate
Hot
Hand
Line
Prehistoric
Camp
Cairn
Talus Pit
Burial
Quarry
Rock Art
House Pit
Rock Shelter
Peeled Tree
L
L
L
H
L
L
L
L
M
L
L
L
H
L
L
M
M
H
M
L
L
H
M
H
H
H
H
M
L
L
H
M
L
M
L
L
suppression technique
Mechanical
Aerial
Line
H
H
M
H
H
M
H
L
H
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
rehabilitation Method
Erosion
Salvage
Seeding
Structure
Logging
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
M
M
M
M
L
L
L
L
Historic
Homestead
M
H
H
L
H
L
L
M
Logging Camp
M
H
H
L
H
L
L
M
Mining Camp
M
H
H
L
H
L
L
M
Mine Shaft
L
L
L
L
M
L
L
L
Corral
M
H
H
L
H
L
L
M
Bridge
M
H
H
L
H
L
L
M
Trail
L
L
L
L
M
L
L
M
Road
L
L
L
L
M
L
L
M
Traditional
Berry Harvest
L
M
H
L
M
L
M
L
Root Harvest
L
M
H
L
M
L
M
L
Trad. Cult. Prop.
L
L
H
L
H
L
M
M
L = Low Risk of Damage; M = Moderate Risk of Damage; H = High Risk of Damage
* This list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of cultural resources or fire related activities. It is intended to portray general trends of risk.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
31
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
L
H
H
H
H
M
H
H
M
M
M
M
H
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Fire can also be an important positive factor in the life history of important plants used as a
cultural resource. Many of the important vegetation items used in ceremonies or as food and
medicinal sources, such as biscuit root, camas, and bitterroot rely on fire or similar disturbances
to promote seedling establishment and/or vegetative sprouting. The application of suitable levels
of fire behavior may also be a significant tool for controlling unwanted woody vegetation within
specific areas, such as dry meadows.
Wildland Urban Interface
Increased development of the wildland/urban interface (WUI) within the Colville Reservation
increases the number of person caused fires that, in turn, increases the potential for damage to
both natural resources and residential structures. The damage caused by a wildland fire may be
so extensive that homes, out-buildings, and other developments may be lost causing great
financial burden on the property owner.
The Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI) zones as defined during the Fire Prevention Plan
development are shown in Figure IV-1.
Figure IV - 1 Wildland/Urban Interface Zones on the Colville Reservation.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
32
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Air Quality
Smoke from wildland fires can contribute to short-term and intermediate health effects. The
health effects are generally reversible but long-term exposure has the potential to cause or
exacerbate a wide range of health problems. Little data exists confirming or denying a higher
risk for wildland fire personnel. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or the capacity to develop
reactive airways are more likely to be susceptible to the effects of smoke (Sharkey 1997).
Visibility reduction from wildland fire can impact scenic vistas, as well as create hazards along
transportation routes. Of particular concern are low-lying areas near bodies of water (e.g., lakes,
stream and river corridors) that are prone to the development of fog. These same areas can be
geographic locations where SMOG can form, a mixture of smoke particulates and fog moisture
droplets.
Management objectives and standards to lessen the impact of wildland fire on air quality are
found in the PFIRM. Cooperation in the implementation of wildland fire projects should be
accomplished with neighboring, and local, land management agencies and organizations that
utilize fire use. This would serve to coordinate fire use and limit the effects on air quality.
Water Quality
Water can be impacted by fire since large fires tend to change the timing, duration, and volume
of spring runoff. The change in timing can have an impact on how much water is available
downstream during spring the irrigation season. Surface erosion may also be increased, creating
more silt and debris into the water systems. These events may also change specific habitats
within waterways that may temporarily impact aquatic wildlife histories. Potential risks to
fisheries from wildfires include:
The potential of additional sediment to streams or lakes from erosion
Potential sediment delivery from transportation systems and/or firelines to streams
and lakes.
Potential risks to fish stocks from effects of the fire.
Lost and/or altered fish habitat within the fire area.
Potential risks to the riparian/wetland functions within the fire area.
Increased downstream water temperatures.
Increased sediment delivery may potentially adversely impact lakes, fisheries, and water quality.
The kokanee and trout fisheries are managed by the CCT as substitute fisheries for lost salmon
and steelhead runs because of Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph Dams. Fisheries have significant
cultural and subsistence value to the Tribe, as well as recreational value and income value from
the sale of non-tribal fishing licenses.
A primary concern of fisheries after a wildfire is the increased delivery of sediment and the loss
of riparian habitat. Recovery of the riparian areas and proper functioning will be dependent on
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
33
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
pattern, extent, and intensity of the burn. The use of soil and nutrient stabilization measure
during emergency rehabilitation actions will reduce the risk to these fishery resources.
The condition of a stream channel may affect the magnitude of impacts that may occur because
of a wildland fire incident. Fire impacts may exacerbate the unstable nature of some streams and
cause adverse effects to spawning habitat and water quality. The loss of large and small woody
debris and riparian vegetation, contributing shade to the stream, may result in loss of rearing
habitat and increased downstream water temperatures. Effects of forest fire on the structure of
zooplankton, phytoplankton, benthic, and the littoral communities will vary with the amount of
sediment and nutrient delivery to the streams and lakes. The greatest period of danger will be
following the next episode of significant rainfall. Contour log terracing and broadcast seeding
on highly burned upland slopes >35% will help maintain the functionality of the riparian zones
and assist in decreasing sediment delivery to aquatic habitats. Additionally, the use of sediment
collection dams may be necessary to reduce this risk.
Of greater concern to any of the fishery or aquatic resources are from roads used during fire
suppression and pending salvage sales. Many roads were traditionally constructed within the
riparian zones. Increased activities during suppression and salvage have a high potential to
deliver sediment to stream systems and lakes. These risks are increased if buffering vegetation
between roads and aquatic areas have been lost in the fire. Fire suppression roads that have been
compacted need to be carefully ripped with a zigzag pattern to reestablish soil function and allow
water to penetrate soils and enter the ground water system. Care must be taken on slopes to
prevent water from trenching and running down furrows. Large woody debris in the stream
system will improve over time as burned dead trees fall from rot or windfall. Smaller wood will
be less abundant for one to ten years, depending on burn severity, until recovery of the riparian
zone occurs.
Wildlife Habitat
In general, fire affects wildlife by modifying habitat. Vegetation diversity provides for a
diversity of wildlife species. Lack of diversity tends to result in fewer wildlife species, or
decreasing population levels of some wildlife. Across the Colville Reservation there are several
and varying habitat types. The effects of the fire and suppression activities will vary with the
seasonal timing of the wildfire, the intensity and pattern of the burn and the specific habitats in
the area of the wildfire. Habitats of concern are:
Shrub steppe
Big game winter range
Mesic areas, e.g., deciduous and riparian areas, wetlands, lakes, and streams
Rock outcrops
Snags
Coniferous boreal forest
Potential risks to wildlife from wildfire include:
Potential loss T&E species and/or habitat within the fire area.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
34
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Potential loss of wildlife and/or habitat and winter range associated within the fire
area.
