Historic, Archive Document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. aso// il U> A Newsletter for Employees and Retirees ISSUE 4 Fall 2000 The Fires of Summer... What Comes after? O nce the historic fires of summer Another key emphasis item is Important to the Chief and to were extinguished, the region rehabilitation and restoration of Congress is to organize quickly and was faced with the aftermath: burned (referred to as “black”) areas. show results for public dollars that charred land and vegetation and R-l quickly created Burned Area have been invested in the projects. We burned structures. With little time to Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) will be accountable for the money and draw breath, staffs immediately teams to identify emergency projects for our commitment to Congress and plunged into working with for protection of life and property. the public to show that we can communities to devise plans and Many of these projects have been accomplish the critical work. projects to help restore the land. completed. To address long-term While the fires were still burning, restoration needs as opposed to President Clinton directed the emergency needs, Regions 1 and 4 F Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior have come together to compile a list to assess the impact of the fires. The of projects within the burned areas or more information on requested report was submitted to the across both regions. different aspects of the President in September. A third key issue identified in the National Fire Plan and the From that report, the Forest Service report is fuels reduction on national region’s program of work, consult developed a National Fire Plan. In the forests. The region is consulting with the website www.fs.fed.us/rl, Northern Region, work is proceeding state foresters and other local and click on “After the Fires of 2000." at a fast pace on the plan's key state entities to determine how best to elements. do that. Integral to those discussions A lot of energy has been focused on is the identification of prime the issue of firefighting resources. communities at risk of wildfire and Staff have assessed the region’s actions that would diminish fire risk. personnel and equipment needs to The Northern Region will compete support community assistance, fuels for funds to implement the National NEXT ISSUE reduction, and ecosystem restoration Fire Plan. Some proposals have will include articles on: and rehabilitation. Nation-wide, the already been submitted; others will be Forest Service will be filling 3,500 forwarded to Washington over the -Whatforests are doing in land firefighter positions to carry out these next few months. restoration and rehabilitation. identified tasks. U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Northern Region Missoula, Montana 2 Often, adult cutthroat trout may miss a fire in a home tributary altogether as they mature for a couple of years in main river systems before returning to spawn in the spring. What they find is a stream much richer in insects and aquatic life, thanks to the addition of nature’s fertilizers—ash and nutrients from the burned trees that topple into the waters. While the rosy prediction for native fish appears consistent across the fires in the Northern Rockies, there will be individual differences. A brief look at this year’s fires points to the impor¬ tance of maintaining cold, clear streams and connections between them for migratory fish passage. By connections, biologists refer to the ability of fish to move from stream to stream without blockages like dams, diversions or lack of water. In connected systems, fish can recolonize burned streams as they have for thousands of years. Mike Jakober, fisheries biologist on the West Fork Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest, counted fish in Laird Creek soon after fire on August 6 swept through the drainage in a 1,000- foot, scorched section. The count tallied only five cutthroat, indicating about a 90 percent fish kill. Further up Laird Creek, Fish kills were observed at this high severity burned location on Meadow the fire had crept across the canyon and even skipped areas of the Creek, Bitterroot NF. Photo by Garry Seloske stream altogether. There, juvenile bull trout and cutthroat appear O by Deborah Richie Oberbillig, natural history writer in normal abundance. “When stream temperatures get up to about 80 degrees, fish do n August 28, the Alder Creek Fire raced toward Rock start to die,” Jakober said. However, he pointed out that those Creek—a revered blue ribbon trout stream east of temperature rises rarely affect the entire stream and not all Missoula. Ranchers reported seeing dead fish in the creeks aquatic life. “In the charred section of Laird Creek, we turned within the Toston fire south of Helena. over rocks and found insects,” he said. “We saw a fair number of Are fisheries going belly up from the summer’s wildland fires? garter snakes, western toads and spotted frogs.” Far from it. Fishery biologists have just one word for native The message from fish biologists overall? Take a long view. fisheries when it comes to fire—resilient. Even when wildland It’s tough to see dead fish in fire’s aftermath, but as long as fish fires burn hot, the resulting fish kills—like fire intensity—tend to can freely migrate between streams and the aquatic system is in be patchy. good shape, you'll soon witness a resurgence. Saskatchewan