• BOMRA.Y HOOK NATIONAL ;m:..DLIFE REFUGF.

Smyrn~, Delaware

FIRF. MA.NAG™ENT PI.ll.N

Approvals: _____________ n.,, Lu:

_____________ Date: ______ _

_____________ Date: ______ _

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BOMBAY HOOK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

FIRE MANAGF)IBITT PLAN

TABLE OF COm'ENI'S

T. Current Situation

TI. Prescribed Burning A. Current and planned use B. Purpose of prescribed burning c. Identification o! fire management units

1. Tidal marsh :fire management units 2. Impoundment fire management units :,. Field/Woodland :tire management units

D. Land use/habitat objectives of fire management E. Constraints of prescribed burning F. Alternatives to prescribed burning

1. No action 2. Mechanical manipulation 3. Chemical control 4. Extensive grazing 5. Floorling

G. Fire management evaluation H. Fire prescriptions

1. Fire Prescription for Woodla.nd Habitat 2. Fire Prescription for Grassland/Brush Habitat 3. Fire Prescription for Tidal Marsh Habitat 4. Fire Prescription for Dikes

I. Annual Prescribed Burn Plan

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1 1 2 2 1. 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8

TII. Wildfire 17 A. Background Information on Fire 17

1. Physical features, habitat, weather, and topoeraphy 17 influence on fire

:>. Local attitudes town.rd fire 17 3. Wildfire History 17

a. Review of wildfire occurrence 17 b. Fire seasons 1~ c. State imposed burning ban 1~ d. Fire danger indices 1~

4. Socio-economic considerations 19 B .. Land use and habitat management decisions 19 c. Fire suppression decisions ~O

1. Fire suppression methods 20 2. Restrictions to fire suppression 20 3. Modified suppression areas /0

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Table or Contents (Con't)

a. Objectives of modified suppresnion b. Area descriptions c. Past fire behavior d. Risks involved e. Enviromnental conditions f. Suppression techniques to be used g. Smoke management h. Legal or physical constraints i. Adjacent ownerships J. Cooperative agreements k. Emergency contingency plans 1. Public infonnation actions

D. Fire damage potential 1. Fuel types and fire damage potential 2 •. Fuel types and rate of spread 3. Fire Severity Index

E. Refuge fire consequence rating F. Suppression

1. Low consequence Refuge a. Fire Dispatch Plan b. Refuge manpower and equipment available c. Cooperator manpower and equipment available

G. Rehabilitation 1. Low conseriuence Refuge

Map I. Fire Managoment Units Mn.p II. F'1 r<' Sevei·1.ty Tnrh•x

Sxhibits

Exhibit I Exhibit II Exhibit III F.xhibit IV :~ibit V ~,xhibit VI Rxhibit VII

Fire Prescription for Woodland Habit~t Fire Prescription for Grassland/Brush Habitat Fire Prescription for Tidal Marsh Habitat Fire P~scription for Dikes Review of Wildfire Occurrence Cooperative Agreement with Leipsic Vol. Fire Cov Fir~ Dispatch Plan

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BCMBAY HOOK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

• FIRE MANAG™ENT PLAN

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I. Current Situation

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 primarily to preserve coastal wetlands for waterfowl habitat. The refuge is located on the west shore of the Delaware Bay, 10 miles northeMt of Dover, Delaware. The refuge contains 15,099 acres and :f.ncludl:"s 1?,?0() acres of tidal salt marsh, 1,200 acres of impoundments and associatP,d brackish marsh, 1,000 acres of croplands, 450 acres of woodlands, and 250 aores of grasslands and brush. Bombay Hook is managed primarily to provide resting and feeding habitat tor migratory birds. Habitat rl1ver­sity is maintained to provide a variety of native plants and anim~ls. Fire management ie a.n economical a.nd eff'eotive tool that uses natur13.l phenomena to maintain diversity of habitat types.

Annual precipitation averages 42.3 inches with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid with average tP.mpP,r~­tures in the mid 70's with occasional 90° + days. Winters are mild with average December to March temperatures of around 35° - 38° F. Freeze-up of the marshes is irregular, occurring in January and February for a maximum of 2-4 weeks. Winds of 10-15 mQp.h. are common in the spring, prevailing from the northwest and southwest. Severe northea~t storms occur infrequently •

Soil types vary from marine tidal marsh to a variety of sandy loams on the upland. The marsh soils have large quantities of orgnn:ic matter w1 th peats vary1nr: in depth from a few inches to several feet.

Prescribed burning is conducted to manipulate habitat for optimal man11ee­ment objectives. The ;,tate of' Delaware Department of Nn.tural ReRow0 ces must approve all prescribed burning a.ctivities. All other management constraints are dependent upon weather, hahitat conditions, and available ma.npower.

Wildfires have occured in the past, however no resource damage or ;ieroonal injl.U'j.es have resulted. The majority of wJldfires were ca 1 .1~"'~(l 1".Y c:11·(!­

lessness, negligence or were intentional.

TT. Prescribed Burning

A. Current and Planned Use

The current and planned use of prescribed burning is to manipulate natural habitat oonditiona for the accomplishment of specific m~nage­ment objectives. Bombay Hook's 12,200 acres of tidal marsh is the largest pristine marsh remaining in Delaware that has not been grid­ditohed tor mosquito controlo Marsh burning ie recognized as the most effective method to maintain pristine marsh conditions. 'T'he

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refuge marsh provides a natural teeding area tor a wintering pop­ulation of up to 50,000 snow geese. Marsh burning provides access

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to marsh plants by geese, improves plant vigor and controls encroach­ing brush. Prescribe burning is also conducted along impoundment peripheries, dikes, fields, and woodland areas.