Potential loss of travel corridors and increased fragmentation of habitat.
Potential risk to riparian/wetland function and habitat within the fire area.
Potential risk to habitat improvements.
The designated winter range for deer and elk is dispersed throughout the Reservation. These
animals are culturally significant to Colville Confederated Tribal Members for subsistence and
ceremonial uses. There are a large number of bear on the Reservation, as well as wild horses.
Other species of importance may include goshawks, marten, fisher, pileated woodpeckers, hairy
woodpeckers, white-headed woodpeckers, and snowshoe hare. Upland birds include quail,
Hungarian partridge, ruffed grouse and blue grouse.
Large Ungulates
Although large ungulates including deer (mule and white tail) and elk are not species listed for
protection, their cultural, subsistence, ceremonial and spiritual significance to the Colville
Confederated Tribes requires assessment. The distribution of big-game winter range on the
Reservation is shown in Figure IV-2 and the assessment of the direct and indirect effects of
wildland fire on this winter range is shown below. The Reservation’s Hellsgate and Omak Game
Reserves are shown in Figure IV - 3.
Direct Effects:
Mortality rates for the large ungulates would be expected to be low and would depend upon a
fires rate of spread. The geological landscape and topographic features, such as box canyons that
animals could be trapped in, would also affect mortality rates. In addition, young animals born
that year would be highly mobile late in the summer, during the peak of fire season, again
reducing mortality. Fire early in the fawning/calving season would have increased risk of
mortality. Any animals in the area of a fire will for the most part be displaced. However,
suppression crews may report sighting an occasional large ungulate. There are bighorn sheep in
some areas that may be affected by a fire. These would mostly likely occur in the Omak lake
area. Many animals with large home ranges will return after the fire and focus on the unburned
or lightly burned areas. Those species with smaller home ranges will either return or will
repopulate the area from outside sources once vegetation resources recover. With next years
spring green-up of new grasses an influx of elk and mule deer especially would be expected.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
35
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Figure IV - 2. Colville Indian Reservation Big-game Winter Range.
Figure IV - 3. Hellsgate and Omak Game Reserves on the Colville Indian Reservation.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
36
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
The grass-forb component of foraging habitat within the fire area should be improved after the
first rains, fall, and spring green-up occur. However, there will be a shortage of browse (shrub
species) available for the next two to five years and often much longer, up to twenty or more
years. Bitterbrush is of particular concern as it has high use and is not well adapted to fire.
Bitterbrush is not only used by the sharp-tail grouse, but is an important forage component for
large wild ungulates. Localized loss would result in the displacement of deer/elk/moose for a
minimum of two to five years, depending on severity. Large-scale loss could have devastating
effects on the large wild ungulate populations.
The Colville Confederated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Department plans to aerially monitor the
winter range over the next few years. A series of permanent photo points will be established
within a fire complex area to visually document the vegetative response. In addition, it is
suggested that the Colville Confederated Tribes Forest and Range Management Departments
plan to monitor natural recovery areas as well as fire vegetation treatment areas by the same use
of permanent photo points.
Road closures would be implemented as soon as possible on new roads that will not be needed
for salvage logging. Further road closures should be implemented as soon as salvage and
planting are completed. This would decrease disturbance levels and provide more security for
animals where screening cover has been lost to fire and possibly more might be removed during
following timber sales and/or salvage operations.
Other Mammals
Many other mammals, including coyote, cougar, bobcat, bears, porcupine, beaver, and badger,
may be found within a fire area for all or part of their life cycles. Denning habitat includes cliffs,
caves, rock piles, talus slopes, riparian areas, downed logs, large tree snags and stumps. Food
items include other mammals, small birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and vegetation.
Depending on the mobility of the animal, most of these species could avoid the direct effect of
the fire by fleeing or taking shelter. The natural terrain and topographic features such as box
canyons in the vicinity of a fire, that could trap animals, may increase mortality losses. If any
carcass or injured animal is found by fire suppression crews CCT Fish and Wildlife Department
needs to be notified as soon as possible and prior to burial of the carcass. Data regarding the
species, age, sex, extent of injuries needs to be collected to determine if there are young animals
born this year that would need to be located. Mobility of young would depend on the species
and the time of the year, late in the summer, most would be highly mobile.
Small areas of rock outcrops, deciduous forests, and riparian areas are usually intermixed
throughout a wildland fire affected area. These affected areas are often homes for a variety of
wild animals and can be deceptive as to the high amount of use received. Riparian areas that
have intermittent stream channels may be dry in mid and late summer and could be highly
affected by severe fire intensity while riparian areas retaining a high vegetation moisture level
may remain unburned. The close proximity of unburned habitat to the areas of severe burn
would reduce impacts on the numerous animals that rely on these specialized habitats.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
37
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Snags, or dead standing trees, are another significant, specialized habitat component often
significantly affected throughout a wildland fire area. There are 50-60 species of birds and
mammals along with numerous invertebrates that depend on snags for nesting, shelter and/or
feeding sites. Animals that use snags can be divided into two groups: primary cavity excavators,
such as woodpeckers that create and live in cavities of snags and whose old nest holes provide
homes for secondary cavity users such as birds, bats and squirrels. Large snags ( 21 inches
dbh) provide the best habitat and are the only snags that certain species can use.
Woodpecker, nuthatches and chickadees are primary cavity excavators. However, only
woodpeckers can excavate in hard snags. There are species of trees, such as sycamore (Platanus
spp.), that naturally form numerous cavities but none are present in this part of North America.
Therefore, it is important on the Reservation to manage for both snags and the birds that create
the cavities used by other species.
Impacts to area-wide snag habitat can be expected to vary with fire intensity. On some sites
snags may be unaffected while on other sites, all trees, dead and living, may be consumed by
fire. Green trees killed by fire are technically snags but their value for cavity excavation often
diminishes due to case-hardening. These burned trees do, however, have value as perch sites and
provide some vertical structure in areas where the understory has been removed. There may also
be a temporary shortage of insects within the fire area. However, insectivorous foraging
opportunities will increase for woodpeckers and other birds as the trees killed or injured by the
fire attract opportunistic insects.
Salvage harvest in the fire-affected area would be anticipated. Harvest plans should include the
retention of numerous green recruitment and standing dead trees for snag attrition. It is
recommended that existing snags be left and not fell in areas where salvage activity is planned
unless necessary for safety. Planned roads closure will assist in limiting access by firewood
gatherers, reducing pressure on remaining snags. A plan to tag snags for wildlife use may be
helpful in retaining snags.
Road closure as soon as possible after the fire event is extremely important for protecting
wildlife. If the burned area is a high use site by elk and deer, restrictive access action may need
to be taken to reduce hunting pressure. Road closures will significantly reduce risk and the area
may need to be closed to hunting for three to five years.