Fire Rangers Aid Butte Boy T he Saskatchewan Fire Rangers left something for a Butte boy that he will remember for a long time. Before their departure from the Middle Fork fire camp near Philipsburg on September 11, the Fire Rangers left $222 with the camp's medical unit leader, Wanda Parker. Saskatchewan Fire Rangers present $222 to D. J. Tillo. Left to right: The rangers asked Parker to make sure the funds made it to Wanda Parker, D.J. Tillo, Bill Swope, and Glen McNitt. Photo by wui Abbott. D.J. Tillo of Butte to help pay for an operation. They learned of the boy’s plight from a newspaper article that had been circulated D.J. and his family have been involved in a number of in the fire camp. fundraisers this summer to help pay for a brain operation that D.J. In addition to the funds they donated, they left two other gifts must undergo to remove a shunt from an earlier surgery. The Tillo for D.J.: a Saskatchewan Fire Management & Forest Protection family has no medical insurance. banner signed by all 41 members, and a provincial flag. Incident Commander Bill Swope expressed his gratitude for The Fire Rangers work for the Environment and Resource the work done by the Fire Rangers. “These firefighters not only Management Department of the Canadian Province of supported our international firefighting efforts as great team Saskatchewan.They worked in the United States this summer as members, but they also demonstrated their humanitarian spirit part of an international effort to fight the wildfires in the West. through their generosity,” he said. 3 Retired Wildlife Biologist Saves the Day A by Steve Slaughter, Ninemile Ranger District Lolo National Forest critical collection of a bumper crop of ponderosa pine cones was nearly lost to the wildfire suppression ef¬ forts this summer. Lolo National Forest personnel who normally tend to cone collection duties had their hands full fighting a host of lightning-caused wildfires. Contracting personnel, too. were consumed with suppression efforts. And Lolo NF reforestation staff. L to R: Mike Abutz, Gary Lynam, western forests were closed under Level V restrictions. Steve Dagger, Jerry Deibert, Steve Slaughter, Sharon Klinkbammer, But miracles do happen. The collection contract was Bill McCulloch, Bruce Erickson, and Jim Burwasser. awarded at the eleventh hour. Most importantly, retired enough seed to cover a seven-year planting program under wildlife biologist Jerry Deibert returned under a temporary normal conditions. But it won’t last long with the burned area worker services contract to inspect the collections. reforestation needs on the Bitterroot and Lolo National In two weeks time, working from dawn to dusk, Jerry Forests. oversaw the collection of nearly 300 bushels of cones. This is Thanks Jerry! Dam Removal: A Success Story G by Ed Moaning, Fortine Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest rave Creek is one of the premier fisheries in north west Montana. However, it didn’t help the migration of bull trout or westslope cutthroat trout to have a dam across it. The dam, of wood and stone construction, was built in 1923 to provide water to the town of Eureka for irrigation. After several years of planning, negotiating, cajoling, and partnership building—the dam was finally removed this October. The project was made possible through funds from the Kootenai River Network, the American Fisheries Society, the Glen Lake Irrigation District, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and This project was noteworthy in part because of the partner¬ Parks (Future Fisheries and BPA dollars), the Fish and ship and level of agreement achieved among the many groups Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. involved. Special recognition goes to Jay Deshazier and Scott Following the dam removal, the district and its partners Snelson, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; were faced with the challenge of restoring and modifying the Rox Rogers and Tim Bodurtha, U.S. Fish and Wildlife headgate. Because the existing dam was approximately 8 feet Service; Steve Curtiss, Leonard Peterson, and Doug Benford, higher than the streambed elevation, the new channel had to Glen Lake Irrigation District; Carolyn Stamy, Kootenai River be “stepped” down to the original elevation incrementally Network; Kirk Sullivan, Natural Resources Conservation through the installation of four rock weirs. The rock weirs Service; the American Fisheries Society; Sandi Mason, were designed to facilitate the passage of instream debris and Fortine District; and Bryce Bohn, formerly of the Fortine fish, while creating quality pool habitat for fish. District. Gary Decker, restoration hydrologist on the Bitterroot During the following four weeks, material was removed National Forest, was instrumental in the design and implemen¬ behind the dam and the rock weirs installed. A 60-foot, self¬ tation of this project. cleaning screen will be placed in front of the headgate to keep A special note of recognition and thanks must go to Guenter young fish routed downstream and away from the irrigation Heinz, wildlife and fisheries biologist on the Fortine District, ditch. Most of the fish that spawn in the Grave Creek drainage for his tenacity and optimism that were essential in seeing this spend their adult life in Lake Koocanusa. project through to implementation. North Dakota State Forester Receives Award Glenda Fauske, North Dakota Forest Service; Glenn Roloff