Attachment 7 MacDill AFB Prescribed Burning Management Plan.pdf

WILDLAND FIRE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Prepared for:

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE

6 Civil Engineer Squadron

Sections 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, & 35, Township 30 South, Range 18 East, Hillsborough County, Florida

Latitude: 27°52’4.3” N Longitude: 82°30’23.9” W

Prepared By:

Joseph M. Gocsik, CF Forest Environmental Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 145 Dade City, FL 33526-0145

January 21, 2009 i

WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN MacDill AFB

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................ v

LOCATION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS CHECKLIST .................................. 1‐2

WILDLAND FIRE AND LAND MANAGEMENT HISTORY OF MACDILL AFB ................................ 2‐3

WILDLAND FIRE HISTORY ............................................................................................................................... 3‐4

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................. 4‐5

MISSION IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................................... 5‐6

SOIL & WATER ....................................................................................................................................................... 6‐9

WILDLAND FIRE & PRESCRIBED BURNING .......................................................................................... 9‐10

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 10‐11

WILDLAND FUEL FACTORS

GRASS FUEL MODELS ................................................................................................................ 11‐12 GRASS‐SHRUB FUEL MODELS ..................................................................................................... 12‐13 SHRUB FUEL MODELS ................................................................................................................ 13‐14 TIMBER UNDERSTORY FUEL MODELS ........................................................................................ 14‐15

TIMBER LITTER FUEL MODELS

PRESCRIBED BURNING & SITE PREPARATION ................................................................................. 15‐19

FUNDING REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 19‐21

WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 21‐22

RISK ASSESSMENT/DECISION ANALYSIS PROCESSES .................................................................. 22‐23

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS ............................................................................................ 23‐24 ii

INTERAGENCY COOPERATION AND MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS

WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL ................................................................................................. 24‐25

PERSONNEL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION STANDARDS AND RECORDS....................... 25‐26

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PROCESS FOR WFMP IMPLEMENTATION

PRESCRIBED BURNING ACTION PLAN

WEATHER INFORMATION REQUIRED

SPECIAL SAFETY PRECUATIONS NEEDING ATTENTION

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATON ....................................................................................... 28‐30 COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION ON THE BURN ............................................................ 30‐31

PRESCRIBED FIRE ORGANIZATION

PRESCRIPTION MONITORING

PERMITS/APPROVAL REQUIRED

SMOKE MANAGEMENT AND AIR QUALITY

ACTIONS TO REDUCE EMISSION HAZARD(S)

RESIDUAL SMOKE PROBLEMS .................................................................................................... 33‐34

BURN DAY ACTIVITIES

PUBLIC /MEDIA CONTACTS OF BURN DAY ................................................................................. 34‐35

CREW & EQUIPMENT ASSIGNMENTS

CREW BRIEFING

CONTINGENCY PLAN ................................................................................................................. 36‐37

MOP‐UP AND PATROL

BURN BLOCK DESCRIPTIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS ............................ 37‐38

QUADRANT 1

BURN BLOCK 1‐1 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS .............................................................. 38‐43

BURN BLOCKS 1‐2, 1‐3, 1‐6 & 1‐7

BURN BLOCKS 1‐4 & 1‐5

QUADRANT 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 43‐44

BURN BLOCKS 2‐1 & 2‐2 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS .................................................. 44‐48 iii

BURN BLOCK 2‐3 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS .............................................................. 48‐53 BURN BLOCKS 2‐4 & 2‐16 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ................................................. 53‐57 BURN BLOCK 2‐5 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS .............................................................. 57‐62 BURN BLOCK 2‐6 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS .............................................................. 62‐67 BURN BLOCKS 2‐10 & 2‐11 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ............................................... 67‐71 BURN BLOCK 2‐12 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ............................................................ 71‐76 BURN BLOCK 2‐14 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ............................................................ 76‐80 BURN BLOCK 2‐15 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ............................................................ 80‐85 BURN BLOCK 2‐17 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ............................................................ 85‐89

BURN BLOCKS 2‐7 & 2‐18

BURN BLOCKS 2‐8, 2‐9 & 2‐13

QUADRANT 3 ..................................................................................................................................................... 89‐90

BURN BLOCKS 3‐1 & 3‐2 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ................................................... 90‐96 BURN BLOCKS 3‐3 THRU 3‐8 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ........................................... 96‐101 BURN BLOCKS 3‐9 THRU 3‐15 & 3‐22 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ............................ 101‐106 BURN BLOCKS 3‐16, 3‐17 & 3‐19 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ................................... 106‐111

BURN BLOCKS 3‐18, 3‐20, 3‐21 & 3‐23

QUADRANT 4 ............................................................................................................................................... 111‐112

BURN BLOCKS 4‐5, 4‐8 & 4‐9 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ......................................... 112‐117 BURN BLOCKS 4‐1 & 4‐4 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ................................................ 118‐122 BURN BLOCKS 4‐10 & 4‐12 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ........................................... 122‐126 BURN BLOCKS 4‐14 THRU 4‐16 PRESCRIBED BURNING PARAMETERS ..................................... 127‐131