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Birds
The two major T&E bird species of concern on the Colville Reservation are: (1) the Columbian
sharp-tailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus columbianus), a federal listed Species of Concern,
that reside in high densities on the west-side shrub/steppe habitat of the Reservation, and (2) the
bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) with isolated nests located at several lakes and larger
populations along the San Poil River and Lake Roosevelt corridors. The bald eagle is a
Threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ferruginous hawk
(Buteo regalis) and the sage grouse (Centrocereus urophasianus), both are Federal Species of
Concern and have Threatened State status are infrequent on the Reservation. The sandhill crane
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
38
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Grus canadensis), has no Federal status but is listed as Endangered by Washington State and is a
migrant species on the Reservation.
Sharp-tail Grouse
A primary TEPS of concern is the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus
columbianus), a federally listed Species of Concern that occurs in moderate densities on the
South-central and west-side of the Reservation (Figure IV-4). There are areas of land that are
protected under BPA/Columbia Sub-Basin agreements in which several leks are located. The
Washington State Status report for the Sharp-Tailed Grouse, (1998) states that 47 percent of
sharp-tail grouse in Washington State are located on the Colville Reservation. This bird is of
special concern to both the Tribe and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to population
declines both locally and across the subspecies geographic range.
Direct Effects
The direct effects of wildland fire would include the loss of sharp-tailed grouse or eggs, and the
destruction of leks, nesting, and rearing habitat. Female sharp-tailed grouse devote late spring
and early summer to nesting and brood-rearing. They move to areas containing shrubs and
broadleaf plants often making use of riparian areas. Habitat suitability is dependent on amount,
height, and density of vegetation, especially forbs and grasses from the previous year. Summer
habitat used by females with broods may be different than habitat used by males or females
without broods. Nests are most often built on slopes that face northeast for greater moisture and
vegetation. Usually only one brood is hatched a year. If the first brood is unsuccessful, a second
may be attempted.
If it is late in the rearing season (mid-July), most eggs from even second broods have hatched.
Sharp-tail chicks are precocial, and are able to walk shortly after hatching, and fly at 7 to 10 days
old. They become more active at two to three weeks. Displacement may occur if the female
feels the fire is threatening her brood. After mid-July even the youngest are sufficiently mobile
to escape an immediate fire area and minimal direct effects would be expected. A wildfire early
in the breeding season could have severe effects on sharp-tail grouse populations with the loss of
the year’s hatchlings.
Indirect Effects
Potential year-round and winter habitat may occur within the fire zone in the shrub/steppe, low
elevation draws, and riparian areas. If leks (dancing/mating grounds) are destroyed by the fire,
nesting habitat that generally occurs within a 1.6 mile radius of the lek and winter habitat that
occurs within a 3.3 mile radius of the lek may be affected by the fire. This may cause further
displacement and threaten winter survival.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
39
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Figure IV - 4. Sharp-tail Grouse Leks, Nesting and Winter Range on the Colville Reservation.
The intensity of the fire in a shrub steppe community and possible damage to the soils will
determine regeneration potential. If bunch grass plants affected by a fire retain most of their
basal crown and root system, regeneration potential can be expected to be high. Bunchgrasses
are fire-adapted species and it is anticipated that the fire would rejuvenate these plants and in
turn, will benefit the sharp-tails. Livestock grazing should be deferred from the burn areas for
two to three growing seasons to allow full recovery of the grasses in the area. There is potential
risk following a fire for replacement of native grass species by noxious weeds. Noxious weed
competition factors need to be considered during rehabilitation, to reduce risk.
Most fires would in the long-term enhance potential sharp-tail habitat although there would be a
temporary loss of residual nesting cover and winter habitat. Monitoring of habitat vegetation regrowth, sharp-tail winter use and population studies should be planned for the two to three years
following a fire event.
Bitterbrush plants may be impacted to varying degrees. They may be completely removed by the
fire or receive some degree of heat damage. Bitterbrush response to fire is variable and
reestablishment will largely depend on: (1) the degree of natural re-seeding; and (2) later
seedling success in out-competing native vegetation and noxious weeds, in particular cheatgrass,
also rejuvenated by the fire. Bitterbrush and other large rangeland shrubs are important to sharpColville Indian Reservation
April 2016
40
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
tails as a source of cover, especially in the spring as residual cover for nesting and winter thermal
cover in the upland draws. Tribal vegetation specialists have projected that much of the
bitterbrush impacted by fire will reestablish within five years. However, this would be
dependent of the intensity of the burn and the specific site as well as the type of bitterbrush.
Recumbent plants tend to tolerate fire better than the columnar plants. Monitoring will be
required to determine regeneration. If the fire is of sufficient intensity to destroy the seed bank
planting may be required to reestablish areas of bitterbrush.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), is a resident on the Reservation. There are isolated
nests located along several lakes, with larger populations on the San Poil River and Lake
Roosevelt corridors (Figure IV - 5). Most of the winter roost sites on the Reservation have been
located along Lake Roosevelt; however, some also occur on Rufus Woods Lake. Direct effects
refer to mortality or disturbance, which results in flushing, displacement or harassment. Indirect
effects refer to modification of habitat and/or prey species.
Bald eagles nest along tributaries and in sight of large water bodies. Nest on the Reservation
have been recorded and mapped with a Global Positioning System (GPS). Eagles tend to prey
heavily on fish near their nest site. When fish are scarce, they may take birds or small mammals,
or scavenge on carcasses killed by other predators or natural causes.
Direct Effects: Mortality caused by the fire or suppression activities would be rare. The seasonal
timing of a fire will alter direct effect risks. Nesting and fledgling activity typically occurs
between February 1 and August 31. A fire prior to the young of the year having fledged and
being mobile could result in mortality. Displacement is more likely due to smoke, and
disturbance by suppression crews, and low flying helicopters, which would probably use nearby
streams and lakes as a source of water for fire suppression. The displacement would most likely
be to another nearby large water body, and should be temporary, causing minimal effect.
Indirect Effects: Habitat trees for nesting and winter roost sites may be lost in the fire. The
standing dead trees (snags) on the Reservation are usually low in number and some of the trees
killed by fire need to be retained for snag recruitment and provide potential roost sites. These
great birds can be extremely tenacious and would be expected to return the following spring if
habitat trees remain. Monitoring of the nest and winter roost sites within a fire area should be
planned for. New nesting activity should also be monitored.
If fisheries are significantly impacted there would be an indirect effect on the eagles prey source.
There may be an immediate increase in the number of small animal and rodent carcasses
available for scavenging in the area. Long-term effects to the prey species would not be
anticipated.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
41
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Figure IV - 5. Balk Eagle Nest and Winter Roost Sites on the Colville Reservation.
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Mammals
The Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) have habitat in several areas predominately along the
northern boarder of the Reservation. The lynx became a Threatened species under the federal
Endangered Species Act (ESA) in April 2000.
Other ESA species include the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), which is federally listed as
Threatened and has Endangered status in Washington State, it is most likely a transient species.
The gray wolf (Canis lupus), for which there have been recent unconfirmed sightings has
Endangered Federal and State status.