Purpose of Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burning is used to obtain several objectives:

1. To control encroacrunent of brush into marshlands. 2. To control encroachment of brush into grasslands. 3. To reduce fuel accumulation. of vegetative duf'.t' litter. 4. To maintain a diversity of habitat types. 5. To reduce machanical management (mowing) thus re<lucinz

costs associated with manipulative practices. 6. To maintain dense nesting cover habitat. 7. To reduce chemical spraying as a management tool in

removing undesirable vegetation. A. To improve access to marsh plants for grazing geese

by removing accumulated wrack and vegetative litter. 9. To maintain habitat in an early vegetational succession

stage. 10. To improve visitor observation along the public tour

route by burning tall dense vegetation along the impo,md­ment dikes.

11. To maintain pristine marsh conditions. 12. To improve plant vigor.

c. Identification ot Fire Management Units

There arc 18 fire management 'lmits, see Map I. Ten units (A,B,c, D,E,F,G,H,I,M) are located in tidal marsh, four units (K,L,N,P) are managed impoundment areas, a.nd four units (J,O,Q,R) are fields/ woodland areas.,

Fire Management Units

A. Air Force Tract Unit B. Kelly Island Unit c. Kent Island Unit D. Green Creek Unit E. Bombay Hook Tsland Unit F o Weir Gut Unit o. Leipsic River Unit H. Ragged Island Unit I. Needham's Island Unit J., Boat House Unit K. Raymond Pool Unit

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fire Managcm~nt Units

Air Force Tract Unit Kelly Island Unit lL

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E. F, G, H. 1. J. K. L. H.

Kettt Island Unit Green Creek Unit Bombay Hook Island Unit Wt•ir Gut Unit L~ipsic River Unit Ragged Island Unit Necdha11'• llland Unit Boat Hou•• Unit Raymond Pool Unit Shearneaa Pool Unit Money Marsh Unit

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Bear Swamp Unit Dutch Neck South Unit Finis Pool Unit

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P. Q. R.

Dutch Neck North Unit Fishc1 Tract Unit

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FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES ANO WILOL IH

01VJS1('~ ~ I l t-.(;11'.,([RING

BOMBAY HOOK NATIONAL

Kllil COUN1¥,

WILOL IFE REFUGE

OPERATING MAP ,J.tf;C,t\-',."f !.fJl<YI Y((l

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AUGUST I~. 1966 !IR· D!

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Frulond ( ·· Beach

Bombay Hook Point

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L. Sheamess Pool Unit M. Money Marsh Unit N. Bear Swamp Unit o. Dutch Neck South Unit P. Finis Pool Unit Q. Dutch Neck North Unit R. Fisher Tract Unit

Tidal Marsh Fire Management Uni ts

Tidal marsh management units represent 81% of total refuge acreage. Marsh habit~t is the most important resource on the refuge and it is the largest pristine marsh area remain-ing in Delaware. The ten tidal marsh units contain 12,200 acres of salt tolerant vegetative species and primarily in­clude: cord grass (Spartina altemiflora), salt marsh hay (S. patens), spike grass {Distichlis apicata), htgh ~ide hunh (Iva frutescens), groundsel bush (Baccharis 'ha.llrnifoUa) an,J giant reeds {Phragmitcs conmunis). The marsh grassef': ~~re preferred foods of many waterfowl species. The snow goof1s ::n particular feeds on the underground rhizomes of the marsh grasses. Continuous feeding by snow geese in the same marsh areas year after year results in mud nat areas that are ,,oid of vegetation - termed eat-outs. Prescribed burning of the marsh for the benefit of snow geese is an effective management tool. Marsh areas that are burned attract grazing snow geese. Therefore snow geese can be moved to specific marsh areas, which will allow heavily grazed eat-out areas to rcvegetate. Burning removes the accumulated vegetative litter, promotes plant vigor and .controls encroachment of brush.

Impoundment Fire Management Units

There are four managed impoundments on Banbay Hook that have an extensive dike system with water control structures, and sur­romding grassland and woodland habitat. The impoundments arP. intensively managed to control water levels and vegetative com­posjtion. Management objectives focus on manipulating the impoundment units to provide optimum wildlife habitat~ Tens of thousands of waterfowl utilize the impoundments during fall, winter and spring., The impoundments provide the primary food supply (fish) for a resident pair of bald eagles. The eagles nest in the woodland habitat surrounding the impoundments. The dike system 13 also a public tour route and provides wildla.nd and wildlife observations for approximately 40,000 visitors nnnuallyQ

Field/Woodland Fire Management Units

There are four field/woodland fire management units. These units are less intensively managed than other units, however they pro­vide a diversity of wildlife habitat. The fields include 1,000

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acres of croplands ( corn with winter wheat as a cov(~r crop) and small scattered tracts of grasslands and brush. WoncUrtnds border these fields and primarily contain mixed stands of hnrdwoorfo.

D. Land Use/Habitat Objectives of Fire Management

Prescribed burning is an economical and effective m~thorl o.:. rr!i' r'., -:.:riri: uplamfa, brush, woodlands and marsh. Rotational hurnin[: of ~r<j3:-;1~,ndr, is used to prevent encroachment of b!'USh and to maintain rfon3r· nesti.ng habitat. Fire also helps maintain brush areas in a succensi onri.l fltai:;e that is beneficial to a variety of wildlife. In woodlands, fire pre­vents litter accumulation and maintains the understory.

Burning is a valuable tool in preventing encroachment of brush -especially high tide bush and myrtle - into the marsh areas. Burning also reduces litter acoumulation in dense phragmites stand~.

Burning in the tidal marsh reduces the vegetative mat thus improving access by grazing geese. Snow geese have decimated some marsh arP-~a and created extensive mud flats where cord.grass once .:f'lurished. An estimated 500 acres of eat-outs have occurred~ Snow geese cause the damage due to their habit of feeding on the underground rhizome3 of the plant. Prescribed burning of the marsh is a proven management tool in attracting snow geese. Marsh areas t~at are distant from the eat-out areas are burned, to attract snow geese to these areas. The result is that the geese have the same preferred foorls in abund­ance and with easier access; and the eat-out areas will be given a rest period from grazing impacts, hopefully to revegetate eat-out mud flat nreas.