BURN BLOCKS 4‐2, 4‐3, 4‐6, 4‐7, 4‐11 & 4‐13

BIBLIOGRRAPHY

APPENDIX

Appendix A – Base Quadrant Map Appendix B – Quadrant Soil Maps Appendix C – Prescribed Burn Plan Prescription Form Appendix D – Quadrant Prescribed Burning Burn Block Maps Appendix E – MacDill Fire Department Standard Operating Guideline 4.2 Appendix F – Prescribed Burn Fact Sheet Appendix G – State of Florida/Hillsborough County Open Burning Laws Appendix H – Go, No Go Checklist Appendix I – Quadrant Vegetative Composition Maps Appendix J – Burn Block 1‐1 Map & Burn Prescription iv

Appendix K – Burn Blocks 2‐1, 2‐2, 2‐3 & 2‐4 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix L – Burn Blocks 2‐5, 2‐6, 2‐16 & 2‐17 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix M – Burn Block 2‐10 Map & Burn Prescription Appendix N – Burn Blocks 2‐11 & 2‐12 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix O – Burn Blocks 2‐14 & 2‐15 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix P – Burn Blocks 3‐1 & 3‐2 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix Q – Burn Blocks 3‐3 thru 3‐8 Maps & Burn Prescriptions Appendix R – Burn Blocks 3‐9 thru 3‐15 & 3‐22 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix S – Burn Blocks 3‐16 & 3‐17 Map & Burn Prescriptions Appendix T – Burn Block 3‐19 Map & Burn Prescription Appendix U – Burn Block 4‐5, 4‐8 & 4‐9 Map & Burn Prescription Appendix V – Burn Block 4‐1 & 4‐4 Map & Burn Prescription Appendix W – Burn Block 4‐10 & 4‐12 Map & Burn Prescription Appendix X – Burn Block 4‐14 thru 4‐16 Map & Burn Prescription v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Wildland Fire Management Plan (WFMP) has been designed to support the 6th Air Mobility Wing, located at MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), FL. The wing's overall mission is to provide worldwide air refueling and combatant commander airlift in support of the Air Force's Global Reach, Global Power mission and to provide support to Headquarters U.S.

Central Command, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command and 51 other mission partners that call MacDill AFB home.

The WFMP focuses on the protection of mission resources through the reduction of hazardous fuel loads, and the restoration of native ecosystems and habitats. The WFMP outlines the guidelines, procedures, and protocols to be utilized in the reduction, prevention, and suppression of wildfires within the natural areas of MacDill AFB. The creation of a prescribed burning plan and prescribed burning program is also outlined within the WFMP to guide reduction of the hazards presented by heavy fuel loads.

The WFMP exists as a supplement to MacDill's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) which outlines management goals and strategies for this installation. This plan is meant to complement the INRMP and provide detailed land management procedures that are essential to achieving the ecosystem management goals outlined in the INRMP.

The Environmental Flight is responsible for the routine management and execution of the WFMP. This plan, and major actions outlined in this plan, are subject to approval from base leadership and require coordination with other base organizations, including the MacDill Fire Department.

Creation of, and improvement to, existing fire lines will enhance their effectiveness at stopping wildfires. The WFMP details alternative fuel reduction methods (mechanical & chemical) designed to reduce the hazards presented by heavy fuel loads within the natural areas where prescribed burning cannot be conducted safely.

Ideally, the WFMP should be updated every 5 to 10 years to ensure the latest information is consistently incorporated into the Air Force wildfire prevention and suppression procedures.

This WFMP is a living document and may be changed as necessary to account for the constantly evolving requirements placed upon the Wildland Fire Management Program.

LOCATION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

MacDill AFB totals approximately 5,638 +/- acres and is located at the very southern end of Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa, Florida. Access to the Base is limited through four main gates.

Off-Base personnel for the purposes of prescribed burning would utilize two gates. Cars and pickup trucks without toolboxes travel through the secured main gates at Dale Mabry Hwy. All equipment trucks and heavy equipment travel through separate high security gates at Interbay Blvd and Tanker Way, which require full inspections.

The following WFMP has been prepared for approximately 1,370 +/- acres of natural areas located on-site. The Base Environmental Flight divided the natural areas into four separate quadrants. These quadrants are compartmentalized to differentiate treatment areas known as burn blocks.

Quadrant 1 encompasses approximately 171 acres of natural areas and is located in the southeastern portion of the Base. The northern boundary of Quadrant 1 is Golf Course Ave. and its western boundary is Marina Bay Dr. Quadrant 2 is directly adjacent to and west of Quadrant 1, and is comprised of approximately 334 acres of natural areas. Quadrant 2 is located west of Marina Bay Dr. and on the north and south side of South Shore Rd. Quadrant 3 is directly adjacent to and west of Quadrant 2. Quadrant 3 is located on both the north and south side of South Shore Rd. containing the largest amount of natural areas equaling approximately 504 acres in size. Quadrant 4 is in the very northwestern portion of the Base and contains approximately 361 acres of natural areas. Access to Quadrant 4 is limited to North Boundary Blvd. and West Boundary St. Refer to the enclosed maps of the Base found in Appendix A containing a map of the various Quadrants in relation to one another.

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES CONSIDERATIONS CHECKLIST

Table One details the 13 different vegetative types present within the four treatment quadrants.

Several of the Quadrants contain test wells in various locations throughout the natural/environmental areas. Extreme caution should be utilized around the various test wells.

SWIM restoration areas exist on Base and authorization from the Base Environmental Flight will need to occur before any work could commence in those areas.

