MN DNR Prescribed Burn Unit Plan Burn Unit Name and ID: County Name Lat/Long Clay 46 52 34.0 96 28 41.5

NA-01990-04

Buffalo River F2003-107-01 EXAMPLE Management Unit Name Township Range Forty and Number 139 46 Buffalo River SP – Unit 12

Sec 10

Burn Unit Description

Administrator Parks

Fuel Model1

MN Native Plant Community

Size of Burn (acres)1

Fuel Loading (tons/acre)1

65% Tall grass Fuel model 3 35% Oak Woodland Fuel Model 9

Upn23 FDw24

82 acres 44 acres

2.5 T/acre (from photo series estimate) 16.8 T/acre (from photo series estimate)

Additional Burn Unit Descriptors (e.g. land management goals, overstory/understory, soil, water, other ownerships/administration within burn area, other descriptors (power lines, roads etc))

Burn unit is a native northern mesic tall grass prairie within the bluestem prairie complex (type 3 fuels) and includes pockets of wet mesic prairie and willow swales. A portion of the unit along the Buffalo River gallery forest is oak woodland, moderately invaded by European buckthorn. The prairie is a nesting site for various grassland bird species and may be utilized by several listed prairie obligate Lepidoptera species. Landscape mgmt goal is to maintain the prairie to pre-settlement flora and fauna and this is one unit of 12 burn units within Buffalo River State Park. The site has been invaded by box elder, buckthorn and other woody-stemmed species, which have been felled and stump treated. It is bounded by mowed breaks on all sides, the Buffalo River to the northeast, native prairie (TNC) to the south and a 3-foot ditch, power line and private land to the west with several houses. Turkey barns and Federal Hwy 10 are located north of unit across the river. The unit also has been heavily invaded with sweet clover, which is stimulated by fire to germinate. Soils are clay silt.

Objectives (General Goals/Specific Prescription) Site goals: maintain fire dependent prairie and oak woodland species and reduce exotic competitors. Purpose of burn (measurable treatment objectives): Reduce fine dead fuels by 90% to stimulate prairie plant vigor and seed

production by 50% more than non-burn year, top kill 75% of buckthorn sprouts less than 0.5 inch in diameter, reduce 100 hr and 1000 hr cut wood by 25%. Long term resource objectives: eliminate buckthorn, box elder from open prairie areas and buckthorn from woodland. Reduce sweet clover cover by 75% by timing and sequence of burns (burn 2 years in a row, late fall/early spring followed by late spring). Maintain historic burn regime of prairie (see unit plan). Range of acceptable results: Fine fuel reduction 75%-100%, Sprout reduction 30-100%, and any reduction in 100/1000 cut fuels. Timing of treatment (in calendar terms and phenological terms): For sweet clover reduction in prairie, 2003 late fall or 2004 early spring burn, 2005 late spring when sweet clover has sprouted and after green up. Repeat after two years if needed for sweet clover control. For buckthorn control in oak woodland, fall burn or spring burn when enough fine fuels are present to carry a ground fire and kill woody sprouts.

Burn Complexity:

Use NWCG Complexity Rating Guide (NFES 2474) to Determine Burn Complexity (keep on file)

Low

High

Moderate X

Burn Prescription Window Outputs Prescription Parameters Spread Rate Wind Direction

Head Maximum Prescription

All except south or east

Minimum Prescription

FM 3 148 ch/hr FM 9 20 ch/hr FM 3 30 ch/hr FM 9 1 ch/hr

Guidance Prescription Parameters Wind Speed

Flame Length Backin g

20’

Mid flame

Temp.

Relative Humidity

FM 3 14’ FM 9 2’

FM 3 2’ FM 9 1’

Max

Max

Max

Min

13

5 mph

70 F

30%

FM 3 6’ FM 9 .5’

FM 3 6” FM9 .3’

Min

Min

Min

Max

4

2 mph

50F

60%

Backing

Head

FM3 6 ch/hr FM 9 10 ch/hr FM 3 4 ch/hr FM 9 .5 ch/hr

1 Hr Fuel Moisture

1000 Hr Fuel Moisture or Drought Code

6% min

1000 hr fuel 20% min

10% max

No max

MN DNR Prescribed Burn Unit Plan

NA-01990-04

Burn Unit Name and ID:

Buffalo River F2003-107-01 EXAMPLE

Consideration

Mitigation No digging into the ground Prairie habitat for obligate insects and grassland birds has been divided into units to avoid burning all nesting habitat at one time. Prescription keeps smoke from residences, HWY 10 and turkey barns. Contact turkey barn operator prior to burn so he can adjust ventilation in barns. Notify residents and TNC prior to burn. Flag and avoid driving in wet areas on unit and fire line. Rehab any ruts Trails restricted during burn, public information provided for by park

Additional Considerations Cultural site(s): unknown Natural Heritage Elements: Yes Adjacent Land Concerns: Yes Peat Soils or Wet Soils: Yes Other: Park Users