;;:. Constralnts of Prescriber! Burning

',,!ind speed is the most critical element when burning so that proposeJ. objectives of the burn are achieved. Winds should be greater than 5 m.p.,h. but not more than 20 m.p.h. Wind direction should be examined on each day of burning so that objectives of that particular burn unit will be achieved. Required wind direction in the fire management units is unspecific due to the vast open area involve~.

Water level conditions must be considered prior to burning~ Jn units where tidal flooding occurs, burning should be planned during low tidal amplitude to allow the burn to cover a greater areR.

Control lines (tire lanes or fire breaks) are required !or each unit prior to burning. Fire breaks may be natural boundaries such as roads, creeks, tidal guts, water, etc. Fire lanes are cleared lanes in forest areas, brushy areas, or graaslandso Each unit's control line must be checked prior to treatment on the day of the burn. Control lines should subdivide large areas into logical 1-day burning jobso Dense timber stands or heavy fuel pockets should not be near control linenw

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An Open Burning Pennit must be reoeived trom the State o! D"laware, Department ot Natural Resouroea and Environmental Control, Air Resources Section, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware prior to pre­scribed burning operations being conducted on Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Burning must be conducted tmder the guidelines of the permit. 'Ihe C0tmty Fire Call Board must be notified prior to initiating each burning operation: Kent County: 911.

Controlled burning can only be conducted during October 1 - March 31 during the hours of 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., and from April 1 - September 30 during the hours ot 8100 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

F. Alternatives to Prescribed Burnipe;

1. No Action

Under a no management policy, normal vegetative succeseional patterns will continue. Brush would continue to invade wetlands and grasslands. This would result in the loss of nesting habitat for waterfowl and other species, and would result in a deterioration of' the impoundments peripheral habitat. Duft litter and accunul.ated fuels would continue to build up creating a serious fire potential which could cause hab­itat damage. Marsh eat-outs by snow geese would continue, creating extensive mud fiats (which are non-productive) and causing a loss o! marsh vegetation and a lowering of the marsh area •

2. Mechanical Manipulation ,

Mechanical manipulation is possible only in dry areas accessible to trac~ors. Areas of dense brush could be removed with a bulldozero '!his type of' operation is not cost effective and would require considerable energy consumption. This method would not be applic­able to wetlands.

3. Chemical Control

Herbicides have effectively proven themselves in the control of vegetation. The use of organophosphates has also reduced th£~ toxicity levels that remain in the environment~ Chemical controls are appropriate tor certain undesirable species (Johnsongrass, thistle, and Phragmites) and will continue to be used aa approvals and funds are available. However, a chemical control program can­not be conducted over an extensive area because it is cost prohib­itive (e.g. Rodeo is presently $S:,.00/gallon). In addition a chem­ical control program would not produce the etfects that a burning Prc>Bl"&m produces, that ia, removal ot vegetative litter buildup. Chemical control would only add to the litter accumulation.

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4. Extensive Grazirns

Vegetation control, to an extent, can be accomplished by extensive grazing. The introduction of goats or cattle on refuge lands to eliminate vegetation would require extensive fencing in the areas where vegetation consumption is required 0

Extensive manpower would be involved and the problems associated with escaped animals could be significant. It would also take years to Rccomplish the desired effect.

An increase in the deer herd would accomplish only rrinirnal resul tn for veeetation control been.use of the selE:~ Live rl i 1.; t of thtise animals. It is therefore considered unrcasonabJ '.; to a.ttempt vec;etation maniplilation at the level c1esi re,:; b;,• extensive grazing efforts.

5. Flooding

Flooding of the refuge could no:t be achieved without Berious destruction of habitat. Flooding is not considered feasible for vegetation manipulation on the ret'uge.

Fire Management Evaluation

The burn is evaluated to determine its effectiveness in meeting pre­scribed objectives and to gain information to be used in future plan-ning. Evaluation of each burn will consider: 1) Was prcburn preparation adequate? 2) Were objectives met? 3) Did the burn adhere to the plan? 4) Were conditions o! weather, fuel conditions and fire behavio!' wlthin planned ·limits? 5) What were the environmental effects on soil vegeta­tion and wild.f'ire? 6) Was the fire con.fined to area; any eacape? 7) W;i:, burning technique correct? 8) Were costs comparable with benefits derived?

Fire management evaluation within the tidal marsh areas will focun on the success or the bum to attraot,snow goose feeding. Changes in vegetative types and brush control will also be evaluated in the burn areas.,

Evaluation of burn:5.ng tho manai:;ed impoundment units will foc,.w on the success of fire to remove encroaching brush and accumulated duff litter; and improvement of visitor observation opportunities (by rel'!lov,1.1 of tall dense vegetation) along the public tour route.

The field/woodland fire management units will be evaluated according to the success in removal of ,veeds, brush, and duff littero

H. Fire Prescri:ptions

Fire prescriptions are npecified for individual habitat types within the fire management units. The habitat types to be treated riro: 1) woodlands; 2) grasslands/brush areas; 3) tidal marsh; 4) dih.es.

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1 • Woodlands

The 1~50 acres of woodlands contains 'Wl.even aeeu stands of mixed hardwoods (white oak, pin oak, red oak, tulip poplar, maple and hickory) with individual scattered evergreens (cedar, holly, pine). The woodland areas would be burned only when management objectives require it. At present there are no objectives to be met which require burning in woodland areas. :Exhibit I details prescr·iption conditions for burning woodlands.

2. Grasslands/Brush Areas

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There are 250 acres of grassland and brush areas on the refuge. The grasslands and brush areas (30 acres) located along the impo'Wl.dment peripheries will be burned annually. Drainage ditches (5 acres) that border the fields will be burned annually. other grassland and brush areas (210 acres) will be burned on a 2 year rotational cyole with 105 aores burned annually. Exhibit II details prescrip­tion conditions for burning grass and brush areas.