Table 1: Treatment Quadrant Vegetation

FLUCCS DESCRIPTION TOTAL ACREAGE % OF TOTAL

1700 Institutional 123 9.0% 3200 Shrub and Brushland 171 12.5% 4100 Upland Coniferous

Forest 296 21.6%

FLUCCS DESCRIPTION TOTAL ACREAGE % OF TOTAL

4110 Pine Flatwoods 78 5.7% 4340 Hardwood Conifer

Mixed 225 16.4%

5100 Streams and Waterways

2 0.1%

5300 Reservoirs 6 0.4% 5400 Bays and Estuaries 22 1.6% 6120 Mangrove Swamps 181 13.2% 6300 Wetland Forested 193 14.1% 6410 Freshwater Marshes 18 1.3% 6420 Saltwater Marshes 54 3.9% 6440 Emergent Aquatic

Vegetation 1 0.1%

TOTALS 1370 100%

The upland portions of the Base are the main-focus of this plan. The upland vegetation minus the institutional land equals approximately 770 acres. The upland vegetation acreage constitutes approximately 56% of the total acreage of the natural areas.

WILDLAND FIRE AND LAND MANAGEMENT HISTORY OF MACDILL AFB

Several factors within MacDill AFB natural areas make their management challenging:

• The Base is just above or at sea level in many places and can easily become inundated with water.

• The understory vegetation grows very quickly after silvicultural treatments.

• Several non-native invasive species are present on-site and their management can delay the overall management of the natural areas.

• The location of Base facilities/operations creates special management considerations.

• No one treatment can completely treat an area, and several different treatments may be required to properly manage the natural areas.

• Coordinating silvicultural treatments with Base operations requires proper communication and planning efforts be made in advance of commencement of any work.

Upon interviews with CEV and coordinated on-site tours and inspections of environmental areas, past management practices were evident. Chemical applications have been and continue to be utilized on the Base to control non-native invasive species such as Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical), melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), castor bean (Ricinus communis), lead tree (Leucaenea leucocephala), and Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia L.). The chemical treatment areas are easily identified by the various degrees of dead vegetation found throughout the natural areas.

Until about 1995, the forest understory at MacDill AFB was almost totally protected from fire, and virtually nothing was done to open the steadily increasing understory. Limited prescribed burning occurred during 1995-1999 with about 80 acres burned. In 2004, the prescribed burn program was re-energized and approximately 30 acres was burned south of Lewis Lake (what is now known as burn block 1-1). In 2008, the northern half of burn block 2-6 was burned by the Division of Forestry. Two separate wildfires have occurred near the Explosive Ordnance Disposal range: in 2007, block 3-10 burned and in 2009, portions of blocks 3-11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 burned. The use of prescribed fire has been limited to approximately 100 acres over the past ten years.

Bush-hog and mulching mowers are used throughout the Base. These machines are utilized to reduce understory vegetation and clear canals and right of ways (ROW).

Site preparation and reforestation with longleaf pines occurred within Burn Block 2-3.

A timber harvest occurred in the northern portion of Quadrant 3. The pines were row thinned and timber sold for use in the wood products industry.

Various recreational opportunities have been utilized within the natural areas, including but not limited to; fishing, hiking, biking, camping, running, and bird watching.

WILDLAND FIRE HISTORY

Fire has naturally been a part of Florida ecosystems since before its settlement by man.

Thunderstorms would sweep across the State between the months of May and September and the lightning strikes would burn vast areas of land. Not all vegetation burned at one time, but the fires created a mosaic of vegetation types across the State, and maintained the areas through the natural cycling of storms.

The first settlers, Native Americans, utilized fire for various reasons including but not limited to;

creating and improving the habitat, as an aid in hunting, for crop production, to protect areas from wildfire, to collect food, for pest control, communication, and for assistance in warfare.

Early European settlers utilized fire to improve grazing for cattle, to create and improve cropland, to enhance hunting, and to assist in the collection of turpentine. These settlers also burned during different times of the year, not just during the summer as naturally occurring fire did, and created different understory vegetative compositions through this process.

During the mid 1900’s and up until the early to mid 1980’s the use of fire as a tool dwindled in most of Florida. This was because of public perception and negative advertising campaigns such as “Smokey The Bear”. Presently, most land managers consider prescribed burning the most cost efficient, and effective way to maintain and enhance natural habitats in order to achieve a multitude of goals and objectives.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The MacDill AFB Wildland Fire Organizational Structure is detailed below:

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of the WFMP is to outline a land management strategy, which will result in achieving the management objectives of MacDill AFB identified in the INRMP. The objective should be multi-use with equal emphasis on the protection of mission resources through the reduction of hazardous fuel levels and the restoration and enhancement of native ecosystems and

Wing Commander

6 AMW/CC

Prescribed Burn Program Manager

6 CES/CEVN

Director, 6 Civil Engineer Squadron

6 CES/CL

Mission Support Group Commander

6 MSG/CC

Fire Chief

6 CES/CEF

Environmental Flight Chief

6 CES/CEV

habitats. Hazardous fuel reduction of the understory vegetation is very important to all operations conducted at MacDill AFB. Many of the Base personnel/facilities/operations would be adversely affected if a wildfire were to ignite within the natural areas. The smoke from a wildfire could compromise the flight lines and the heat of the flames could threaten buildings and other strategic facilities with catastrophic results. Prescribed burning and alternate fuel reduction measures would create a safer atmosphere for an undisturbed continuation of Base operations.

