Changed Condition of Unplanned Ignitions Assessment for the View Lake Fire

Transcription

1 Changed Condition of Unplanned Ignitions Assessment for the View Lake Fire View Lake (Ollalie Lakes Scenic Area) N ' W ' Incident Discovery Date: August 17, 2010 Date of Control: Declared OUT 11/8/2010 Total Footprint Acres: 102 Fuel Model Type(s): 5, 8, 10 Name of Unplanned Ignition: View Lake Fire Location of Fire: Total Acres Moved Toward or Meeting Desired Conditions (Keypoint 6, FACTS code 1117): 102 acres Total Acres NOT Moving Toward or not Expected to Meet Desired Conditions (Keypoint 0, FACTS code 1117): Funding Source: WFSU FACTS Reporting Number: FEMO Observation Location(s): West Flank of Fire and west of Forest Road 4220 *see observation attachment none The View Lake lightning fire was discovered in the Ollalie Lakes Scenic Area on August 17, 2010 and declared out on November 8, Acres meeting desired conditions are accomplished in the fiscal year the fire is declared controlled. Since a control date was not established, acres meeting desired conditions will be accomplished based on the control date (FY-2011). As of this date the final fire size was 102 acres. This subjective assessment is based on April 2009 USDA Forest Service guidelines and the DRAFT Gifford Pinchot & Mt Hood National Forests Protocol for Assessing and Accounting for Changed Condition of Unplanned Ignitions Wildfires. In order to assess the changed ecological conditions, site visits were made by the Forest Service fire Monitoring Module assigned to the View Lake, Pyramid Butte and Bull of the Woods fires (separate fires within the View Lake Complex of fires) to the View Lake Fire located within the Ollalie Lakes Scenic Area. Observations relating to fire severity, tree mortality, scorch heights, fire depth zone, vegetation type, and forest stand structure were made in order to assess the wildfire s effectiveness or non-effectiveness in meeting or moving toward desired conditions as described in the Mt. Hood National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1990) and the Mt. Hood National Forest Fire Management Plan (2010). 9/14/2010 Prepared by USDA Forest Service Fire Monitor (FEMO) Module trainees: Monica Ramirez, Emily Hill, Chris Donaldson, James Meisner and

2 actions from the FEMO module are as follows: 1. Additional site visits to the burned area may be necessary to further assess effects on ecological conditions and to assess approximate acreage to be counted toward meeting or moving toward desired conditions. 2. See Table 1, 2 and 3 for, if any were identified. Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3 describe the desired condition as identified in the LRMP, the observed short-term condition of the fire area, looks years into the future and predicts the long-term ecological effects, and then makes a subjective assessment of the long-term effects and the extent to which the desired condition has been or will be met. follow-up actions, if identified, are included in the table. Table 1 RECREATION EMPHASIS Mt Hood LRMP 1990 Section A10 Desired Condition 1. Ranges from a natural to an urbanized environment, although the background may have natural-appearing elements. Developed recreational sites adjacent to backcountry lakes and trails. Several are closed within fire perimeter. Long-Term Ecological Continues to represent an area of a natural urbanized environment. Closed area will need reduction of hazard fuels and fire weakened trees before safe for public entry. 2. Primary attribute is a physical facility associated with recreational activities. 3. Vegetative management will be often evident. Ollalie resort with cabins and campgrounds including a horse camp. Multiple campgrounds closed within fire perimeter. Hazard tree removal with open wood cutting area. Recreational activates will remain abundant. Qualified personnel to work in fire area to 9/14/2010 Prepared by USDA Forest Service Fire Monitor (FEMO) Module trainees: Monica Ramirez, Emily Hill, Chris Donaldson, James Meisner and

3 Desired Condition 4. Accessed by forest roads suitable for passenger cars. 5. Outstanding views of majestic mountains, cold, clear streams, lakes and waterfalls are common. Mixed paved and gravel road systems still suitable to access trails, boat launches and campgrounds Backcountry lakes, views of Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood. Old Ollalie fire scar evident from many locations. Long-Term Ecological The old and new fire scars will remain in the area and be a part of the landscape. Continued monitor of road conditions and maintenance. Table 2 SCENIC AREA Mt Hood LRMP 1990 Section EA1 Desired Condition 1. Long views of breathtaking natural scenery 2. Many dispersed natural setting used by recreationists. View of fire scars resulting from the forest fire. Human activity disturbance from wildland fire suppression activities. View of fire scars resulting from the forest fire. Human activity disturbance from wildland fire suppression activities Long-Term Ecological 9/14/2010 Prepared by USDA Forest Service Fire Monitor (FEMO) Module trainees: Monica Ramirez, Emily Hill, Chris Donaldson, James Meisner and

4 Desired Condition 3. Unique combination of geologic, ecologic and hydrologic processes. 4. The hand of natural processes dominates the area. Bodies of water adjacent to the fire perimeter had little affect from the fire and fire suppression activities. Rehabilitation measures were taken on the wildland fire suppression activities. Suppression handline used to contain the fire was rehabilitated to conceal the evidence of suppression techniques. Fire was caused by a natural lightning. Evidence of fire suppression response (hand fireline) is present. Long-Term Ecological 5. Developed heavy recreational use areas are localized. 6. Much of the recreation experience takes place in a predominately unmodified environment. Public recreating close to nearby camps. Trails leading to some of the lakes around the fire perimeter. Fire perimeter, next to road Trail systems lead into the backcountry lakes. Future assessments required to determine effects of recreational activities in and around the fire. 9/14/2010 Prepared by USDA Forest Service Fire Monitor (FEMO) Module trainees: Monica Ramirez, Emily Hill, Chris Donaldson, James Meisner and

5 Table 3 SPECIAL INTEREST AREA Mt Hood LRMP 1990 Section A4 Desired Condition 1. Each area is uniquely formed by natural forces or historic human achievement. High elevation backcountry lakes Long-Term Ecological 2. Each area is unique by itself, and presents its own special set of values and experiences. 3. Provides interpretive opportunities. 4. Predominately natural appearing environment. 5. Dispersed, natural setting for recreation, learning, and reflection. Pacific Crest Trail provides a special set of experiences. Portion of trail is in closure area. Mosaic burn pattern and old and new burn scars provide learning opportunities. Minimal impact of suppression tactics with rehabilitation of fire area. Campsites throughout area as well as secluded lakes. Some areas affected by fire closure. Lift closure restrictions following removal of hazard fuels. Lift closure restrictions following removal of hazard fuels. 9/14/2010 Prepared by USDA Forest Service Fire Monitor (FEMO) Module trainees: Monica Ramirez, Emily Hill, Chris Donaldson, James Meisner and

6 Desired Condition 6. Special characteristics, such as: a. Massive lava flows. b. Glacial cirque basins c. High elevation meadows and forest. d. Hot springs e. Outstanding views of majestic mountains f. Old Growth forests. g. Unique plant communities. h. Unique combinations of geology, ecology, and hydrology. i. Interpretive trails and visitor points. j. Historic buildings and travel routes. Views of Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood, Huckleberry habitat, and meadows. Long-Term Ecological Opportunities for huckleberry production will be enhanced. 9/14/2010 Prepared by USDA Forest Service Fire Monitor (FEMO) Module trainees: Monica Ramirez, Emily Hill, Chris Donaldson, James Meisner and