Lynx
Lynx have been sighted in some areas of the Reservation and habitat areas have been delineated
(Figure IV-6). The elevation components of lynx habitat, places them into the moister high
elevation zones above 3600 feet. These areas have traditionally had a longer fire cycle and
although they’re at a reduced risk for fire, the potential for a catastrophic event remains present.
This is especially true in areas where there have been high levels of fuel accumulation. Lynx are
a very specialized species that are dependent on the lodge pole pine zones. Snowshoe hare, a
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
42
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
critical prey component are known to exist in areas of very young lodge pole pine. Different
growth stages of lodge pole pine provide for the needs of lynx. Lynx make use of very dense
lodge pole pine/sub-alpine fir stands for travel corridors and windblown and jack-strawed trees
for denning habitat. This is preferred to be distributed at thirty (30) percent forage, thirty (30)
percent travel corridor, ten (10) percent denning, and thirty (30) percent non-lynx habitat
mixture.
Direct Effects
Mortality would be expected to be low due to the elevation of lynx habitat and the low
populations that occur on the Reservation. Again, seasonal timing may be a component in
mortality rates. Lynx do not like disturbance and avoidance and displacement would be highly
likely.
Indirect Effects
The lodgepole pine in the high elevations could receive significant effects. However, since it is a
tree species which is fire-adapted opening of the seed bank by fire may increase the lodge pole
pine in the area causing positive effects on the snowshoe hare populations and increase foraging
habitat for the lynx over the two to ten years following a fire.
In the long term improved lynx habitat for foraging and travel are anticipated and as the cover
component increases (up to 80-150 years) denning habitat may develop.
Figure IV - 6. Lynx Habitat Distribution on the Colville Reservation.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
43
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Fish
Salmonids found on or adjacent to the Reservation with ESA standing include bull trout
(Salvelinus confluentus) that were listed Federally as Threatened in 1998, spring chinook salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and summer steelhead. Currently a strong effort being made to
reestablish spring chinook and summer steelhead runs in Omak Creek and it’s tributaries on the
west-side of the Reservation. Other species of concern historically found on the Reservation not
currently listed include redband trout, an interior trout species.
Bull Trout
Bull trout are native salmonids found in the upper Columbia River Basin drainages. They have
been the object of much attention and discussion since their populations and range of distribution
has been declining. Currently bull trout are listed as “Threatened" species by the USFWS on June
10, 1998 (63 FR 31647).
Bull trout closely resemble Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and were long considered an inland
form of that coastal anadromous trout until Cavender (1978) identified them as a distinct species.
The American Fisheries Society officially recognized them as Salvelinus confluentus in 1980.
As of fall 1995, bull trout had not been observed in waters of the Reservation for five years, with the
exception of one specimen found in Lake Roosevelt in 1990 (Hunner and Jones, 1997). It is
believed that bull trout were common on the Reservation; however elder tribal members referred to
them as 'native brook trout', and some reports of bull trout may have been cutthroat trout. Habitat
degradation, loss of prey species (salmon and steelhead fry and fingerlings) and the introduction of
brook trout beginning in the 1890's have all contributed to the loss of bull trout on the Reservation
(Hunner and Jones 1997).
Bull trout are thought to have been extirpated in the Okanogan River, Nespelem, San Poil, and
Kettle rivers; Barnaby, Hall, Stranger, and Wilmont Creeks according to the NMFS ESA listing
for bull trout. Two juvenile bull trout were observed during 1999 studies of Rufus Woods Lake
by the Biological Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (Vendetti, 1999; USGS report currently
in publication). One adult bull trout was also observed during this same study (Sears, personal
communication 2000). Three adult bull trout were also observed in Sheep Creek, one adult in
Nez Perce Creek and one adult in Hawk Creek. During 1999, two juveniles were observed in
Onion Creek, all tributaries to Lake Roosevelt (Viel, 2000; Colville National Forest personal
communication).
Chinook Salmon
All Chinook salmon in the Okanogan River are apparently anadromous and are considered part
of the Upper Columbia River Summer- and Fall-Run ESU. After careful review NMFS ruled
that this ESU did not require protection under the Endangered Species Act provisions. The
reintroduction of spring Chinook salmon to the waters of the Reservation is under study and their
possible applicability to the Endangered Species Act is unknown at this time.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
44
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Threatened or Endangered Species Habitat – Plants
No federally listed threatened or endangered plant species are known to occur in the Reservation.
Only one Threatened species, Ute’s ladies-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) is known to occur in a
location adjacent to the Reservation (Table IV - 3). All other plant species considered as
Threatened or Endangered with suitable habitat on the Reservation or have suitable habitat on
lands adjacent to the Reservation are Washington State listed species.
The Ute’s ladies-tresses orchid is known to inhabit wetland and riparian areas including springs
and wet meadows, river meanders and floodplains. This orchid is generally found above 1,500
feet elevation and below the margin of montane forests. The wet habitats for this species are
generally associated with open shrublands, grasslands or in forest/non-forest transitional zones.
Table IV - 3. Known Occurrences of Endangered or Threatened Plant Species on Lands within
or Adjacent to the Colville Indian Reservation.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
FEDERAL STATE
STATUS1 STATUS1
KNOWN
COUNTY
OCCURRENCE2
Camissonai pygmaea
Dwarf evening-primrose
-
T
D
Cypripedium parviflorum
Yellow lady’s-slipper
-
E
F/O/S
Delphinium viridescens
Wenatchee Larkspur
-
T
D
Ophioglossum pusillum
Adder’s-tongue
-
T
D/S
Oxytropis campestris var.
columbiana
Columbia crazyweed
-
T
F/S
Petrophyton cinerascens
Chelan rockmat
-
T
D
Phacelia lenta
Sticky phacelia
-
T
D
Polemonium pectinatum
Washington polemonium
-
T
L
Silene spaldingii
Spalding’s silene
-
T
L
Ute’s ladies-tresses
T
T
O
Thompson’s clover
-
T
D
Spiranthes diluvialis
Trifolium thompsonii
1
Status - E = Endangered; T = Threatened; C = Candidate; SC = Species of Concern.
County - D = Douglas, F = Ferry, L = Lincoln, O = Okanogan, S = Stevens.
2
Soils
Soils across the Reservation are highly variable and not equally susceptible to adverse impacts
from disturbance. Considering soil characteristics in the vicinity of a wildland fire is necessary
in both suppression and rehabilitation depending on the resources at risk. An Inherent Soil
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
45
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter III. Values to be Protected
Sensitivity Rating was developed for the soil types and phases found on the Reservation,
(Hunner and Jones, 1997), that define a soil’s susceptibility to disturbance and sensitivity to
surface runoff.