MISSION IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS

1. Improved fire management on the Base will:

a. Reduce the risk of damage to Base personnel, facilities, and operations.

b. Reduce the risk of wildfire through reduction of hazardous fuels.

c. Create maintainable fire lines.

d. Improve access to natural areas.

e. Assist in the control of invasive species.

f. Lower fuel loads for future prescribed burning.

g. Promote forest health and growth.

h. Improve wildlife habitat by increasing the forage quality of the understory vegetation.

i. Enhance the aesthetic features of the land.

j. Recycle nutrients returning them back to the soil.

k. Perpetuate fire-dependent species.

l. Encourage changes in the vegetative makeup of the natural areas.

The natural areas of MacDill AFB are surrounded by various facilities integral in the daily operation of the Base. Wildfires could threaten various facilities and lower visibility along flight lines. The understory vegetation on MacDill AFB grows and accumulates very quickly. Reduce the understory vegetation through either prescribed burning or alternative chemical and mechanical methods to reduce the risk of damaging Base facilities/operations.

A major priority should be the creation and yearly maintenance of fire lines surrounding the natural areas where feasible and appropriate. Create and maintain fire lines to confine wildfires to certain areas and reduce the risk of a wildfire burning uncontrollably across large acreages. The creation and maintenance of fire lines also assists in the successful implementation of prescribed burning. Creation and yearly maintenance of fire lines will also reduce the costs of wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, and environmental area management by creating better access to management areas and quicker response times in emergency situations.

Prescribed burning and alternative land management practices will have many beneficial effects within the natural areas of MacDill AFB. These management practices will open up the understory vegetation allowing greater future access to the natural areas. Creating better access is important to help facilitate fighting wildfires, assist in making future management of the natural areas more efficient/effective, improving aesthetics, and allowing easier use of the natural areas for recreational purposes. Reduction of the understory vegetation also creates a favorable atmosphere for future prescribed burning.

Proper fire management techniques promote forest health and growth. In areas with a high density of pine timber, the timber may need to be commercially thinned to allow access and properly reduce the understory vegetation. The pine areas also contain ladder fuels in the form of vines that climb to the top of the trees. Fire will climb the trees along these vines causing the top of the tree to burn also known as “torching”. If enough of the trees “torch”, a canopy fire could occur where the fire is burning both above and on the ground. Canopy fires occur in extreme cases with very high fuel loads. Thinning the timber reduces the amount of stems per acre and reduces the understory vegetation through the logging process. A prescribed burn could safely occur one complete year after a timber harvest.

Proper fire management techniques also reduce the woody understory vegetation, reduce the canopy density, recycle nutrients back to the soil, and perpetuate fire-dependent species creating diversity within the vegetation communities. These practices will enhance wildlife habitat by increasing the sunlight reaching the forest floor, stimulating herbaceous vegetative growth. New herbaceous growth benefits wildlife species by increasing the palatability of the plants (new, succulent tips) and increasing insect populations, which provide food for wild turkey, bobwhite quail and other songbird species. The increase in diversity enhances the aesthetics through the addition of a variety of flora and fauna to the Base.

This plan outlines the preferred methods and procedures for implementing the Wildland Fire Management Program on the base. When contractors are used to accomplish prescribed burning activities, they may adjust specific requirements accordingly based upon current site conditions.

CEV must approve all deviations from the procedures identified in this plan.

SOIL & WATER

Soil and water conservation is also a concern of the Base. Currently the Base has little to no problem with soil erosion – the Base has a somewhat level topography. Place water bars or other water diversion materials (such as native plantings) where and if any erosion does occur.

Table 2 outlines the soils, the typical native vegetation that occurs on them, their productivity and site index. The majority of the soils on the Base hold water above ground for several months out of the year during normal climatic conditions. Provided in Appendix B are Quadrant maps to help locate the different soil types.

Table 2: Soil Classifications

Soil Type Acreage Naturally Occurring Overstory Vegetation

Naturally Occurring Understory Vegetation

Drainage Pine Productivity

Site Index**

4 - Arents, Nearly Level

10 acres N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A

27 - Malabar Fine Sand acres

Longleaf/Slash Pine, Water/Laurel/Live Oak, Cabbage Palm

Saw Palmetto, Waxmyrtle, Maidencane, Creeping Bluestem, Lopsided

Indiangrass, Chalky

Bluestem, Panicum

Poorly Moderate to

High

Slash –

Longleaf

- 70

29 - Myakka Fine Sand acres

Longleaf/Slash Pine

Gallberry, Running Oak, Saw Palmetto, Wiregrass, Waxmyrtle, Creeping Bluestem, Lopsided

Indiangrass, Chalky

Bluestem

Poorly Moderate

Slash –

Longleaf

- 60

30 - Myakka Fine Sand Frequently

Flooded 59 acres N/A Salt Marsh Poorly N/A N/A

Overstory Vegetation

Naturally Occurring Understory Vegetation

Drainage Pine Productivity

Site Index**

32 - Myakka- Urban Land

Complex 43 acres N/A

Gallberry, Running Oak, Saw Palmetto, Wiregrass, Waxmyrtle, Creeping and Chalky Bluestem, Lopsided