Tidal Marsh

The 12,200 acres of tidal marsh is scheduled for a 3 year rotational burn cycle with approximately 4,050 acres to be burned annually. The annual burning program will include various scattered units through­out the tidal marsh areas which will also allow snow goose grazing to bo distributed. Exhibit III details prescription conditions for burning tidal marsh areasu

Dikea

There are approximately~ miles (25 acres) of dikes along the 4 impoundments. The dikes are scheduled to be burned annually.

I. Annual Burn Plans

Annual prescribed burn plans will be filed with submission of AWPA, aa needed. The annual prescribed burn plan details treatment specif­ications required tor the 18 fire management units.

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Exhibit I. Fire Prescription tor Woodland Habitat

1. Treatment specifioations

a. Desired accomplishment

The objectives of prescribed fire in the woodlands are: 1) to reduce fuel accumulation ot vegetative duff litter; 2) to oontrol encroachment of brushJ 3) to maintain under­story habitat in an early auccessional stage; 4) to improve wildlife access within this habitat; 5) to maintain a div­ersity ot plant speoies.

b. Desired fire behavior

The desired fire behavior within the woodlands areas should have a low rate of spread with a moderate intensity to ad­equately remove duff litter and to destroy encroaching brush species. The name should range 2 - 10 feet in height, with a 2 - 5 feet height most desirable. Flame length should not exceed one-fourth the length ot the tmit.

c. F.nvironmental conditions

Fuel moisture should range between 20% - 50% to facilitate a satisfactory bum without causing damage to the hard­wood forest. Wind speed should exceed 5 mep.h. but less than 20 m.p.ho, a 10 - 13 m.p.h. wind is ideal. Optimal wind direction would be westerly, however any wind direc­tion should accomplish obJeotives and be controlled. Soil moisture will be high (50% - 75%) due to the water table, but the soil should not have extensive puddles of water. A temperature of 20• - 4o• F. is preferredQ

2. Treatment Strategy

a. Prebum preparation

Control lines (fire lanes or fire breaks) must be established arowid eaoh burn unit. Complete on-site inspection of respec­tive lines must be conducted on date of (and prior to) igni­tion. Control lines should be a minimum 1 O feet wide ..

b. Ignition Technique

A low intensity backfire will be used to establish all cri­tical control lines. A baokf'ire will also be used in under­story habitat where wind speed allows a low rate of spread

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with R moderate intensity flame. A hen,] flc0 v.rill .. ,e u::r:11 in hen.vy hrush a r..,a s, and when low wind opE,c~d r1 r;,.:s , 10+,

allow a backfire to obtain moderate intensity f1r:t-:r<1.: which prevents accomplishment of objectives.

c. Ign:ition mi~thodn

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All ignitions will be conducted with a hand-held drip torch. Individual firefighters will be designated "Torchers" and will be tho only personnel to conduct ign:i.tions.

d. Firing Sequence

The Fire Boss will command the sequence of ignitions. Critical control lines will be igneted initially, with the most critical line ienited first. Critical fire lines are any fire lanes or fire breaks where there is concern that the fire could escape control or could jump the established control line. A backfire •trlll be used to establish a blackened control line at fire lanes and breaks. After all blackened control lineH are established remaining portions of the unit will be ignited. Backfires and/or head tires will be ignitod to accomplish specific objectives, upon consideration of the local conditionso

3. Preburn Monitoring

General veget3.tional characteristics will be documented prior to each burn. In special circumstances, transects may be establi8hcd to determine vegctational change after th~ burn •

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Exhibit II. Fire Prescription for Grasslands/Brush Habitat

1. Treatment specifications

a. Desired aocompljshment

'!be objectives ot prescribed fire in the grasslands/brush areaa are: 1) to control encroachment of brush; 2) to maintain habitat 1n an early successional stage; 3) to reduce fuel accumulation ot dutt litter; 4) to reduce mechanical and ohemioal manipulation; 5) to improve plant vigor, 6) to maintain a diversity of habitat types; 7) to reduce ohemioal spraying for removal of' undersirable vegetation.

b. Desired fire behavior

The desired tire behavior is to have a low to moderate rate of flame spread with a moderate intensity. The flame height should range between 2 - 10 feet, with a 2.- 5 feet height most desired. Flame length should not exceed one-halt the length of the unit •

c. Environmental oonditione

Fuel moisture should range between 20% - 50%. Wind speed should range between 5 - 20 m.p .. h. with a 10 -13 m.p.h., wind most desirable. Wind direction is pre­ferred to be westerly, but may be southerly, northerly, or easterly. Soil moisture will be high (50% - 75%) due to the water table, but there should not be extensive puddles of water. A temperature of 20° - 40° F. is pre­ferred.

2. Treatment Strategy

a. Preburn preparation

Control lines must be established arotmd eaoh burn unit. Complete on-site inspection of control lines must be conducted prior to ignition. Control lines should be a mininn.ma 10 feet wide •

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b. Ignition technique

A low intensity backfire will be used to establish all critical control lines. A backfire will also be used in areas where wind speed allows a low rate of name spread with a moderate intensity flame. A head fire will be used in heavy brush areas, and when low wind speed does not allow a backfire to obtain a moderate intensity flame.

c. Ignition methods

d.

All ignitions will be conducted w:ith a hand-hel<i drip torch. Individual firefighters will be designated '.'l..S

''Torchers" and will be the only personnel to conduct ignitions.

Firing sequence

The Pire Boss will comnand the sequence or ignitions. Critical control lines will be ignited initially, with the most critical line ignited first. Critical fire lines are any fire lanes or fire breaks where there is oonoem that the tire could esoape control or could jump the established control line. A backfire will be used to establish a blackened control line at fire lanes and breaks. After all blackened control lines are established remaining portions of the unit Will be ignited,. Backfires and/or head fires will be ignited to accomplish specific objectives, upon consideration of the local conditions.

