1. This document is contained within the Fire Management Toolbox on Wilderness.net. Since other related resources found in this toolbox may be of interest, you can visit this toolbox by visiting the following URL: http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=toolboxes&sec=fir e. All toolboxes are products of the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center.

2. WILDERNESS FIRE RESOURCE ADVISOR TRAINING ___________________________________________________________ Fish and Wildlife Concerns Vicki Herren, Wildlife Biologist, BLM NMSO, 505.438.7516 1.Understand the basics of law and policy for protection of fish and wildlife resources in wilderness. OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this lesson, participants will: 2.Understand the basic effects of fire and fire management activities on fish and wildlife. 3.Have examples of strategies and guidelines for protection of fish and wildlife for use in fire planning, incident management, and suppression activities. 4. Understand the role of the WFRA in protection of fish and wildlife in fire planning and incident management.

3. NEPA – At multiple levels ESA – Biological opinions, informal consultations and emergency consultations FLPMA for BLM. For NPS? For USFS? For tribal lands? Rest policy from ESR and/or land use plan Policies and Guidelines for Fish and Wildlife Management in National Forest and BLM Wilderness (IM WO 2007-25, 2/5/07) What else? Law and policy related to fire management and fish and wildlife

4. Potential effects from fire suppression activities to fish and wildlife Weeds Chemicals Excess water/de-watering What else? Potential effects caused by fire, fire use or prescribed fire to fish and wildlife Habitat modification – food, water, shelter Crowding into unburned areas Reduction in the number of individuals Changes to the fish and wildlife communities What else? Potential effects of fire and fire management activities on fish and wildlife

5. Information, strategies and guidelines for protection of fish and wildlife for use in fire planning, incident management, and suppression activities Map of the administrative unit Land use plan for resource management objectives Fire Management Plan for fish and wildlife concerns in Fire Management Units: important watersheds/habitats such as big game winter range, raptor nests, fish habitats … invasive species locations, special status species habitats, Designated Critical Habitats Provide input for WFSA, WFIP, incident management and IAP, rehab, etc. RMRS-GTR-42, Vol 1 Wildland Fire in Ecosystems: Effects of Fire on Fauna What else?

6. Pre-planning and off-season preparation for the WRA role for fish and wildlife concerns. Information to gather Land management plan – review the NEPA impacts analysis Fire management plan – review for updated policy, guidance or information Biological Opinions - Review the terms and conditions Maps of fish and wildlife habitats Wildland Fire in Ecosystems: Effects of Fire on Fauna RMRS-GTR- 42, Vol 1 What else? Contacts needed Agency Administrator Wildlife biologist Fish biologist Hydrologist Botanist Who else?