Northeast Region, Fire Ecology Annual Report: 2010

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A summary of fire ecology activities and program information for the Park/network including fire effects plot workload, staffing, management objectives and monitoring results, and planning, fire monitoring, communications, and research. Also included are staff accomplishments/areas of focus, future program direction and other optional information (e.g. data analysis graphics or presentations, annual highlights, publications, program challenges, unique solutions to problems, collaboration, photographs of monitoring/fire activities, and suggestions on FFI). The fire ecology program continued to integrate with the Natural and Cultural Resources Division through collaboration on several projects. They worked jointly to define management and strategic objectives to facilitate the recently implemented Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS). WFDSS is the newest generation electronic software tool used to assist decision making in managing wildland fires. A Resource Advisor (READ) training class is planned in the park April 26-28th 2011 of this year. This is a great opportunity to bring a traditionally taught Western course to the Northeast. Significant progress was made in efforts to define desired future conditions for fire dependent ecosystems within the park. Meetings were held in 2010, with a facilitator contracted from Pennsylvania State University, with the project to be completed in April 0f 2011. The resulting product will serve as the foundation for the parks prescribed fire program and ensure that fire management activities are informed and supported by the best available scientific information. This will promote future projects being planned and implemented in areas of the park that will benefit the most. Working in conjunction with area Fire Learning Networks (FLNs) and the Consortium of Appalachian Fire Managers (CAFMS) has greatly improved and lent credibility to this endeavor. In the spring, Tyler Schmitt was hired into the lead fire effects monitor position. Tyler worked as a seasonal technician last year and brings to the program extensive experience in fire effects and vegetation monitoring from numerous National Park service units. Lisa Loncar was hired into the newly established assistant lead fire effects monitor position this year as well. Unfortunately, she left the position to pursue another job closer to family. Non-the less, the fire effects monitoring crew had a notably successful year, measuring over 110 monitoring plots during the field season at eight National Parks units throughout the Northeast.

Northeast Region, Fire Ecology Annual Report: 2010

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