3. Preburn monitoring

General vegetational characteristics will be docl.mlented prior to each bum. Tn special circumstances transects may be estab­lished to determine vegetational change after the burn •

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Exhibit III. Fire Prescription for Tidal Marsh Habitat

1. Treatment Specifications

a. Desired accomplishment

The objectives of pre3cribed fire in the tidal marsh areas are: 1) to remove accumulated vegetative litter; 2) to improve access to marsh plants for grazing ge0s~; 3) to improve plant vigor; 4) to control encroachment of brush into marshlands; 5) to maintain dense nestir.ie cover; 6) to attract snow geese to marsh areas that have not been grazed heavily, eo that eat,-out mudflats will have a period of vegetational recovery.

b. Desired fire behavior

The desired fire behavior within the t:idal mar:'h nrcas should h~ve n. low to moderate rat8 of fl~me c~r~e:d with :1. '!'noderate intensity~ The flame should ranee? - 1:; feet ln heieht, with 2 - 0 foot height most 1leriiru.hlr~. Ti'lA.m(;) length should not exceed one-half the lcni;-1~1, of the u:--,i t.

c. F.nv l 1·onmi.:n L.:il condi tlon;J

Fuel moistur·8 will range between 25% - :;01, d11u to "':,he tidnl cycles, burning ~hould be concl1..ictc11 at 1 o,: tl,l.,;. Soil moisture will be 100%. Wind speed n11ould r·aiir.;c between 5 - 20 m.,p.h., a 10 - 13 m.p.h. winci is moot desirable. A westerly wind direction fo most tle:.:d1·nble, however any wind direction would accomplioh objectives without complioationso A temperature of 30° - 45° Fu is preferred.

2. Treatment Strategy

a. Proburn preparation

Control lines must be established aro,md each burn u."1.it. Complete on-site inspection of control lines 11TUBt be conducted prior to ignition. Control lines should be a minimum 10 feet wide.

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b. Igpit:1.on technique

A low intensity backfire will be used to establish all critical control lines. A backfire will also be uned in areas where wind speed allowa a low ra.te of flame spread with a moderate intensity flame. A head fire will oe used in heavy brush areas; and when low wind spe~d does not allow a backfire to obtain a moderate intensity flame.

c. Ignition methods

All igni tiono will be conducted with a hand-held rfri11 torch. Individual firefighters will be designated as "Torchers" and will be the only personnel to conduct ignition.

d. Firing sequence

The Fire Boss will command the sequence of ignitions. Critical control lines will be ignited initially, with the most critical line ignited !irst. Critical fire lines are any fire lanes or fire breaks where there is concern that the fire could escape control or could jump the established control line. A backfire will be \Wed to establish a blackoned control line at fir0

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lanes and breaks. After all blackened control lines are established remaining portions of the unit will be ignited. Rack.fires and/or head fires will bo ignit(id Lo accomplish spe.:!ific objectives, upon consideration of the loc~J. co:iditinnso

3. Pre'hurn monitor.i&

Clererri1 vegct.ntional charac~eri8ticr; will 1-:,c do::urt: r:l.cd ;1!'·i,'>r to each bu'>"!lo Tn special cii·cumstanccs tn1::;31,c L, mc,:,r ,-, ~ r0 st?.1>­lished to determine vegetational change after the bui':1.

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Exhibit rv. Fire Prescription for Dikes

1. Treatment specifications

a. Desired accomplishment

The objectives of prescribed fire along the dikes a::ce: 1) to control brush; 2) to reduce vegetative litter; 3) to improve visitor observation along the tour route by burning tall dense vegetation; 4) to remove dead phrag­mites canes for a herbicide spraying program; 5) to re­duce mechanical mowing of vegetation; 6) to improve plant (grass) vigor.

b. Desired fire behavior

The desired fire behavior along the dikes should have a low rate of spread with a moderate intensity. The flame should range 2 - 15 feet in height, with a 2 - 8 feet height most desirable. Flame length should not exceed one-half' the length of the 1.lllit •

c. Environmental conditions

Fuel moisture should range between 20% - 50%. Wind speed should range between 5 - 20 m.p.h. with a 10 - 13 m.pQh. most desirable. Wind direction is preferred to be westerly, but may be southerly, northernly or easterly. Soil moisture will be high (50% - 75%) due to the water table, but there should not be extensive puddles of water. A temperature of 20° - 40° F. is preferred.

2. Treatment Strategy

a. Preburn preparation

Control lines must be established around each dilte. Com­plete on-site inspection of control lines must be made prior to ignition. Control lines should be a minimum 1 O feet wide.

b. Ignition technique

A low intensity baokf'ire will be used to establish all cri­tical control lines. A baoktire will also be used in areas e where wind speed allows a low rate of flame spread with a

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moderate intensity flame. A head fire will be used in heavy brush areas; and when low wind speed does not allow a backfire to obtain a moderate intensity flameu

c. Ignition methods

All ignitions will be conducted with a hand-held dI'ip torch. Individual firefighters will be designated as '"l'orchers" and will be the only personnel to conduct ignitions.

d. Firing Sequence

The Fire Boss will comnand the sequence of ignitions. Critical control lines will be ignited initially, with the most critical line ignited first. Critical fire lines are any tire lanes or fire breaks where there is concern that the f'ire could escape control or could jump the established control line. A backfire will be used to establish a blackened control line at tire lanes and brea.k.e o After all blackened control lines are established remaining portions of the unit will be ignited. Backfires and/or head fires will be ignited to accomplish specific objectives upon consideration fo the local conditions.

3. Preburn monitoring

General vegetational characteristics will be documented prior to each burn. In special circmistances transecto may be estab­lished to determine vegetational change after th8 burnw

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III. Wildfire

A. Background Information on Fire

1. Physical Features, Habitat, Weather and Topography Influence on Fire

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge contains 12,200 acres of tidal marsh. This marsh is open tlat habitat and does not border private property without a water boundary in between. The likelihood of a fire escaping this marsh and destroying private property is very minimal. The remaining refuge acreage is interspersed with four impoundments, 10 miles of gravel road, agricultural fields and approximately 450 acres of woodlandso It would take an unlikely set of circumstances for fire to pose any threat on Bombay Hook Refuge.