Emergency Telephone Numbers Forestry Detroit Lakes 218-847-1596 Fire Dept Glyndon 911 218-299-5111 Sheriff (Clay co.) 911 218-299-5111 Medical Meritcare Hospital, 701-234-2000 Fargo

Burn Activity Contacts Steve Taves (Turkey barn mgr) 218-xxx-xxxx TNC (cell) 218-xxx-xxxx Buffalo River Park Office 218-498-2124 Chris Weir-Koetter (cell) 218-766-9140

Personnel Needs Burn Boss Level (Note: tied to the burn complexity level): Number Needed Position MRXB2 1 MRXB2(T) 1 MRXI2 1 MFFT2 7

MRXB2 Names(Optional) Chris Weir-Koetter Cindy Lueth Corryn Trask

Equipment Needs Number needed

Equipment Type

Source

Type 7 Engines Gator with 50 gallon slip-on Drip torches

4 2 4

Parks Parks Parks

Operations Plans Pre-burn Site Preparation Plan: Cut wood scattered and 100 feet away from burn break – resource crew. Trails mowed – park. Wet areas flagged – burn boss

Ignition/Firing Plan:

(Include provisions for a test fire, firing pattern, firing device, preferred wind direction, hazards/special considerations):

1. Lighting method: drip torches a) radio communications between ignition specialist and ignitors b) all ignitors know where escape routes and safety zones are throughout the fire c) all ignition only by direction of ignition specialist. d) ignitors need to watch for sudden wind shifts and flare ups in these volatile fuels where 6’ flame upon ignition are not uncommon. Be especially watchful in areas of tall native grass and sweet clover next to firing line. Sweet clover may produce flare ups with 20’ flame. e) Because wind will change direction unexpectedly here (counter to the prevailing winds) due to the topography, headfires can change direction unexpectedly for short duration. Ignitors watch for this. f) Ignitors will keep sleeves buttoned and shrouds and goggles on to protect from flames and heat. 2. Ignition specialist check burn unit perimeter for potential problem areas, fuel changes, weak line spots etc. 3. Anchor ignition in burn unit (usually corner) opposite current prevailing wind 4. Burn out secure line by igniting parallel to fire break in strips. This may take some time in fuel model 3 fuels. A minimum of 35’ of black is necessary before allowing a head fire to run at the line. Black line needs to hold against head fire flame lengths (which can be 20’+ under this prescription on this unit). General rule of thumb for grass models, strip line only as thick as the black next to the strip (if there is 2’ of black, strip in 2’). 5. Strip across (side to side) frequently to minimize head fire intensity in order to accomplish burn objectives. 6. Cease lighting if spot fires occur and are under control. Cease lighting until burn boss gives the signal if escape. 7. Holding crews will pre-treat signs, power poles, etc, before running fire through them.

MN DNR Prescribed Burn Unit Plan Burn Unit Name and ID:

NA-01990-04

Buffalo River F2003-107-01 EXAMPLE

Holding Plan: (Staging area, holding lines, resources and positions): Staging area is in TNC parking lot south of the burn unit. One engine and one gator will be staged for contingency and water supply there. Two engines will be used on the prevailing downwind side. Engine 1 will lay wet line, wet down signs and supply ignition. Engine 2 will monitor and hold line after ignition and black lining. Engine 3 will lay wet line on other line and supply ignition, gator will monitor and hold line after ignition. Gator will also pretreat power poles before burning them out. Wet lines will be adjusted for changes in fuels. Heavier wet lines will be needed adjacent to sweet clover as flame lengths and fire intensity will be more. Engines will pre treat 100 and 1000 hour fuels within 20 feet of fire line prior to ignition. Resources may be adjusted in response to actual fire behavior.

Patrol/Mop-up Plan: (Mopup instructions, safety concerns, weather, contingency, rehab, patrol instructions): Mop up all flaming and smoldering materials within 100 feet of the fire line. In woodland put out any flaming or smoldering wood above ground in trees within 200 feet of fire line. Avoid cutting trees if possible, if not, consult with burn boss prior to felling. Patrol until released by burn boss. Monitor weather and smoke conditions from fire line for smoke dispersal. Watch out for falling snags when working in woodlands. Report any significant weather changes, smoke dispersal changes or fire behavior to burn boss.

Contingency Plans (Include secondary control lines, termination of ignition procedures, list of contingency resources and approximate response times, trigger points, backup plan for equipment failure etc.): ): Secondary control lines are Buffalo River, township road and ag fields to the west, park trails

around burn units to the east, and county road to the south. If fire goes across the line, ignition will end, holding forces will take action under direction of burn boss to anchor, flank and pinch escape while containing existing burn unit. If fire is not contained by that action, holding forces will fall back to secondary lines and burn out under direction of burn boss. Contingency resources may be drawn from: other park staff and engine (1/2 hr) TNC (1/2 hr) Detroit Lakes Forestry (1 hr) and Hawley Rural Fire (3/4 hr) If conditions trigger continuing spot fires over the fire line, prescribed fire will be put out and mopped up. If fire line equipment fails, rotate out with engine and gator in staging area and have one person work on the failing equipment if fixable in the field.