Indiangrass

Poorly N/A N/A

41 - Pomello Fine Sand acres

Longleaf/Slash/Sand Pine, Scrub Oaks

Saw Palmetto, Wiregrass, Bluestem

Well Moderate

Slash –

Longleaf

– 60

Sand -

42 - Pomello- Urban Land

Complex acres

N/A

Saw Palmetto, Wiregrass, Bluestem

Well N/A N/A

43 - Quartzipsamments

Nearly Level 8 acres N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

45 - St. Augustine Urban Land

Complex acres

N/A N/A Somewhat

Poorly N/A N/A

56 - Urban Land 19 acres N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

57 - Wabasso Fine Sand

74 acres Longleaf/Slash/Loblolly Pine, Water/Live Oak

Saw Palmetto, Lopsided

Indiangrass, Panicum, Running

Oak, Wiregrass

Poorly Moderate to

High

Slash –

Loblolly

- 80

Longleaf

- 65

Overstory Vegetation

Naturally Occurring Understory Vegetation

Drainage Pine Productivity

Site Index**

58 – Wabasso- Urban Land

Comples acres

N/A

Saw Palmetto, Lopsided

Indiangrass, Panicum, Running

Oak, Wiregrass, Waxmyrtle

Poorly N/A N/A

99 – Water 15 acres N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

** Site index is the age height of the selected species at age 50. Although site index is a good reference “tool”, it should not be the only criteria used in selecting which pine species to plant on a particular site. Other considerations should be historic vegetation types (what was there before disturbance), aesthetics and wildlife habitat.

WILDLAND FIRE & PRESCRIBED BURNING

The majority of the upland vegetative communities on MacDill AFB are fire-dependent ecosystems and prescribed burning could be the most cost effective means of accomplishing the fuel reduction goals previously mentioned. Of the 770 acres of upland vegetation, approximately 736 acres, or 96% of the acreage is classified within this plan as a candidate for prescribed burning. The pine needles, palmetto (Serenoa repens), gallberry (Illex glabra), grape vine (Vitis rotundifolia), and many of the native grasses such as wiregrass (Aristida stricta), are pyrogenic in nature. This enables ground fires to carry effectively under proper conditions. The season of burn influences the effect the fire has on habitat conditions. Prescribed burning in the winter is ideal for fuel reduction when weather fronts bring more constant and predictable winds along with cooler temperatures, and higher humidity. Prescribed burning can be accomplished more effectively during this time of year, especially when conducted near Base facilities and operations.

Winter burns favor growth of legumes such as partridge pea (Chamaechrista fasciculate), which is a preferred quail food.

Spring/summer burns will stimulate native grasses such as wiregrass to bloom and seed, and are more effective in controlling hardwood encroachment. Conduct spring/summer burns only after an initial winter burn has reduced the hazardous fuel levels to an acceptable/safe level.

Spring/summer burns will be difficult to conduct on the Base because of weather conditions and its proximity to Tampa Bay. Local winds may not produce a constant direction to utilize when burning during the spring/summer, creating difficulties in accomplishing a successful burn.

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is quite resistant to fire while still a seedling or as a maturing tree.

The “grass stage” seedlings can actually benefit from fire. A thick tuft of green pine needles surrounds the tender bud of a longleaf pine seedling, protecting it for several years until vertical tree growth begins. Fire reduces competition from woody plants and reduces incidence of brown spot needle blight enabling the longleaf to begin vertical growth faster. Longleaf pine is most susceptible to fire during the stage when it is initiating growth or “bolting” out of the “grass stage”. As the pine continues to grow, it develops a thick insulating bark to protect it from fire.

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Pre-burn and post burn evaluation of prescribed burning and wildfires can determine the success/failure of the program. The reduction of hazardous fuels should be the first objective of any prescribed burn conducted on the Base. The effect the burn had on the soil, air, water, vegetation, and wildlife is critical to its success. The first evaluation of the burn should occur immediately after its completion, utilizing the MacDill AFB Prescribed Burn Plan Prescription Form located in Appendix C. The burn summary and future evaluation sections list the integral information when determining the success of a prescribed burn:

• Flame height

• Rate of Spread

• Burn hours and mop-up hours

• The amount of acreage actually burned

• If spotting occurred and the distance of the spots

• If any escapes occurred, and if the firing technique was appropriate

• How well the smoke dispersed and if any smoke problems were evident

• How high tree bark char occurred

• The presence of any positive or negative publicity

• If the objectives of the burn were met

• The percentage of crown scorch on the trees and amount of bole damage if any

• The percentage of understory vegetation killed and the average depth of the litter

• Occurrence of soil erosion

• Insect damage

• Other adverse effects

A second evaluation should occur during the first post-fire growing season. This second evaluation should include but not be limited to the following:

• Presence of bark beetles

• Tree Mortality

• Resin flowing from pine trees

• Sprouting of desirable/undesirable plant species

• Thickness of duff/litter layer remaining and if any exposed soil exists

• Presence of soil erosion

• Negative or positive publicity

WILDLAND FUEL FACTORS (Scott, 2005):

The vegetation found on MacDill AFB is characterized by several fuel models. Fuel models allow land managers the ability to predict the fire fuel behavior and assign a fire danger rating system based on the model. The following fuel models represent the majority of the vegetative composition of the uplands on MacDill AFB:

Grass Fuel Models

The primary carrier of fire is grass. Grass fuels can vary from heavily grazed grass stubble or sparse natural grass to dense grass more than 6 feet tall. Fire behavior varies from moderate spread rate and low flame length in the sparse grass to extreme spread rate and flame length in the tall grass models. All grass models are dynamic meaning their live herbaceous fuel load shifts from live to dead as a function of live herbaceous moisture content. The effect of live herbaceous moisture content on spread rate and intensity is strong.