2. Local Attitudes Toward Fire

Controlled burning by locals was used extensively up until the 196o•s in conjunction with salt hay fanning and trapping operations. Thou­sa.nds of acres of marsh were burned in the spring on an annual basis. 'rhe burning encouraged new growth and removed the litter accumulation for increased plant vigor. Trappers burned the marsh for improved access.

Burning is a recognized management tool in this areav Many local marsh owners still burn their marshes primarily to stimulate cord.­grass growth and improve conditions for muslcrat~ The Dela.ware Department of Natural Resources Woodland Beach Wildlife Management Are~ (located 2 miles north of the refuge) prescribe burns several hundred acres of marsh annually.

Refuge personnel prescribe burned thousands of acres of tidal marsh during the 1940's and 1950's .. As much as 9,000 acres of marsh were burned annually., Objectives were to remove vegetat:fve litter acctnn­ulation, increase plant vigor and provide improved acceas for snow goose grazing.

:,. Wildfire History

a. Review of Wildfire Occurenoe

Most wildfires that have occurred on Bombay Hook were the result of negligence, carelessness or were set intentionally, see Exhibit v. There has been no damage to habitat or facilities reported in any of these fires. It was reported that fire actually improved the ma.rah habitat. Eighty-five per cent of all fires over the last 25 years occurred during February - May .. This is the same time period that traditional burning occurred by trappers and salt hay fanning operations. Seventy percent of all wildfires that have occurred were a result of negligence, intention, or carelessness.

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Exhibit v.

Review of Wildfire Ooourrenoe on Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

~ Acres Habitat Location Ca.use

-iaroh 1977 300 Salt marsh Bombay Hook Island Negligence/intentional

¾b. 1976 50 Woodland/grass Air Force Tract Negligence/intentional

'lee. 1976 6 Corn stubble Fisher Tract Carelessness - hunter dropped a match

\.pril 1974 Boo Salt marsh Bombay Hook Island Carelessness - stranded fisherman set signal fir

"1a.y 1965 1750 Salt marsh Bombay Hook Island Intentional

• 19611 35 Salt marsh Bombay Hook Island Spread from adjoining private dump

•'eb. 1959 Unknown Salt marsh North Boundary Spread from adjoin1n.e private marsh being burned hy trappers

B.

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b. Fire Seasons

The period from May through September has hsitorically been the highest fire danger oeason in Delaware. Periods of drought during these months creates the greatest fire hazards. The Refuge fire season extends February - Mayo During this period the marsh grasses are dry and the likelihood of fire is much greater, due to habitat conditions and the carelessness o! local attitudes towards marsh burning. An additional fire season of July - September could occur if drought conditions caused the corn crop to wither and dry out.

o. State Imposed Burnine; Ban

During drought conditions the State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control designates periods in which a complete ban on open burning is imposed. Current permits restrict open burning from April 1 - September 30.

d. Fire Danger Indices

Although drought conditions throughout the State of Delaware may impose open burning restrictions and create severe fire hazards, the potential. for damage to the Refuge remains slight. All building facilities are located in the open ann could he protected without special equipment neededu The most SP.Vere damage that could occur would be destruction of the woodlands.

4. Sonio-Economic Considerations

Economic uses on the refuge are limited to cooperativ0 f'arminr; a.nd muskrat trapping. All permittee acreage is planted in corn. It is estimated that the four permittee farmers realize an estimated profit of $9lJ per acre on 585 acres for a total profit of $54,990. Six muskrat trappers grossed about $8.225 during the 1982-83 season.

Prescrib~ burning or the marsh would improve muskrat habitat which would accomodate a larger muskrat population. Muskrat trappers would directly benefit by having greater opportunities to harvest muskrats. An uncontrolled wildfire within the refuge upland areas would cause little socio-economic impact, resulting only in possible loss of agriculture crops to cooperative farmers.

1,and lJso and Habitat Management Decisions

Wildfires were a more serious problem in the past when locals burned their salt hay marshes without controlling the burn. Wildf'ire could become more serious in the future as new habitat management programs are introduced, and public use programs are expanded., Arson could become n new factor in wildfire ignition, and prescribed firos could occasionally escape control~ Fire suppression strategy will need to anticipate and deal with these new problems as they arise.

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c. Fire Suppression Decisions

1. Fi.re Supression Methods

2.

3.

Standard fire suppression methods for wildfire within the refuge interior include initial attack with the 100 gallon pumper nnd dispatch of three personnel to the fireQ Central Alarm (911) is contacted for assistance from the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company. If the fire cannot be controlled, fire lanes or fire breaks ~Till be established and back fires will be ignited to protect refuge lands, facilities or adjoining private property. Additional local volunteer fire companies will be contacted for assiotance if a wildfire continues despite these efforts. It is unlikely that any wildfire could burn so extensive that the Boise Interagency Fire Control would have to be contacted (by the Regional Fire Coordinator). Woodlands are not extensive and individual wooa­land areas are separated by extensive agricultural fields, bodies of water, roads or other natural fire breakso

Restrictions to Fire Suppression

In the event a wildfire ocours in the tidal marsh area, modified suppNssion actions will be utilized. The wildfire will be mon-i torcd closely and allowed to burn. The entire tidal marsh area is inclurled in the Annual Prescribed Burn Planv If a wildfire threatens any adjoining private land, then backfires will be ignited at natural fire breaks to prevent a headfire from spott:!.ng across the fire break. Other types of fire suppression in the tidal mar3h are extremely difficult. Access to the tidal marsh croa13 :is by small bent only. Weather conditions and tid11.l amplitude often prevent boat acccst.1 to maro'h areas. Iu addition there Jn i :r., r i rr_o :,11...,pre:::,1i en e(!ui.pment available in the local area that can ero:J:j ·!;hu r::.c,rsh mud.

Modified Suppression ArPas

Modified fire suppression actions will be conducten on all of the tidal marsh manaeement unitsv

a.. Ob,lectives for modified suppression areas

A1l units Within the tidal marsh area have similar objectives; 1) to reduce vegetative litter accumulation; 2) to improve plant vigor, and t~.3) improve access to preferred marsh plants by grazing snow geese.

b. Area description

All units (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,M) consist of tidal marsh and are identified on Map I.

