USDA Forest Service FEMO Module 9/18/2010 Prepared by FEMO(t): Angie Bogut Recommended by: Karrie Stevens, FEMO and Deputy Forest FMO, Planning

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Changed Condition of Unplanned Ignitions Assessment Form

Name of Unplanned Ignition: Langille Fire Location of Fire: 46 19’ 21.0 N 121 49’ 25.3 W

Incident Discovery:

7/28/2009 1030 Date called Out: 11/12/2009 1200

Fuel Model Type(s): 8,10 FEMO Observation Location(s)

Burley Mtn. Lookout (46 24’ 26.8 N 121 51’ 57.7 W) Camera point to west (46 18’ 17.5 W 121 52’ 57.4 W)

Total Footprint Acres: 485 Total Acres Moved Towards or

Meeting Desired Ecological Conditions:

485

Funding Source: WFSU FACTS Reporting Number:

The Langille unplanned ignition is located near Mc Coy Peak on the Cowlitz Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National forest. Over the

course of its activity, it reached 485 acres and meets the Gifford Pinchot & Mt. Hood National Forests requirement for a changed condition of

unplanned ignition written assessment. The guidelines for writing the assessment are found in the Gifford Pinchot & Mt. Hood protocol draft.

Due to time constraints, Fire Effects Monitors were unable to re-visit the burned area during the 2010 field season; however, observations were

documented in the weeks after the fire’s discovery and can be found in the Langille Fire Level 3 Assessment (2009). In addition to the Langille

Fire Level 3 Assessment (2009), information was acquired from local personnel assigned to fire, as were photos and other archived data

regarding fuels and weather. Information relating to fire severity, tree mortality, scorch heights, vegetation type, and forest stand structure was

referenced in order to assess the wildfire’s effectiveness or non-effectiveness in meeting land management desired conditions.

Desired conditions for the forest were assembled from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1995) and the

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Management Plan (2010). Table 1 evaluates the archived observed condition of the burned area, compared

with the desired future condition in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1995).

Recommended actions from the FEMO module are as follows:

USDA Forest Service FEMO Module 9/18/2010 Prepared by FEMO(t): Angie Bogut Recommended by: Karrie Stevens, FEMO and Deputy Forest FMO, Planning

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If in the future the burned area can be safely accessed, additional site visits would further the assessment of the impact on ecological conditions

and calculate approximate acreage to be counted that meet desired conditions.

Table 1 Gifford Pinchot LRMP 1994 Section 4-22

Desired Condition Observed Condition 10-15 Years Ecological Effects

Moved Closer, Did not Move Closer to Meet Desired Conditions, Unknown

Recommended Follow up Actions

1. A natural to predominantly natural-appearing environment has been maintained; changes are largely the result of natural succession.

Suppression strategies were attempted in initial stages, safety concerns shifted the strategy to confine/contain

Majority of fire was allowed to burn naturally, creating natural burn patterns.

Moved Closer Unknown if there are indicators of suppression activity visible from trail.

2. Wildlife habitats are diverse.

Areas of both low and high intensity, evidence of small mammals present. Mountain goats were observed in area.

Mosaic pattern will increase habitat diversity. High intensity areas create canopy openings/snags for cavity excavators, low intensity areas provide good cover.

Moved Closer Further assessment to estimate percentages of high intensity/low intensity and stand mortality.

3. Principal access is by trail; there are no roads within the area. The area affords visitors an experience which is usually free from the sight and sounds of other people and offers the opportunity to practice outdoor skills in a challenging environment.

Trails 259, 259a and 283 provide access to the area, no roads present. Very steep and rugged terrain. No improvements exist, primitive only.

Unknown if there are indicators of suppression activity visible from trail.

Unknown Unknown if there are indicators of suppression activity visible from trail.

USDA Forest Service FEMO Module 9/18/2010 Prepared by FEMO(t): Angie Bogut Recommended by: Karrie Stevens, FEMO and Deputy Forest FMO, Planning

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4. Vegetation may vary widely from natural openings to mature old growth stands.

Low intensity under-burn with little consumption, to areas of high intensity where runs created openings in canopy.

Openings created by fire will be present.

Moved Closer Further assessment to estimate percentages of high intensity/low intensity and stand mortality.

Evidence of small mammals; leftovers from a lunch of

seeds

Though open areas are preferred by mountain goats, they will seek cover under

canopy when necessary.

USDA Forest Service FEMO Module 9/18/2010 Prepared by FEMO(t): Angie Bogut Recommended by: Karrie Stevens, FEMO and Deputy Forest FMO, Planning

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Examples of the Langille’s mosaic low-intensity under-burn.

USDA Forest Service FEMO Module 9/18/2010 Prepared by FEMO(t): Angie Bogut Recommended by: Karrie Stevens, FEMO and Deputy Forest FMO, Planning

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Overall landscape of the Langille Fire area. Note changes to the canopy and general mosaic burn pattern.