Fuel Model GR6 (106):

Dryland grass about 1 to 2 feet tall. Spread rate is very high; flame length very high. The primary carrier of fire is continuous humid-climate grass.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 3.5

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 2006

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00335

• Extinction moisture content (percent) – 40

Fuel Model GR8 (108):

Heavy, coarse, continuous grass 3 to 5 feet tall. Spread rate very high; flame length very high. The primary carrier of fire is continuous, very coarse, humid-climate grass. Spread and flame length can be extreme if grass is fully cured.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 7.8

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1302

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00316

• Extinction moisture content (percent) – 30

Fuel Model GR9 (109):

Very heavy, coarse, continuous grass 5 to 8 feet tall. Spread rate extreme; flame length extreme. The primary carrier of fire is dense, tall, humid-climate grass. Load and depth are greater than GR8, about 6-feet tall. Spread rate and flame length can be extreme if grass is fully, or mostly cured.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 10.0

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1612

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00316

Grass-Shrub Fuel Models

The primary carrier of fire is grass and shrubs combined; both components are important in determining fire behavior. All fuel are dynamic. The effect of live herbaceous moisture content on spread rate and intensity is strong and depends upon the relative amount of grass and shrub load in the fuel model.

Fuel Model GS3 (123):

Moderate grass/shrub load, average grass/shrub depth less than 2 feet. Spread rate high; flame length moderate. The primary carrier of fire is grass and shrubs combined. Moisture of extinction is high.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 3.0

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1614

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00259

Fuel Model GS4 (124):

Heavy grass/shrub load, average grass/shrub depth greater than 2 feet. Spread rate high;

flame length very high. The primary carrier of fire is grass and shrubs combined. Moisture of extinction is high.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 12.4

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1674

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00874

Shrub Fuel Models

The primary carrier of fire is live and dead shrub twigs and foliage in combination with deasd and down shrub litter. A small amount of herbaceous fuel may be present especially in SH9 a dynamic model. The effect of live herbaceous moisture content on spread rate and flame length can be strong within the SH9 model.

Fuel Model SH3 (143):

Moderate shrub load, possibly with pine overstory or herbaceous fuel, fuel bed depth 2 to 3 feet. Spread rate low; flame length low. The primary carrier of fire is woody shrubs and shrub litter.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 6.65

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1371

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00577

Fuel Model SH4 (144):

Low to moderate shrub and litter load, possibly with pine overstory, fuel bed depth about 3 feet. Spread rate high; flame length moderate. The primary carrier of fire is woody shrubs and shrub litter.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 3.4

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1682

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00227

Fuel Model SH6 (146):

Dense shrubs, little or no herb fuel, depth about 2-feet. Spread rate high; flame length high.

The primary carrier of fire is woody shrubs and shrub litter.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 4.3

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1144

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00412

Fuel Model SH8 (148):

Dense shrubs, little or no herb fuel, depth about 3-feet. Spread rate high; flame length high.

The primary carrier of fire is woody shrubs and shrub litter.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 6.4

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1386

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00509

Fuel Model SH9 (149):

Dense, finely branched shrubs with significant fine dead fuel, about 4 to 6 feet tall; some herbaceous fuel may be present. Spread rate high, flame length very high. The primary carrier of fire is woody shrubs and shrub litter.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 13.05

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1378

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00505

Timber-Understory Fuel Models

The primary carrier of fire is forest litter in combination with herbaceous or shrub fuels. TU3 is dynamic. The effect of live herbaceous moisture content on spread rate and intensity is strong and depends on the relative amount of grass and shrub load in the fuel model.

Fuel Model TU2 (162):

Fuelbed is moderate litter load with shrub component. Spread rate moderate; flame length low. The primary carrier of fire is moderate litter load with shrub component. High extinction moisture.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 1.15

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1767

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00603

Fuel Model TU3 (163):

Fuelbed is moderate litter load with grass and shrub components. Spread rate high; flame length moderate. The primary carrier of fire is moderate litter load with grass and shrub component. Extinction moisture is high.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 2.85

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1611

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.00359

Timber Litter Fuel Models

The primary carrier of fire is dead and down woody fuel. Live fuel, if present, has little effect on fire behavior.

Fuel Model TL2 (182):

The fuelbed has not recently been burned and is composed of broadleaf (hardwood) litter.

Low load, compact. Spread rate very low; flame length very low. The primary carrier of fire is broadleaf (hardwood) litter.

• Fine fuel load (tons/acre) – 1.4

• Characteristic SAV (ft-1) – 1806

• Packing ratio (dimensionless) – 0.04232

• Extinction moisture content (percent) – 25

The aforementioned fuel models were utilized in conjunction with BehavePlus 4.0 a fire behavior simulation computer program to determine the acceptable high and low ranges of prescribed burning efforts on MacDill AFB. The results of the fire behavior calculations can be found in the description of individual burn blocks that follows.

PRESCRIBED BURNING BLOCKS & SITE PREPARATION

Create and maintain fire lines around all burn blocks wherever/whenever feasible. Prescribed burning should take place within most upland vegetative communities of MacDill AFB within Quadrants 1, 2, 3 & 4. Portions of Quadrants 1 thru 4, may need to be eliminated from burning consideration at this time. This is because of their location on the Base, proximity to facilities, vegetative composition, and the difficulty to attain the proper winds to conduct prescribed burning in those particular Quadrants. Conduct mechanical and chemical treatments in those areas as alternative methods utilized to reduce hazardous understory vegetation fuel loads and establish fire lines. Following these steps would allow for easier smoke management and create safer natural areas in case a wildfire ever ignited.