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o. Past fire behavior

Seventy-one percent of all wildfires that have occurred on Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge were located in tid~l marsh areas. Past fire behavior has resulted in no damage to refuge facilities or to the resource. The fires have historically burned only the marsh vegetntio:.i, and r,::,ul 1,,~rl in improved plant vigor und a reduction in vegetative litter.

d. RiRks involved

e.

f.

g.

Minimal risks are involved in modified suppression effort:::i in the tidal marsh. The tidal marsh extends 10 miles along the Delaware Bay and is surro\ll'lded by water on all four sides. There are numerous islands within the 12,200 acres of tidal marsh and it would take an \ll'llikely set of circumstances for a fire to pose a threat to refuge resources or to adjacent private land. The only risk involved would be that high winds could cause a spot fire across the natural breaks, thl.ln igniting private marsh areas.

Environmental conditions

The tidal marsh areas include 12,200 acrea of mud, water, and vegetation. Weather conditions and tidal amplitude determine accessabilityo During high winds, extreme cold or ice conditions or during low tide the marsh area is nearly inaocessable. The mud and water barriers prevents heavy equipment from being used in this environmento

Suppression techniques to be u..~ed

The primary suppression technique to be uoed will be to identify a natural break and backburn to prevent a strong wind driven head fire from spotting across the fire break 0

Fire fighters with hand tools could bo ohuttled to a marsh wildfire aite by boat. This method o.f suppression would only be effective if the fire was a slow backing fire. A strong wind-driven head fire could not be stopped by fire­fighters with hand tools in a tidal marsh environment.

Smoke management

Due to the isolated location of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge smoke management is relatively simple. Precautions must be taken so that the auto tour route is not smoked out. Adjacent landowners dwellings are located approximately 1/2-mile from any fire management unit thus smoke should not be a problem. The only dwelling located closer than 1/2-mile would be a trailer located adjacent to Finis Road on the Snow Tract. Precautions should be taken when burning the Finis

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Pool Unit so that windage does not smoke out thia trailer.

h. Legal or physical constraints

There are no known legal or physical constraints for mo1i­fied suppression actions in the tidal marsh areas of the refuge.

i. Ad,1acent ownerships

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Land ownerships that lie adjacent to the refuge are 3eparated by large agricultura1 fields measuring up to one-half mile long. These fields consist of corn in the summer and wheat in the winter. There should not be any danger to adjacent ownerships from modified suppression actions because the marsh areas are located from one-quarter up to two miles from them. The most conceivable possibility of a wil<lfirP. spreading from the refuge onto adjacent property ~rould involve a marsh fire spreading to adjacent private mar::.h., .A map of adjacont ownernhipu is inclmlcn in F.xhihi.t VTT, F.Lrt~ n, q:,a t,cr Plan.

J. Cooperative ao,reements

Refuge personnel conduct initial attack on wildfire: wlv..!ro modified suppression action3 are not conducted. Primary fire suppression responsibility lies with the Leipsic .Volunteer Fire Company, Leipsic, Delaware, under cooperative agreement. See F..xhibit VI.

k. Emergency contingency plan

Emergency contingency plans for escaped fires would he initiated when private property is likely to be destroyed or peoples lives are threatened. It would take an unlikely set of circum.~tances for these oonditions to occure Under the emergency contingency plan private dwellings that are threatened would be evacuated. Additional looal volU!lteer fire companies would be cont~cted for support and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources would be contacted for heavy equipment support.

l •. Public inf'ormation action

Local news releases by the Delaware Environmental Control Section alert the general public to hazardous fire conditions. The Department also informs the public of periods when burning restrictions are in effect. The Refuge distributes a. leaflet on prescribed burning operations, which describes how, why and when prescribed burning is conducted.

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D. Fire Dama.ge Potential

1. Fuel tzyes and fire damage potential

Fire damage potential throughout the Refuge is detailed in Map II. Fire Severity Index. Approximately 95% (14,344 acres) of the Refuge has a damage potential rating of O (zero) - no damage potential. These areas include all of the tidal ma.rah units (12,200 acres). portions of the impoundment units (1,000 acres) and portions of the field/woodland units (1,144 acres). Approx­imately 4% (6o4 acres) of Refuge hab~tat has a damage potential rating of 1 (one) - some resource loss could occur, but should regenerate with no apparent loss of habitat. These areas include 49 acres of woodlands within the impoundment units and 555 acres of woodlands within the field/woodland units. Approximately 1% (151 acres) of Refuge habitat has a fire damage potential of 2 (two) - loss of habitat with a detrimental effect on refuge objec­tiveso The only serious habitat lose that could occur would be loss of the woodland areas around Shearneas Pool thnt provide ne3t:ing hn.M.tat for a resine:nt pa:ir of bald eagles.

2. Fuel t;;ri)efl <:nd rate of spread

Fuol typ~o and. rate of spread for calculated fire hohavior i:.:, detailed in Map IT, Fire Severity Index. All tidal march units have a low to moderate rate of spread, due to twice daily inun­dation by tidal cycles. The woodland areas have a lm1·ilwood litter habitat with a moderate rate of sprend. The impo1mdment units and agricultural fields both have a low rate of sprend~ In the impounded marsh the rate of spread is dependent upon seusonal fluctuntion3, rainfall, and tho water table .. The calcul&ted rate of spread is lowQ The agricultural fields are also rated as low spread. Grass fields border the agricultural areas and arc rated at a moderate spread.

3. Fire Severity Index

The Fire Severity Index (Map II) combines fuel type with damage potential rating to provide a rating of tire severity for individ­ual habitat areas. The tidal marsh units have a O (zero) damage potential with a low to moderate rate of spread for a combined tire severity rating of Low (MO) .. The woodland units (with the exception ot Sheamess Pool woods) have a damage potential of 1 (one) combined with a moderate rate ot spread for a combined tire severity rating of Low (M1). The agricultural fields have a damage potential ot O (zero) with a low rate of spread for a combined Low (LO) fire severity rating. The Shearness Pool woods has a damage potential of 2 (two) combined with a moderate rate of spread for a fire severity rating of medium (M?.).