Other Values to be Protected
The negative effects to cultural resources are summarized previously in the
Culture/Historical/Religious Values section. Fire can also have both damaging and beneficial
effect to recreation. A short-term impact could be reduced wildlife habitat with a long-term
improvement of the same habitat. Fire would have a short-term loss of wild berry patches with
the long-term increase in the size of these patches. Recreation opportunities within the fire area
will also suffer short-term impact with long-term benefits. Impacts may include temporary
closure of the area for recreational use and a reduction in scenic values. Benefits would be
improved sight distance and improved wildlife habitat.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
46
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
CHAPTER V – PREPAREDNESS STRATEGY
Preparedness activities are carried out prior to a fire occurrence to ensure that the appropriate
response to that fire can be accomplished. Preparedness activities include: budget planning,
equipment acquisition, equipment maintenance, equipment inventory, recruitment, training,
reviewing and revising, if needed, any cooperative agreements, and meeting with cooperators.
The objective of the preparedness effort is to have a well-trained and well-equipped fire
management organization in place to manage all fire situations within the Colville Reservation.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
Federal statutes and the Code of Federal Regulation provide basic authority for protection of
Indian timber and range. In Indian Affairs Manual, Part 90, Wildland Fire Management Policies
and Responsibilities, “The Superintendent shall protect Indian lands from wildland fire by taking
appropriate action as specified in the approved fire management plan to meet landowner
objectives”. Additional fire related direction and management standards are found in the
Integrated Resources Management Plan.
At the Colville Agency, the Superintendent shall rely on the Forest Manager to oversee fire
suppression activities. The Forest Manager shall instruct the Fire Management Officer to
develop adequate fire plans and training procedures that will include personnel from all branches
of the Superintendents and Tribal staffs as necessary for organization of suppression crews to
mobilize in time of emergency. The Branch of Forestry, under the direction of the Forest
Manager shall take suppression action against fires, as outlined in this document.
When the Branch of Forestry has insufficient manpower and facilities to cope with the fire
situation, the Superintendent shall make available to the Forest Manager the personnel,
equipment of other Branches to the extent necessary to effect control. When assistance becomes
necessary the Superintendent shall also request the assistance of cooperators. If it is still
impossible to effect control, the Superintendent will inform the Northwest Regional director and
request assistance from its cooperators.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
47
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
Overhead Staff
Superintendent
The Superintendent has the primary responsibility for protection of the trust properties from loss
by fire. He/She will designate the Natural Resources Department responsible for the preparation
of plans covering prevention, pre-suppression, discovery and suppression of wildland fires.
Forest Manager
The Forest Manager has been delegated federal trust responsibility of natural resource protection
by the Superintendent of the BIA Colville Agency. To provide natural resource protection, the
Forest Manger ensures that a viable fire management program is in place that is well-trained,
safe, effective and cost efficient. In addition, he/she may act as a resource advisor during a Type
I or II incident or function as a relief duty officer on assigned fire incidents.
Fire Management Officer
The Fire Management Officer is responsible for overall supervision of the Fire Management
Program. He/She provides direct supervision to the Operations Supervisor, Logistic Supervisor
and the Fire Planning Supervisor, and is the Coop-Agreement coordinator. The Fire
Management Officer sets overall program direction to assure all program functions, activities,
projects, and practices incorporate the tribes and the federal government’s goals of a safe,
effective and ecologically sound fire management program. In addition, he/she may act as a
Type III Incident Commander, Division Supervisor, or Burn Boss Type II on assigned incidents
or projects.
Finance Section
Tribal Coop Coordinator
The Tribal Coop Coordinator (TCC) manages the Program Budgets, including budget
modifications, narratives, reports, and information submitted on DI-1’s, subsidiary accounts,
suppression accounts, rehabilitation accounts, building accounts and other funds authorized for
use by the Fire Management program. The TCC develops the annual budget presented to the
Colville Business Council for implementation by utilizing the Fire Management Planning
Analysis. The TCC tracks funding necessary to provide salaries for federal staff and transfers
remaining funds into the proper Tribal accounts as well as follows changes in program needs and
implements budget modifications necessary to balance accounts.
The TCC serves as the Fire Management Programs Contracting Officer with authority to develop
Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements and Agreements for Services with local vendors and
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
48
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
operators. This includes the authority to negotiate rates for services based upon the Fire
Business Management Handbook and the Emergency Equipment Rental Rate.
The TCC organizes and implements the Expanded Dispatch organization when necessary to meet
fire suppression actions requiring this level of support and fills overhead positions on wildfires to
the level of his/her current qualifications.
Office Assistant II
The Office Assistant II (OAII) assists in the management of the Program Budgets, including
budget modifications, narratives, reports, and subsidiary accounts, and other funds authorized for
use by the Fire Management Prescribed Fire Program. The OAII assists in the development of
contracts to be used in site treatment and implementation of Prescribed Fire Projects at a District
Level. The OAII follows changes in program needs and implements budget modifications
necessary to balance accounts.
Logistic Section
Assistant Fire Management Officer - Logistics
The Assistant Fire Management Office for Logistics (AFMOL) is responsible for supervision of
the Logistics/Planning section of the Fire Management Program. He/She provides direct
supervision to the Lead Dispatcher, Warehouse Manager, Training Officer, Prevention Officer
and Heavy Equipment Mechanic. The AFMOL also assists in providing training for Initial
Attack Forces, Emergency Firefighters, local contractors, Natural Resources Department Staff,
and other Agency staff. The present AFMOL is qualified at the ICT3 and DIVS level.
Training Officer
Provide training in those wildland fire courses that he is qualified to instruct. This may be at the
unit instructor level or the lead instructor level. Arrange for qualified instructors for those
courses that he requires assistance in, including lead instructors, unit instructors. Act as course
coordinator for all wild fire related training held at the Colville Reservation. Manage the
Colville Agency’s RED CARD program. This includes Task Book implementation, training
assignments and recommendation for certification, training plans etc.
The Training Officer may also fill those overhead positions for which he/she is fully qualified.
This can include both on- and off-Reservation incidents. The Training Officer manages the
Work Capacity test (pack test) at the Agency level and works with local fire districts to insure
that they are aware of any necessary training requirements as well as assists them in meeting
these needs.
Portland Area Office has requested the present Training Officer’s assistance in various training
programs including basic firefighter for the military and other BIA agencies, and currently he is
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
49
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
scheduled to instruct S-420, as the Safety Officer. The Training Officer represents the Colville
Reservation Fire Management Program at various meetings such as the Northwest Area Training
Officer’s meeting, Training Cadre meetings, etc.
Lead Dispatcher
The Lead Dispatcher (LD) provides supervision for the Dispatcher, seasonal lookout relief’s,
lookouts, and other assigned personnel. The LD prepares all BIA time and attendance reports,
and input these reports into the computer system for verification by the Superintendent. The
Lead Dispatcher manages the NFDRS program that includes entering RAWS data, receiving
outputs, managing green-up and freeze dates based on current conditions each season.