Approximately 736 acres of MacDill AFB can be managed with prescribed burning. Table Three outlines the various burn blocks, their associated acreages, and approximate burn schedules (burn schedules should always remain flexible). If feasible, conduct mechanical and chemical treatments a year before prescribed burning. These treatments may reduce fuels and create easier smoke management while prescribed burning:

Table 3: Prescribed Burning Blocks

Burn Block Acreage Time of Year* Prior Treatment Priority 1-1 60 DS – 2012/13 Mechanical/Chemical Med 2-1 9 DS – 2010/11 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 2-2 15 DS – 2011/12 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 2-3 13 DS – 2014/15 Mechanical/Chemical Med 2-4 7 DS – 2012/13 Mechanical/Chemical Med 2-5 21 DS – 2011/12 Mechanical/Chemical Med 2-6 25 DS – 2013/14 Mechanical/Chemical Low

2-10 40 DS – 2015/16 Mechanical/Chemical Low 2-11 5 DS – 2013/14 Mechanical/Chemical Med 2-12 34 DS – 2012/13 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 2-14 16 DS – 2013/14 Mechanical/Chemical Low 2-15 3 DS – 2015/16 Mechanical/Chemical Low 2-16 9 DS – 2012/13 Mechanical/Chemical Med 2-17 12 DS – 2014/15 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-1 9 DS – 2011/12 Mechanical/Chemical Med 3-2 53 DS – 2011/12 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-3 45 DS – 2010/11 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-4 7 DS – 2010/11 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-5 33 DS – 2010/11 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-6 23 DS – 2009/10 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-7 10 DS – 2009/10 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-8 4 DS – 2009/10 Mechanical/Chemical Med-High 3-9 16 DS – 2016/17 Mechanical/Chemical Low

Burn Block Acreage Time of Year* Prior Treatment Priority 3-10 9 DS – 2015/16 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-11 11 DS – 2015/16 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-12 7 DS – 2014/15 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-13 10 DS – 2014/15 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-14 10 DS – 2013/14 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-15 6 DS – 2013/14 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-16 14 DS – 2014/15 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-17 8 DS – 2016/17 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-19 35 DS – 2016/17 Mechanical/Chemical Low 3-22 10 DS - 2016/17 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-1 3 DS – 2017/18 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-4 13 DS – 2017/18 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-5 31 DS – 2017/18 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-8 37 DS – 2017/18 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-9 35 DS – 2017/18 Mechanical/Chemical Low

4-10 19 DS – 2018/19 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-12 5 DS – 2018/19 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-14 2 DS – 2018/19 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-15 2 DS – 2018/19 Mechanical/Chemical Low 4-16 40 DS – 2018/19 Mechanical/Chemical Low

*DS – Dormant Season, GS – Growing Season

Appendix D contains prescribed burning Quadrant maps denoting the various burn blocks and their location on the Base. Under ideal conditions burning different blocks at different times during the year and burning on a rotation across a vegetation type allows a diversity of plant species to flourish. However, because of the current fuel loading on the Base, initial prescribed burning efforts would be appropriate only in the dormant season with northerly winds preferred (northwest, north, and northeast). Preferably/ideally, burning should continue on at least a two to three-year rotation and in some areas burned every year. A two to three-year rotation would keep the hazardous fuel load low and reduce the risk of wildfire. Promotion of new growth in various herbaceous species would occur because of the reduction of competing woody vegetation. Until the prescribed burn program has fully developed, it is expected that the natural areas on base will burn on a 3-5 year cycle.

To prepare areas for successful prescribed burning, initial mechanical and chemical treatments may be required. Mechanical treatments such as clearing, discing, and mulching can be utilized to establish fire lines around the burn blocks. If prescribed burning is not feasible within a particular burn block on the Base there are several alternative fuel reduction methods available.

The following describes some of the more common ways to pre-treat areas in preparation of prescribed burning, and ways to reduce hazardous fuels in Quadrants/blocks that cannot safely burn:

Clearing could be completed utilizing a root rake on a rubber tire front-end loader or low ground pressure track machine. Clearing will be necessary to establish fire lines in some areas. A 15’ to 20’ fire line one mile long would equal approximately 2.5 acres. This author (FES) estimated a maximum of 33 miles (81 acres) of fire lines would need to be established to conduct prescribed burning under a worst-case scenario. Create and maintain fire lines around all burn blocks whenever/wherever feasible. Clearing costs are extremely variable based upon the vegetation to be cleared and location of the site, but averages $1,100.00 per acre.

Discing utilizes a heavy cut disc and can establish fire lines in areas of light vegetation. Discing should also follow any clearing performed in the creation of fire lines. Discing will enable the newly established fire lines to be traveled via 4 X 4 vehicles. It will take two passes with a disc to clean the fire lines properly. Therefore discing one mile would equal 5 acres of area treated (2 passes x 2.5 acres each pass). Discing typically costs $250.00 per acre.

Roller chopping consists of a large roller drum chopper breaking up the woody vegetation.

