 Fire Rehab Handbook
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Washington D.C. 20240
July 30,
1998
In Reply Refer to:
1742 (220) P
Instruction Memorandum No. 98-148
Expires: 9/30/99
To:
AFOs
From: Assistant Director,
Renewable Resources and Planning
Subject: Emergency Fire
Rehabilitation (EFR) Handbook
Attached is the Revised Emergency Fire Rehabilitation (EFR)
Handbook, that we are to use this fire season and into the future. Also attached is a copy
of the Department of Interior Memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of Interior
directing the agencies to implement the changes in policy. These changes in policy are
reflected in the Handbook. The Handbook is the result of a great deal of work by a
combined team of personnel from various field offices and the Washington Office.
Because it is a document that may be subject to change and
periodic updates we are suggesting that it be maintained in a three ring binder with
Instruction Memoranda, and Information Bulletins as they are issued. There are continuing
discussions with USDA-Forest Service and other Bureaus in the Department of Interior that
may affect the EFR program in the future, and indeed discussions over the last 2 years
have resulted in some of the changes in the EFR program and Handbook.
The major changes in the EFR program as reflected in the new
handbook are the following:
- It is a major change in that it addresses the impacts of fire
and the EFR program from a more "holistic" viewpoint, addressing many concerns
that were not in the old handbook or program.
- It strongly emphasizes the use of native plants in
rehabilitation projects, while addressing the differences between
"rehabilitation" and restoration, and maintaining the capability to use
non-natives when necessary.
- In accordance with the shift in Departmental policy it permits
the limited use of trees in EFR projects (addressed in the attached DOI Memorandum).
- Again, in accordance with the Departmental policy (attached)
it does not permit the use of EFR funds for the repair of BLM facilities. This is a
change that may have significant impacts upon BLM programs. Internal range fences,
wildlife guzzlers and campgrounds are examples of facilities that in the past were burned
and repaired with EFR funds. Other funds will need to be allocated if these facilities are
destroyed in fires.
- Finally, and again in accordance with new Departmental policy,
there is increased emphasis on weed issues and the impacts of weed invasion after fires.
The EFR funds are authorized for post fire weed detection monitoring and control,
including herbicide use, as part of an EFR project. In accordance with this new policy and
with the increased emphasis on weed issues, field offices will need to insure that they
conduct periodic weed detection monitoring in areas that have burned to determine if an
increase in invasive weeds is underway, and if so develop an EFR plan addressing the
problems. The EFR plans should provide for the control of the weeds before they have the
chance to set seed and proliferate using herbicides or other measures as appropriate. The
EFR plan developed, if necessary, must address actions to be taken within two growing
seasons after the fire.
Because of the level of interest in this issue and the
potential impacts to BLM it is essential that this handbook be routed to the appropriate
offices in a timely manner. It is anticipated that this handbook will be in effect through
the end of this fire season, with possible changes being made prior to next fire season.
Any comments or suggestions should be sent to Tom Roberts at 202-452-7769.
Signed by:
Tom Walker
Assistant Director
Renewable Resource & Planning
2 Attachments
1. Assistant Secretary Memorandum - Policy guidance
Direction, Wildland Fire Rehabilitation and Restoration
2. Emergency Fire Rehabilitation Handbook
Introduction
/ Fire Rehab Primer / Photo Story
/ Myths vs Facts / RAC Recommendations
Subgroup Report / State Director's
Policy / News Releases / Fire
Rehab Handbook
|
