Fire Ecology Annual Report: Calendar Year 2009 [Southern Utah Group]

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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 Zion Fire Effects team experienced a challenging, rewarding, and highly productive year despite staffing changes within Zion Fire Management and a very demanding workload. Not only did the crew have a large number of FMH plots scheduled, but it also needed to sample CBI plots and cheatgrass treatment plots as well. The crew collected data from 81 FMH plots, 75 CBI plots, and 155 other plots for a total of 311 plots in 2009! Part of the team’s success was due the continuity and level of experience within the team. The Fire Ecologist, Lead monitor, and Assistant Lead Monitor were all returning staff, while the two additional crew members had worked in the NPS Fire Effects program in years past. The crew also received assistance from a number of sources: two Northwestern University student interns (7 weeks), two Grand Canyon Fire Effects Monitors (8 days), and a number of other staff at Zion and Bryce Canyon (particularly from the Resources division of each). In addition, crew members improved their botany skills by continuing to piece together a working herbarium complete with 100s of mounted specimens, a digital catalog, printed labels, and proper storage. By making good use of occasional office days during the summer, the crew was also able to complete all FMH data entry & checking by the time the seasonal positions were ending (October). Despite the fact it was a slow fire year nationally, all members of the team were able to participate in fire operations. The team members detailed in with Zion Helitack, the Zion Fire Use Module, Zion Engines, and assisted in a number of capacities on prescribed fires, fire for resource benefit, and wildfires under full suppression. In addition, several team members gained valuable experience acting as resource advisors (READs) and in writing BAER assessments and fire monitoring reports. The crew received performance awards for their outstanding work and several of the team members were included in a special group award for “achievement in restoring fire-adapted communities.” Individuals also received high marks from their detail supervisors during fire assignments and were able to complete HECM and FEMO taskbooks, while adding experience to new taskbooks.

Fire Ecology Annual Report: Calendar Year 2009 [Southern Utah Group]

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