Chopping utilizes a bulldozer and drum chopper fully loaded with water and having alternating 6” and 11” blades. This treatment is the most cost effective and efficient means of reducing the understory vegetation including but not limited to, grape vine, saw palmetto, Brazilian Pepper, and most vegetation with a DBH of 8” or less. Utilize chopping in areas with a low-density of overstory trees and with a “heavy rough” in the understory consisting of a large amount of competing woody vegetation. Utilize chopping where other vegetation reduction methods are not feasible. Chopping costs range approximately $110.00 to $150.00 per acre depending upon the site conditions and location.

Bush-hog mowing is another option available in areas considered more “open”, where there are lower amounts of competing woody vegetation to control and the understory consists of grasses and woody stems less than an inch in diameter. This type of mowing reduces the competing vegetation and lowers the wildfire risk. Bush-hog mowing costs approximately $50.00 to $75.00 per acre.

Under brushing utilizes a low ground pressure track machine that mulches material <6” DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). This option is available in areas where prescribed burning cannot be accomplished and aesthetics would be a high priority (i.e. around the golf course). Under brushing costs average $250.00 per hour and vary depending upon site conditions and location.

Mulching machines come in a variety of sizes and are excellent at reducing overgrown vegetation in quadrants/blocks where fire is excluded. These machines mulch the standing material in place leaving the roots and stump intact. Typically, depending upon the size of the machine, the mulching machines can safely chip standing trees 12 inches in diameter or less. Some larger mulching machines can accommodate trees up to 20 inches in diameter. Mulching machines are excellent for treating sensitive areas surrounding Base facilities, but do cost much more than other fuel reduction methods. Mulching mower machines can cost anywhere from $150.00 to $375.00 per hour.

Herbicide applications are another way to reduce competing vegetation. Chemical use on the

Base would be site-specific, because of the diversity of vegetation present. Prescribed burning or mechanical fuel reduction treatments should follow chemical applications within two years of the original treatment whenever and wherever feasible. This will further reduce the hazardous fuels by eliminating standing dead material, and the follow up treatment will enhance the biological diversity of a particular burn block. Most chemical applications cost between $110.00 and $170.00 per acre.

Selective timber harvesting within pine areas may be one of the best ways to pre-treat blocks before prescribed burning, and to reduce hazardous fuel loads in blocks that cannot burn. Timber harvesting would be difficult on MacDill AFB Base because of its location, logistics to, from, and within the Base confines, distance to the mills, and vegetation within areas to be treated. The Base could generate revenue from the sale of timber and re-invest the revenue into the management of the land. Thinning of timber would reduce the amount of stems in the overstory, and reduce the vegetation found within the understory scarifying the soil creating areas that would not burn for at least one year. A thinning would create easier access within the natural areas and allow future treatments to be more efficient. While thinning, fire lines could be established by removing stems through the harvest process, and hazardous fuels reduced in areas within close proximity to facilities.

Snags are standing dead trees and serve as homes for woodpeckers and other species of birds and insects. When harvesting timber, burning, mowing, discing, mulching, or chopping it is best to avoid the removal of snags. Only remove snags when they threaten the integrity of facilities or of a particular burn block by falling and being of sufficient size to cross a fire line.

FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

Wildland fire management activities that are conducted for the purpose of compliance with environmental laws and regulations will be supported by conservation funds.

Wildfire suppression, prescribed burning and other wildland fire management activities to support training, range use, munitions testing and evaluation, or other mission activity will be supported by the responsible activity through direct funding or reimbursement.

Funding for wildfire prevention and fuels management for hazard reduction is an installation operations and maintenance responsibility.

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2665, expenditures for the protection and maintenance of commercial forests can be reimbursed by proceeds derived from the sale of forest products;

however, the total reimbursement for forest management obligations related to wildland fire suppression cannot exceed the forest management program proceeds in a given fiscal year on the installation.

The following table identifies the burn blocks and associated costs to prepare, burn, and mop up each block. The cost of clearing/discing fire lines was derived by determining whether a burn block needed lines cleared, disced, or both, the length of the fire line needed, and the associated costs of creating the fire lines mentioned previously mentioned within the Prescribed Burning Blocks & Site Preparation section of this plan. The cost of prescribed burning and mop up was determined based upon the size of the burn block. Costs of burning blocks of 15 acres or less were calculated utilizing a 3-man crew, costs of burn blocks of greater than 15 acres but less than 30 acres were calculated utilizing a 4-man crew, and the cost of blocks greater than 30 acres were determined utilizing a 5-man crew.

Table 4: Estimated Cost of Burning Individual Burn Blocks

Burn Block Acreage

Estimated Linear Ft of Fire Lines

Needed

Cost of Clearing/Discing

Fire lines

Cost of Prescribed Burning & Mop Up Total Cost

1-1 60 11,682 ft $2,682.05 $8,500.00 $11,182.05 2-1 9 2,481 ft $569.56 $4,700.00 $5,269.56 2-2 15 3,257 ft $747.70 $4,700.00 $5,447.70 2-3 13 3,079 ft $706.84 $4,700.00 $5,406.84 2-4 7 2,337 ft $1,716.80 $4,700.00 $6,416.80 2-5 21 6,084 ft $4,469.42 $6,500.00 $10,969.42 2-6 25 4,177 ft $958.91 $6,500.00 $7,458.91

2-10 40 9,154 ft $2,101.47 $8,500.00 $10,601.47 2-11 5 2,430 ft…