Smoke Management Plan1 1

Smoke Dispersion Category (should be fair or better to burn) : Good

1

Distance and Direction from Smoke Sensitive Area(s) : Turkey barn ¼ mile north, residences 1/8 mile west, HWY 10 ¼ mile north, Fargo/Moorhead and airport 10 miles west.

Smoke Management Plan (Describe how you intend to mitigate the effects of smoke on roads, firefighters, neighbors and other sensitive receptors. 1 Include safety considerations) : : Avoid smoke downwind to receptors by prescribed wind direction. Rotate firefighters out of smoke,

have good firebreaks and wet line so firefighters do not have to be in heavy smoke to hold, igniters use goggles, neck shrouds when igniting. Monitor smoke over twp road and put “smoke over road” signs out or road control personnel (from park staff) if needed (road is ½ mile south of unit). Burning under good dispersion conditions will minimize potential problems for neighboring towns and airport. Duration of smoke is estimated at 5 hours.

Safety Plan Safety zones and escape routes will change as the burn progresses and this will be monitored and communicated during the burn. In general, the 12’ wide mowed green breaks and park trails provide good escape routes. Black areas are safety zones. Lights on for all engines. If backing up engines, have someone help back you up. Monitor and communicate any whirlwind or fire devil activity. These have been observed in past burns in this unit and can possibly carry fire across the line. Radio communication on the burn will be the parks channel 1. The park office will also monitor this channel.

Identify safety zones, escape routes, communications plan:

1

Required for MN Pollution Control Agency reporting requirements

MN DNR Prescribed Burn Unit Plan Burn Unit Name and ID:

NA-01990-04

Buffalo River F2003-107-01 EXAMPLE

Medical Plan (In addition to notification of 9-1-1 dispatcher, identify nearest ground and air ambulance service, availability of paramedics, location of nearest hospital, and list what first aid supplies are available at the burn site and what person or equipment they are assigned to): Nearest ground and

air ambulance are located in Fargo, nearest hospital is Meritcare, Fargo, number is on contact list. First aid kits are located in Engines 1 and 3. Chris Weir-Koetter has a cell phone 218-766-9140. Cindy Lueth is trained Advanced First Aid/CPR and Outdoor Emergency Care.

List of Attachments Project Map Permission to Burn on non-DNR Land Risk/Safety Assessment (optional)

X

Fire Behavior Calculations (optional) Road Control Plan (optional) Organization Chart (optional)

Complexity Rating

X

Signatures Prepared by: Cindy Lueth Reviewed by2: Chris Weir-Koetter Reviewed by3: Chris Weir-Koetter Approved by3:

2

Title: MRXB2T Title: RXB2 Title: NW Region Resource Specialist Sr. Title:

Date: 8/22/03 Date: 9/10/03 Date: 9/10/03 Date:

All burn plans must be review and signed by a qualified Burn Boss 1 or 2 as specified in Commissioner’s Operational Order 47 3 As per Division policy

MN DNR Prescribed Burn Unit Plan Burn Unit Name and ID:

NA-01990-04

Buffalo River F2003-107-01 EXAMPLE

Go/No Go Checklist x x x x x x

ALL burn prescription elements met. ALL smoke management specifications met. ALL current and projected fire weather forecasts have been obtained and are favorable. ALL planned operations personnel and equipment on-site, available and operational. APPROPRIATE contingency resources have been confirmed and are available ALL personnel briefed on the burn objectives, their assignment, safety hazards, escape routes, communications and contingency plan.

x x x x x x

ALL personnel have the required PPE with them. ALL pre-burn considerations (line preparation) identified in the plan addressed. ALL the required notifications been made. (landowners, media, cooperators, sheriff etc) ALL permits and approvals been obtained. (open burning permit, Non-DNR land permission) ALL on-site holding forces adequate for containment under the expected conditions. Burn Boss believes the burn can be carried out according to the Prescribed Burn Unit Plan and will meet the planned objectives.

Prescribed Burn Unit Report Time

Wind Direction W to NW in PM

Forecasted Fire Weather Fire weather – internet Grand Forks NWS Spot weather forecast Grand Forks NWS

6:45

Observed weather W/ Kestrel 3000

1300

W shifting to NW around noon WNW

1400

Time 1300 1400 1430

9:00

Weather Wind Temperature Speed 5-10 50-65

NW

5-10 gusts to 12 around wind shift 4 mph gust to 5 mph 5mph

1500

NW

1600

NW

Observed Fire Behavior Spread Rate Flame Lengths FM 3 FM 3 Backing Backing 1’ 4ch/hr Backing 4 Backing 1’ Head ch/hr Head 12-15’ 100 ch/hr In woodland 6” – 1’ Backing 3 ch/hr Heading 10 ch/hr

63-65

Minimum 35%

58

42%

60

40 %

3-4 mph

63

38%

4 mph

65

36%

Scorch Height NA

Fuel Model Type 3

NA

Type 9