The Lead Dispatcher enters all fire suppression data and prescribed fire data into the WFMI
system in a timely manner. This data is provided to the LD by Incident Commanders and
Prescribed Fire personnel in a timely and accurate manner. The LD manages the dispatch office
and initial attack dispatching to provide accurate records of resources ordered, arrival times, and
other resource information. The LD provides flight following services for all fire management
aircraft and other aircraft providing services on the reservation when requested. The LD interacts
with the Expanded Dispatch Organization when it is implemented to insure that resource orders
are filled promptly and from the closest available sites. The LD reviews and updates the Agency
Mobilization Plan each year and makes necessary changes in items such as phone numbers,
qualifications, equipment operators, vendors and mobilization procedures. Policy changes are
the responsibility of the FMO.
The Lead Dispatcher represents the Colville Reservation Fire Management Program at various
meetings such as the Dispatchers Workshop, Fire Management planning process etc.
Dispatcher
In the absence of the lead dispatcher, the Dispatcher assumes the following duties: supervision
for the lookout relief’s and lookouts operators, inputs RAWS data and received the indices. The
dispatcher conducts the Initial Attack dispatching and all necessary documentation for tracking
of the resources. The Dispatcher attends various meetings with the Lead Dispatcher to keep
updated on local, regional and national changes in fire organizational management.
Warehouse Manager
The Warehouse Manager (WM) maintain inventory for the 200-person fire cache. The WM
responsibilities include maintenance and refurbishment of tools and equipment. The WM
performs basic repairs and refurbishment on site whereas items requiring extensive repairs or
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
50
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
annual maintenance such as chainsaws and pumps are referred to the maintenance mechanic or
local vendors as necessary to meet programs needs.
The WM maintains an inventory of tools, equipment, radios and other items used by the Fire
Management Program. In addition, the WM fills resource orders from initial attack incidents and
extended attack incidents as required by the current situation as well as orders replacement
equipment, tools and supplies as necessary to maintain adequate resources. The WM delivers
tools and supplies to incidents or utilizes local runners to make these deliveries as necessary to
meet the fire order load. Orders placed to the Wenatchee Fire Cache may be delivered by truck
in which case, the WM is responsible to accepting delivery and insuring that all invoices are
transferred to the procurement officer for proper processing. Smaller orders may be picked up
by the WM or his staff and transported to the fire warehouse by AOV.
In addition to the 200 person fire cache, the WM maintains equipment and tools necessary to
equip nine engine crews, and various forestry staff who support the fire organization.
The WM ensures that all fire support warehouses are kept clean and serviceable at all times,
proper safety procedures are followed with regards to Right to Know stations, bulletin boards,
barricades and other safety related items. The WM supervises one seasonal employee who
performs duties as assigned.
Fire Prevention Officer
The Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) is responsible for the supervision of (1) Prevention
Technician. Through this staff, the FPO provides a basic fire prevention program for the Colville
Reservation. This action includes a burn permit program, fire prevention activities at local
schools, and special prevention activities at rodeos, fairs, and other events. These events usually
occur on weekends in the spring and fall and require a flexible schedule. The FPO utilizes the
NFDR system to implement and manage the Reservation fire danger and IFPL signs. The FPO
conducts structure wildfire hazard assessments for those structures occurring in the wildland
urban interface. The FPO works with the Fuels Specialist in establishing projects to manage fuels
in the wildland urban interface. The FPO provides defensible space information to the residents
of the Colville Reservation.
The FPO works with local law enforcement in investigating wildfires whose cause is unknown or
of suspicious origin. The FPO utilizes accepted techniques in fire cause investigations, and
presents evidence and testifies in both civil and criminal court cases. The FPO works with Parks
and Recreation personnel and Fish and Wildlife staff during periods of high fire danger in
providing patrols to inaccessible areas along Lake Roosevelt.
The FPO represents the Colville Reservation Fire Management Organization at regional fire
prevention meetings, fire prevention coops, and meetings with local cooperators. The FMO
works with neighboring agencies in presenting various inter-agency fire prevention events such
as the Omak Stampede. In addition, the FMP fills overhead positions on wildland fires to the
current level of his/her qualifications. The FPO supervises one permanent staff member who
that performs duties as assigned.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
51
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
Fire Prevention Technicians ( 1 Permanent)
Assist in carrying out the Wildfire Prevention Plan by performing a variety of fire prevention
activities. Duties include assisting in various presentations including Smoky Bear, creating and
posting public safety announcements, performing vehicle and equipment inspections, wildland
fire fighting and fire investigations, public interaction, and assisting with field trips and school
presentations. The Fire Prevention Technician may also be required to inspect burn permit
locations, and conduct wildfire hazard assessments for those structures occurring in the wildland
urban interface.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
The Heavy Equipment Mechanic performs all maintenance and repair of heavy equipment,
dozers, trucks, trailers, and pumper slip on units used by the Fire Management Program. He/She
also acts as a tender operator or dozer operator if necessary.
Fire Lookouts (7 Seasonal)
Fire Lookouts are located at Omak Mt., Whitmore Mt., Keller Butte, Cody Butte, Gold Mt.,
Whitestone Ridge, and Johnny George Mt. Staff at these lookouts provides detection services
during the summer months, usually mid June through September. These lookouts work five
eight-hour days on and two day off. During periods of high fire danger these personnel may be
on a 6 day per week schedule.
Relief Lookouts (2 Seasonal)
On the regular lookouts day off, they serve as relief, deliver water, pick up garbage, and bring
necessary supplies to the lookouts. The relief lookouts assist with opening the lookouts up in the
spring and closing down the lookouts in the fall. The relief lookout also does light maintenance
on the lookouts.
Fuels/Operations
Assistant Fire Management Officer – Fuels/Fire
The Assistant Fire Management Officer -Fuels/Fire (AFMOF/F) is responsible for the
supervision of (1) Prescribed Fire/Fuels Specialist, (1) Operations Specialist and (2) Supervisory
Forestry/Fuels Technicians. Through this staff, the AFMOF/F directs, plans and manages all
Activity, Wildland Urban Interface and Hazard Fuels projects. In addition, the AFMOFF
manages a fire behavior prediction system to monitor fire behavior throughout the year to
provide input in a wide range of management decisions such as suppression response, fire
permits, and industrial fire precaution, etc. The AFMOF/F also acts as a duty officer on assigned
days and an Incident commander type VI or III, or Division Supervisor, or Task Force Leader, or
Burn Boss II or I. Initial Attack Incident Commander on incidents as required.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
52
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
Prescribed Fire/Fuels Specialist
The Fuels Specialist (PF/FS) is responsible for coordinating the collection of information for the
documentation, analysis and prediction of fire behavior and effects on moderate to highly
complex projects. The PF/FS develops proposals for prescribed fire and mechanical fuel
treatments that are NEPA compliant and have gone through the Reservation PPP process. The
PF/FS directs moderate to highly complex fuels projects that deal with fuel reduction in
wildland/urban interface areas, planned ignition and mechanical fuels treatments in both
developed and wildland areas. The PF/FS may act as an Incident commander type VI or III, or
Division Supervisor, or Task Force Leader, or Burn Boss II or I.