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E. Retµge Fire Consequence Rating

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge's tire consequence rating is low. This rating ia based on the general topography of the area, the exten­sive tidal marsh system, and the extensive open farmed land. It would take an unlikely combination of events for fire to pose a:ny threat on Bombay Hook.

F. Suwression

1 • Low consequence refuge

a. Fire Dispatch Plan

See Exhibit VII, Fire Dispatch Plan

b. Refuge manpower and equipment available

See Exhibit VII, Fire Dispatch Plan

c. Cooperator manpower and equipment availa.ble

See Exhibit VII, Fire Dispatch Plan

G. Rehabilitation

1. Low consequence refuge

There are no areas on the refuge where planned rehabilitation of habitat would be required.

Map II Fire Severity Index based on fuel type damage potential and rate of spread.

.. .. ... ·~

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U9MITT£0

R[VISIOHS

UNIT ED STATF'i DE PIHHMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES ANO WILDLIFE

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING

BOMBAY HOOK '[VO[W[:EG_l!>_N•L '"

01!.j NATIONAL w IL D LI FE REFUGE

KENT COUNTY,

, 0 ::;fo~:tQIR[o'.Ttt SU"VlT[D OAT(

AUGUST 15, 1966

~0' 'i) Fro/and

cove

' DAMAGt'\POTENTIAL

D=No~e ~' J' ..,1', ~>-~

~ = Some res rce loss ,but will re gen ate.

~~ Bombay Hook

Pain~=

objectiv s. "'

Resource los with

effect~ ref~~e

Resource oss. pot\.i:itia to get o refuge.

N 0 SPREAD

= extreme

8 = high ALft MILES

= moderate

= low

Goose Point

Little Bombo Hook

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Exhibit VI

COOPEP.ATIVE AGREEMENI' FOR FIRE Stn>PRESSION AND PRE.SCRIBED BURNING BRI'HEEN BOMBAY HOOK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND LEIPSIC VOLlJNrEER FIRE COMPANY

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This Cooperative Agreement by and between the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, hereinafter referred to as Bombay Hook, and the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company, hereinafter referr~d to as the Cooperator.

WITNESSF.I'H:

:JHF:REtw, Bombay Hook is located in Kent Cou.11.ty, Delaware and encompas,'lC:J 15,099 acres cons1.stine of tidal marsh, timberlands, croplands, impoun1.'Tlc-nts an1 grass­lanus, and

:,lfEREA3, The primnry objectives of Bombay Hook are to prnvide hahi tat s.nd protec­U on for migratory birds and other wildlifu, and to provide wildlife :>.n:: wildlands .:,1)servation to tho public, a.n-1

:/HIBFAS, The Cooperator has primary fire suppression capabilities within the Boc:hay Hook locality, and

~·:H!'::REA3, Bombay Hook hes requested fire suppression cn.pability fror.1 the r,ooperr~tor jn order to protect the lands, resources, buildings and the gener·al public from f il'e, and

:JHF:REI..S, prescribed burning is recognized by the Department of Ir.terior and the H0 S o F1sh and Wildlife 3crvice as a UBeful tool in manacing rc:iom'C•~S for tho hcnefit of wildlife, and

~·JHEREAS, Bombay Hook has an appl'oved Fire Management Plan on file ~·,hich calls fur the burning of approxim,1.tely 11,050 ncrou annually, anr]

HHEREAS, the Cooperator is interested in trainir1J; i t3 m.:rr.:)t:: !';J :~n t~c h'tS ic t0cr.,­niquos of prescribed burning (non-structual),

NO~·T THEREFORE, since it is in the intGrcst of hath Bombs.:,· Hock •ucl '.:.1-k ~oop,~r!l"':cr to enter into a cooperative agreement encoL1pan,:dng fire 3u-;?rn~~ssio," rtIY: pr,;:~,'.)!' lbed hurning on Bombay Hook, each agency agrees to the following:

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Bombay Hook agrees:

1. To provide olnssroom training in preocribed burning (non-structural) techniques.

2. Provide in-the-field training in fire lane construction and propr·r use of firefighting tools.

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3. Provide Refuge land to be burneu during the prescribed burning training course.

ii. Provide scheduled burning dates.

5. Provide a fire boss and the written Fire Prescription Plan for every prescribed burn that is to be conducted.

6. Conduct a pre-fire meeting before every burn to go over all aspects of the burn.

The Cooperator agrees to the following:

1. Provide fire nupprension at no cost to Bombay Hook in the 0vent r,f A.

fire.

? • ProvidA av!'l.ilahle personnel ann fireftghtine/mnergrmcy equ1.pmrmt. tn Bomhay Hook prescribed burns at no cost to Bombay Hook. This P11lipment may include but is not limited to the follow1.ng:

A. Fi r0. truck. R. Brush truck C. Ambulenct?

3. Hold Bombay Hook and the U.S. Fish & Wilrilife Service bl"l.meles~ b the event of an injury sustained to any Cooperator member while pnrt.i ::ip~ting in the prescribed burning op0rat1.on on Romhay Ho()k.

J1 • Eritablish a ''buddy !'3ystem" for al 1 Hook preocrihud bu1·ning opern t, ton. will be responsible for the safety ''buddies" will remain within sight

firemen who participate in the Bomhay Under this nystr.:m inclividun1 fj r1~m,~n

of his "buddy". At all times the or sound of one another.

5. Provine personal protective ~quipment and apparel for all firemen who participate in a Bombay Hook prescribed burn. This equipment and apparel should include but is not limited to the following:

Date

A. Hard Hat Bo Eye Protectors c. Gloves D. Protective Coat E. Protective Boots

---------------Refuge Manager Rom bay Hook Nn.tiomil Wildlif c '!ief.

Date ---------------Chief Leipsic Volunteer Ti'ire r,ompany