and Charlene Schildwachter, R-l Cooperative Forestry & Forest Health Protection O n August 24, 2000, North Dakota State For-ester Larry Kotchman and his staff received a Certificate of Appreciation from Regional Forester Dale Bosworth. The award stated, “for your outstanding perfor¬ mance in administering and delivering State and Private Forestry programs in North Dakota, with special recognition for your excellent partnerships, (Back row - l to r): Brenda Johnson, Larry Kotchman, Dale Bosworth, customer service and care of North Dakota’s natural resources, Glenda FaUske, and Tom Berg. (Front row -l to r): as determined by the recent General Program Review.” Jackson Bird and Tom Claeys. On accepting the certificate, Larry stated that “this award belongs to the dedicated employees within the North Dakota The presentation was made during the “People in Partner¬ Forest Service. Their strong support along with the encour¬ ship” forum at which over 125 people attended. North Dakota agement and involvement of our local, state and federal State University, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and the partners throughout North Dakota has made it all possible.” Regional Office sponsored the forum. Pioneer Fire Researcher Honored by Dave Turner, N Helena National Forest early 51 years after his death, a memorial to one of the Forest Service’s early fire researchers, Harry T. Gisborne, has been established near the historic Mann Gulch Fire site, just off the Missouri River in west central Montana. The memorial consists of a granite obelisk inscribed with Gisborne’s name and a small bronze plaque mounted on a nearby large limestone boulder. Gisborne’s life and illustrious Forest Service career came to an abrupt end in November 1949 following the disastrous Gisborne Memorial. Mann Gulch fire. He suffered a fatal heart attack while hiking In the 1930s, Gisborne’s prolific inventiveness produced the in the Mann Gulch area during an investigation of the cause of “anemohygrograph.” Described as a remarkable instrument the fire. Gisborne unwittingly became the fourteenth victim of for its day, the anemohygrograph measured and recorded a fire that earlier that summer had overtaken and killed 13 potential fire fuel moisture and wind speed, essential elements Forest Service smokejumpers. in predicting wildfire behavior. Prior to his death, Harry Gisborne was a pioneer in the The new memorial was developed and established by the young Forest Service’s efforts to approach and fight forest Helena National Forest with the support and help of the Forest fires on a scientific basis. As a pre-eminent fire scientist of his Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station in Ogden, Utah: day, Gisborne led his fellow fire researchers in developing the Missoula Smokejumpers' Welfare Fund; the Helena Forest tools and equipment to help forest managers understand and, Foundation; Western Montana Monument Services. Inc., in more importantly predict, the conditions leading up to severe Missoula; and the Helena chapter of the Backcountry Horse¬ and dangerous forest fire seasons. men. 5 Providing a Journey for Tribal Youth — camp links resource conservation with cultural traditions bFy Sandi McFarland, Clearwater National Forest or the past 12 years, the Clearwater, Idaho Panhandle, Nez Perce, and Colville (R-6) National Forests have worked with the Nez Perce, Coeur d’Alene, Kalispell, and Kootenai Tribes to sponsor a natural resource camp for Right: Tribal youth lopping a cedar tree tribal youth. This year, they continued their commitment to the on the Lochsa Ranger project. District. The host this summer was the Powell unit of the Lochsa Ranger District, Clearwater National Forest. A total of 16 teen Cultural traditions are always an important part of the camp volunteers and 8 camp counselors spent the week of June 19 experience. The youth tried their hand throwing the atlatl, a through 24 blending work experiences and educational hunting weapon dating back some 7,000 years. They also built sessions with cultural tradition. Some of the work performed a sweathouse and spent evenings singing traditional songs, during the week included tree thinning, lopping, brushing, drumming, sharing legends, enjoying sweat baths and listen¬ planting trees and shrubs along with campground cleanup. ing to inspirational tribal speakers. Workers also completed grass seeding, complementing road The week included a field trip to Ninemile Ranger Station, obliteration restoration. the smokejumper base in Missoula, and a visit to Fort Fizzle. Educational presenters included wildlife biologists, Dan They also toured the fish hatchery near Powell Ranger Station Davis, Clearwater Forest, and Mary Ann High from the Nez where they saw efforts to sustain the salmon migration. Perce National Forest. Steve Armstrong, with the Nez Perce The camp followed its mission to convey a meaningful forest, provided an educational presentation on archaeology experience in the protection of our natural resources and, at along with a trip to Packer Meadows to visit the culturally the same time, reinvigorate tribal youth in the cultural tradi¬ peeled trees. tions from which they came. Lake Receives Award for Weed Control L by Laura Smith, Nez Perce National Forest eonard Lake, a range specialist with the Nez Perce Na¬ tional Forest, was recently honored by the State of Idaho for his efforts in combating noxious weeds. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture presented Leonard with an award on October 18 in Lewiston. He was cited for his “sustained commitment and leadership in devel¬ oping an effective on-the-ground weed management program in the Salmon River Cooperative Weed Management Area.” Lake has been active in the Idaho Weed Management Association and has also served on various noxious weed Left to right: Leonard Lake, range specialist. Nez Perce NF advisory boards and committees. and Carl Crabtree, Ldaho County weed supervisor. 6 - Creating a Magical Experience M ontana Archaeology Week, held every year in Sep- September, is all about respecting and honoring Montana’s past. As part of this year’s celebration, Becky Timmons, Kootenai National Forest archaeologist, sponsored a symposium September 22-24 that brought a part of that history to life. The symposium focused on the early trapper era. Her keynote speaker was Jack Nisbet, author of a book on David Thompson, early explorer of the Northwest. Other speakers and their topics included Carol Ray, “The History of Sophie Morigeau,” Dr. Jean Barman, “Fur Traders and Their Families in the Kootenai Region,” Becky Timmons, “Sophie Morigeau, the Archaeology of a Trading Post,” David Courchane, “Early Explorer and Trapper Jaco Finaly and His Legacy,” Mark White, “American and British Fur Trade Compa¬ nies,” Bob Malyevac, “Overview of Fur Trade in Montana: the Inside Scoop” and Wynne Rower-Towers who portrayed one of the few Indian women traders, Sophie Morigeau Sophie Morigeau (left in black cloak) was one of few Indian Attending the events were 60 people from Montana, Washing¬ women traders. ton, and British Columbia. “Once in a great while, energies come together, creating a magical experience for everyone. This is what happened at this wonderful symposium,” said Becky. Timmons Designs Poster Montana Archaeology Week is an annual event hosted by the Montana Archaeological Society and the Montana Historic Preservation Office. As part of the event, the two organizations release a poster. This year’s poster was designed by Becky Timmons, with layout assistance from Patti Johnson, both with the Kootenai National Forest. The illustration from the poster was inspired by a painting collected by Father Nicholas Point during his journeys throughout the Northwest from 1841-47. Father Point was a Jesuit priest who accompanied Father DeSmet during his travels. Father Point recorded his experience in his writing and his drawings, which have since been regarded by anthropologists as invaluable in docu¬ menting the lifeways of tribal people that he worked with. Father Point also collected impressions of how Indian people reacted to this encounter with European culture by giving them paper to use for their artwork. The illustration chosen for this year's poster is one of those paintings. New curriculum guide: “Explorers, Trappers, & Traders—Grades 7-12” Kootenai National Forest archaeologist Becky Timmons developed this curriculum with the help of teachers and Salish tribal members. The lessons will be used in Lincoln County classes this year and will then be available for wider distribution. For more information, contact Becky at 406-293-6211. 7 Great Partnership Spells Success For Education Workshop Y ou could not have had better partners for the conser¬ using fishing as an alternative to drugs and other negative vation education training offered July 24-28 at influences. Timbercrest Girl Scout Camp near Red Lodge, Camp director Dennis Prewett offered special praise to the Montana. The workshop was for teachers and resource agency Beartooth district, particularly District Ranger Rand Herzberg personnel. and Information Assistant Babette Anderson, for their help and Involved were staff from the Beartooth Ranger District, support of the training. Custer National Forest; Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; Carbon County Montana Schools; and Some of the student Girl Scouts Treasure Trails Council. Staffing the workshop were: Dr. Bob Heintz, retired North comments on the workshop: Dakota State Extension Forester; Dr. Dennis D. Kopp, USDA Extension Office, Washington DC; Rich Furber and Kurt “I never had so much fun. ” Cunningham, MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP); Gary Grocholski, Custer National Forest volunteer Joe LeFebvre, “1 am not very outdoorsy so I was really Red Lodge High School biological science teacher and worried about how I would do. Honestly, I physical science teacher Tim Warner; Dennis Prewett, Red have not stopped laughing since I got here. Lodge Middle School teacher and camp director; Ann Marble Thanks for an excellent learning experience. ” and Guynema Terry, Red Lodge Schools music and drama teachers; and Carol Prewett, teacher from Grant, New Mexico. “I made new friends and I learned things I Encouraged by their success, the group intends to hold the would not have learned in a normal” “ workshop annually. It featured 52 hours of instruction. Three classroom.'’ days were focused on five basic units: water, soils, range, critters, and forest. "Very educational, enjoyable, The highlight of the training was the “Hooked on Fishing - entertaining, challenging, and Not on Drugs” program led by Dave Hagengruber, with MFWP. good use of hands-on learning' During a 6-hour float trip down the Stillwater River, the group was shown stops where students could be taught aspects of Fire Squirts Camp Mixes Learning with Fun T by Laura Smith, Nez Perce National Forest he Fire Squirts Camp, held at the Elk City Ranger Sta¬ tion this summer, attracted 19 kids, from grades 2 through 8 The innovative camp was created, planned and carried out by Jill Wilson, fire prevention technician on the Red River Ranger District. Jill, who is also a teacher, was assisted by Melanie Graves, another local school teacher, and three members of the Elk City Forest Service fire crew. Each day focused on a different lesson, which incorporated hands-on activities, games, discussion, and demonstrations. During the discussion on fire behavior, the kids performed a dramatic play about fuels, weather and topography. On another day, the group designed a fire prevention float, finished fire mosaic art, as well as going through a fire safety activity book. It was a busy week, well worth the investment of time and effort by staff. If you are interested in seeing the lesson plans to develop your own fire squirts camp, please contact Jill Wilson at [email protected] 8 COMING: Long-Term Care Insurance O The new law gives the Office of Personnel Management n September 19, President Clinton signed the Long- until October 2002 to offer the option. OPM will use this time Term Care Security Act. to develop the program’s administrative structure, educate the Upon signing the legislation, the President stated, federal community, and select and negotiate with insurance "The Long-Term Care Security Act will.. .enable current and carriers. Because the government will be negotiating for a former federal employees, military personnel and all their large, relatively healthy beneficiary pool, experts expect families to choose from a menu of quality, long-term care premiums will be 15 to 20 percent lower than most commer¬ insurance options, and purchase their choice at reduced group cial plans. rates. That means.. .people will now be able to plan for the For more information on the program, consult the OPM future without fear of financial ruin should such care become web site at: www.opm.gov/insure/ltc necessary.” A New Perspective Gained T By Teresa Wenum, Flathead National Forest his August, 19 teachers, a handful of environmental Highlights included a visit to the Trumbell Creek Educa¬ edu-cators and interested landowners, spent two days tional Forest and other Stoltz Lumber Company lands, a tour under smoky skies learning about northwest Montana of a Plum Creek Manufacturing plywood plant, hands-on forests and the challenges, choices and perspectives involved activities for the classroom and ample discussion with forest¬ ers, wildlife and fisheries biologists and other resource with managing forested lands. The fires and smoky skies specialists from the public and private sectors. offered a built-in lesson about fire and its influence on The event’s success exceeded organizers expectations when decision making to anticipate change on the landscape. participants indicated a change in attitude and willingness to The training captured participant interest with a mixture of get further involved with forestry issues. classroom and outdoor study. It was organized and sponsored When asked what they liked best about the workshop, one by the Glacier Institute, Flathead National Forest, Flathead participant wrote, "A new perspective gained.” And another, Economic Policy Center, Montana Logging Association, and “I hope to continue involvement in the kind of activities and Plum Creek. philosophy/issues presented in the workshop.” Content Analysis Team Reads Thousands of Roadless Comments • • • one letter at a time W by Cindy Chojnacky, WO, Office of Communications; and Grace McGrath, NPS hile thousands of Forest Service employees were The CAET is a unique group of Forest Service employees fighting fires in the West this summer, a hundred that specializes in public comment analysis working for a or so were working overtime on a very different, variety of agency and other government units on a contract short-term, high- workload task. Their mission was to sort, basis. The Roadless Area Project is just one of several code, and enter over a million and a half public responses on projects for the CAET, but it is definitely the largest the group the Roadless Area Conservation Proposed Rule and Draft has tackled since its creation 5 years ago. Environmental Impact Statement (draft EIS). Then they At last count, the responses included about 1.2 million form analyzed and summarized the key comments. letters and post cards, in addition to approximately 60,000 After the draft EIS and Proposed Rule were released for original letters. public comment May 11, a steady flow of written, faxed, and Steve Marshall, team leader for the Roadless Area Project electronic mail comments made their way to the Salt Lake Public Involvement Team praised the CAET by stating, “with City office of the Content Analysis Enterprise Team (CAET). the Forest Service receiving well over a million and a half “After the end of the comment period, we had about 40 responses on the draft EIS, the CAET demonstrated genuine detailers in Salt Lake City help us code, but many of them initiative in expanding operations to deal with this massive ended up sorting mail,” recalls Brie Renshaw, CAET’s amount of comments in a timely manner. This was an extraor¬ Roadless Project Team Leader. “For the first few days, we dinary effort on their part and they came through for us.” couldn't get the mail sorted and logged fast enough for the coders.”