Supervisory Fuels Technician (2 permanent)
The Supervisory Fuels Technician (SFT) is responsible for coordinating the collection of
information for the documentation, analysis and prediction of fire behavior and effects on low
complexity projects. The SFT develops proposals for prescribed fire and mechanical fuel
treatments that are NEPA compliant and have gone through the Reservation PPP process. The
SFT manages low or moderately complex fuels projects that deal with fuel reduction in
wildland/urban interface areas, planned ignition and mechanical fuels treatments in both
developed and wildland areas. The SFT is the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) on
contracted work on both HFR and WUI projects. The SFT also assists in providing training for
Initial Attack Forces, Emergency Firefighters, local contractors, Natural Resources Department
Staff, and other Agency staff. The SFT may act as an Incident Commander Type IV or V, or
Task Force Leader, or Single Resource Boss (crew, engine, or helicopter manager), or Ignition
Specialist, or Burn Boss III or II.
Operations Specialist
The Operations Specialist (OS) is responsible for supervision of (3) District Fire/Fuels
Technicians, (1) Supervisory Equipment Operator, and Aviation Manager. Through this staff, the
OS directs plans and manages the initial and extended attack wildland fire suppression efforts. In
addition, the OS through this staff plans, manages fuels and prescribed fire work on Activity
Fuels projects in conjunction with the districts Forestry Staff. In addition, the OS assigns
projects and preparedness duties to meet current wildfire and prescribed fire conditions. The OS
also assists in providing training for Initial Attack Forces, Emergency Firefighters, local
contractors, Natural Resources Department Staff, and other Agency staff. The OS may act as an
Incident commander type VI or III, or Division Supervisor, or Task Force Leader, or Burn Boss
II or I.
Aviation Manager
The Aviation Manager (AM) is responsible for managing an exclusive use helicopter contract as
COR, and all helicopter operations in support of wildland fire, emergencies and resource
management. In addition, the AM supervises the S.E.A.T. Base Manager(s). In addition, the AM
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
53
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
supervises (3) Heli-tack crew personnel in wildland fire suppression and prescribed burning
activities. During emergency or project situations involving more than one helicopter, the AM
coordinates the activities of these aircraft and the assigned Helicopter Managers. The AM is
responsible for all equipment used in helicopter operations including heli-torches, batch plants,
cargo nets, aerial ignition dispensers, flight helmets, and other safety equipment. The DF/FT also
assists in providing training for Initial Attack Forces, Emergency Firefighters, local contractors,
Natural Resources Department Staff, and other Agency staff. The DF/FT may act as an Incident
commander type VI or V, or Task Force Leader, or Single Resource Boss (crew, engine, or
helicopter manager).
Heli-tack Crew (3 Seasonal)
The Heli-tack Crew provides an initial attack force for incidents within the Colville Reservation.
Under the direction of the Helicopter Manager this crew completed all assigned tasks in
accordance with Agency and Department standards.
Supervisory Equipment Operator
The Supervisory Equipment Operator (SEO) is a field supervisor. In addition to operating
assigned equipment as necessary to meet the programs needs, SEO provides supervision to four
seasonal equipment operators. The SEO provides training in the safe operation of equipment and
vehicles assigned to the Fire Management Program.
Equipment Operators (4 Seasonal)
Seasonal equipment operators provide skilled operation of heavy equipment, water tenders, and
Type 4 and larger engines during initial and extended attack operations. They assist in the
maintenance and repairs of all equipment assigned.
District Fire/Fuels Technicians (3 Permanent)
The District Fire/Fuels Technician (DF/FT) is responsible for supervising (3-4) Engine Crews as
well as working with an Equipment Operator and occasionally Brush Disposal Crews. Through
this staff, the DF/FT directs, and manages the initial attack wildland fire suppression efforts on
the District. In addition, the DF/FT plans, and coordinates fuels management and prescribed fire
work on Activity Fuels projects in conjunction with the districts Forestry Staff. In addition, the
DF/FT assigns projects and preparedness duties to meet current wildfire and prescribed fire
conditions coordinating through the Operations Specialist and the Dispatcher. Management
responsibilities include attending District staff meetings, ensuring that time books are correct and
turned in to the Mt. Tolman, making certain that all burn boss reports are completed in a timely
manner and turned in to Mt. Tolman. The DF/FT also assists in providing training for Initial
Attack Forces, Emergency Firefighters, local contractors, Natural Resources Department Staff,
and other Agency staff. The DF/FT may act as an Incident commander type VI or V, or Task
Force Leader, or Single Resource Boss (crew, engine, or helicopter manager), or Ignition
Specialist (I or II), or Burn Boss II.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
54
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
Engine Operators (27 Seasonal)
Seasonal engine crews operate nine 3-person engines, providing a workforce for initial attack
wildland fires and also a prescribed fire work force to construct fire line, act as ignition and
holding crew as needed to complete projects assigned. The crews are composed of a Foreman
and (2) crew persons. The crews are also responsible for the equipment maintenance.
Support Facilities
Equipment
A current inventory of available fire suppression and support equipment, services and
maintenance sources are contained in directories and mobilization plan maintained annually by
the Fire Management Staff and located in the fire Dispatch Office.
Facilities
The fire support program is primarily based at the Mt. Tolman Fire Center located approximately
20 miles northeast of Coulee Dam Washington. Facilities located at the fire center are a 3,600
square foot Fire Office Complex, a 3,000 square foot Fire Training Center, a 7,750 square foot
Fire Warehouse, a XXXX square foot helitack building and a 2,250 square foot Heavy
Equipment Shop. In addition, the Fire Management Office also staffs seven lookout towers
located throughout the Reservation (Omak Mountain, Whitmore Mountain, Keller Butte, Cody
Butte, Gold Mountain, Whitestone, and Johnny George).
Mt. Tolman Fire Center Offices
Housed within the main fire office are the Fire Dispatch Center, Fire Manager’s Office, Assistant
(Logistics) Fire Manager’s Office, Assistant (Fuels/Fire) Fire Manager’s Office, Operations
Specialist Office, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Specialist Office, Supervisory Fuels Technicians Office,
Tribal Cooperative Agreement Office, Fire Prevention Office, Fire Training Office, Aviation
Manager Office, and San Poil District Fire/Fuels Technician Office.
Fire Training Center
The fire-training center at Mt. Tolman has a 1,200 square foot training room, men’s and
women’s lavatories with (3) showers each, a kitchen, a utility room with clothes washing
machine and dryer and two 144 square foot offices. The training center can also be converted
into an expanded dispatch center when the need arises.
Fire Warehouse
The fire warehouse is a 7,750 square foot building equipped as a 200-person fire cache that
services all wildland fire and prescribed fire projects. In addition, a locked storage room and a
small tool maintenance room are also located within the building.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
55
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
Heavy Equipment Shop
The heavy equipment shop is a 2,250 square foot building that has three service bays, an office,
and small parts storage room. The service shop maintains and services light duty equipment
(chainsaws, water pumps, ATV’s, etc.) and heavy rolling stock (dozers, fire engines, tractortrailer trucks, front end loaders, etc.).
