Description

Until the past few years Forest Service fire management had been characterized by a program of total wildfire suppression coupled with relatively small scale prescribed burning, having fuels reduction as the principle objective. As the organization moves toward "ecosystem management" the fire program is developing multiple, complex objectives employing a combination of wildfire suppression, prescribed natural fire, and both small and large scale prescribed burning. These changes raise some concerns with regard to heritage resource management and protection. However, fire managers and heritage resource specialists have a history of close working relationships in the Southwest, and through continued cooperation we are working to develop implementation strategies appropriate to changing land management objectives.