DETECTION
Fire Lookouts
Currently, the Mt. Tolman Fire Center staffs 7 lookout towers (Omak Mt., Whitmore Mt., Keller
Butte, Cody Butte, Gold Mt., Whitestone Mt., and Johnny George Mt.) spread across 1.4 million
acres. Five of the towers (Whitestone Mt., Omak Mt., Keller Butte, Gold Mt., and Whitmore
Mt.) provide “live in” accommodations. The remaining two towers (Cody Butte, Johnny
George) have live-in cabins located below each lookout tower. These lookouts are manned as
outlined in the Specific Manning and Action Guide, Section VI. The objective is to have trained
personnel in place that can discover and accurately locate a fire before it is one acre in size.
Aerial
Dependent on the Class of Day and Action Class, fixed wing aircraft will also be used for
detection. Aircraft use will be in accordance with the Aviation Management Plan filed in the
Fire Management Office. The objective is to train and have in place aerial observers that can
discover and accurately locate a fire before it is one acre in size.
COORDINATION AGREEMENTS
In order to facilitate coordination of all pre-suppression, and suppression activities on the
Colville Reservation the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Management has entered into agreements
with five fire districts (Fire Districts 2, 3, 5,7,8) to provide logistical and operational support
during a Wildland Fire.
There is a “Master Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement” between United States Department
of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon and Washington; National Park Service,
Pacific Northwest Region; United states Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific
Northwest and Northern Regions; State of Oregon, Department of Forestry; and State of
Washington, Department of Natural Resources that expands cooperative fire suppression
capabilities. This agreement requires a local operating plan to be developed and updated
between all cooperators annually. A copy of the complete agreement is available for review and
reference at the Fire Dispatch Office. It is recommended that the Fire Management Staff
annually review their cooperative Agreements and annual operating plans to make sure they are
adequately covering areas of potential joint responsibility and cooperation.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
56
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
COOPERATORS
By virtue of their contract/permit with the Colville Tribes, all range permittees and timber
contractors are cooperators. A current listing of cooperators is established each year prior to the
fire season and maintained in the Fire Dispatch Office.
NON-FIRE SUPPORT OVERHEAD
A current up-to-date Red Card directory of personnel is maintained at the Fire Dispatch Office.
This listing can change daily based on availability, changes in qualifications, transfers to and
from, and physical fitness.
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
Training Program
In order to maintain a viable and competent staff of firefighters and support staff the ensuing
guidelines will be followed:
A Fire Training Plan will be developed for all Fire Management and Forestry staff
members or any other Natural Resource Employee interested in participating in
fire management activities.
A Fire Training Specialist will be located in each Reservation District to assist the
Fire Management Office with training plan implementation and coordination.
All Employee Fire Assignment Availability forms will be completed and turned
in and kept on file in the dispatch office by the first Monday of June each year.
The Training Officer or his designee will represent the Fire Program at all Eastern
Washington Training Group Meeting to coordinate.
Assist local Fire Districts with Fire training.
At a minimum will train 300 individuals at various levels of fire course work each
year.
Re-certification coursework will be completed within each district by May 1, of
each year.
All program firefighters will be issued a Red Card upon completion of the
firefighter fitness test (Pack Test). Emergency Firefighters red cards will be
maintained at Mt Tolman Fire Center. Emergency Firefighter qualifications are
tracked in a central database within the IQCS system.
A physical fitness test (Pack Test) will be conducted at least twice a month, from
March through June of each year.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
57
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter V. Preparedness Strategy
Physical Fitness Program
The Colville Agency Fire Management Office recognizes and supports the concept that, fitness
reduces the risk of injury. In order to incorporate this belief into a policy, the following
guidelines will be followed:
Fitness trails will be maintained in each district.
All fire qualified employees will participate and adhere to the National Wildland
Firefighter Medical Policy.
All arduous qualified employees will hike and exercise.
All arduous qualified firefighters will hike and exercise at the beginning of each
day. The only events that would preempt this training program would be injury,
imminent lightning, a wildfire event, or a conflicting work assignment.
List of Unit Personnel and Their Qualifications (current and target qualifications)
Due to the many changes that take place in qualifications and personnel a complete current
listing is prepared annually and maintained in the Fire Dispatch Office.
AIR OPERATIONS
Contract aircraft are involved in nearly all aspects of management on the Colville Reservation.
Primary aviation projects are fire detection and suppression, emergency medical evacuation,
retardant delivery, aerial reconnaissance, transport of fire personnel, search and rescue operations
and directing smoke jumpers. Other possible work includes timber surveys, insect and disease
surveys, game counts, tracking and aerial photography. All aviation activities are conducted in
accordance with the Aviation Management Plan, Colville Indian Reservation. All activities are
cleared through the Agency Aviation Manager (AAM), or his/her authorized designee.
Annually the following air operations items will be reviewed and updated.
Fire qualifications
On-call lists
Rental agreements
Delegation of authority
Contract lists.
Colville Indian Reservation
April 2016
58
Wildland Fire Management Plan
Chapter VI. Mobilization Strategy
CHAPTER VI – MOBILIZATION STRATEGY
DISPATCH HIERARCHY
The three-tier system consists of unit/local Zone and Geographical Area Coordination Center
(GACC), and the National Interagency Fire Coordination center (NIFCC). The unit/local
dispatch center can move any local fire suppression resources from areas adjacent to the unit in
need. GAOCC supplies fire suppression resources from the defined geographic area and place
orders to NIFCC at Boise, Idaho.
The Colville Reservation dispatch center is housed in the Mt. Tolman Fire Center Office. The
dispatch office is equipped with radio/telephone voice communications and computer for
electronic communications. The Fire Dispatch Office will be operational 7 days a week during
normal fire season as defined in the Manning and Specific Action Guide.
It is absolutely necessary that the proper equipment and training be provided that allows
dispatchers to recognize the fire potential and dispatch necessary resources to meet the
suppression objectives. Equipment should include some means of recording requests and action
on requests.
On large or complex incidents Expanded Dispatch will be activated. Expanded Dispatch
functions are overhead/crews, aircraft, equipment/supplies, and intelligence. The volume of
orders and complexity of the incident(s) determine the staffing levels and the degree of expertise
required. A qualified/certified Supervisory Dispatcher will fill the Expanded Dispatch
supervisor position. This position is responsible for filling and supervising the necessary
positions based on the complexity of the situation.
A list of trainees for expanded dispatch is up-dated annually and maintained in the Fire Dispatch
Office.
WEATHER FORECASTS
Regular Forecasts: Weather observations will be entered into the computer system and a normal
forecast retrieved about 1600 PDT during the low level service. During normal level service,
one forecast will be pulled at 0830 PDT and the afternoon forecast at 1630 PDT. The Dispatch
office will make these forecasts available to all fire management personnel via the established
communications system.
Special Forecasts: Requests f
This text is long and has been trimmed here. Open the source document for the complete record.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.