Suppression tactics will have an impact on the landscape. Following the Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) guidelines outlined below can reduce the degree of long-term impacts associated with wildland fire suppression tactics. It is important that decision makers are aware of the long-term impacts fire suppression tactics can have on the landscape, and very carefully weigh those long-term impacts to fire suppression safety issues related to wildland fire incidents. The following are MIST standards that will be used in CRMO.

Also refer to RM-18, Chapter 9, Exhibit 5

*Fireline construction will be minimized by taking advantage of natural barriers, rock outcrops, trails, roads, streams, and other existing fuel breaks.

*Firelines will be the minimum width necessary to halt the spread of the fire and will be placed to avoid impacts to natural and cultural resources vulnerable to the effects of fire and fire suppression activities.

*Limbing along the fireline will be done only as essential for the suppression effort and for safety.

*Unburned material may be left within the final line.

*Clearing and scraping will be minimized.

*Snags or trees will be felled only when essential for control of the fire or for safety of personnel.

*Where possible, on site archeological clearance will be obtained prior to line construction.

*The route to the fire from the nearest trail or road will be flagged. Flagging will be removed by the last person to leave the area.

*All equipment and debris will be removed from the area for proper disposal.

*Before leaving the fire, rehabilitation will be completed to eliminate impacts from the suppression effort.

*Backfill cup trenches and scarify wide firelines.

*Construct waterbars to prevent erosion.

*Place "boneyards" in a natural or random arrangement.

*Position cut ends of logs so as to be inconspicuous to visitors and camouflage where possible.

*Flush cut stumps, camouflage with soil and moss.

*Use existing campsites if available.

*If existing sites are not available, select impact resistant sites a minimum of 200 ‘ from water resources.

*Site selection will be based on the advice of a resource/wilderness advisor.

*Establish several small camps rather then one large one.

*Use stoves and minimize camp improvements.

*Vary travel routes to the greatest extent possible to reduce impact.

*Minimize use.

*Use natural openings for helicopter landings.

*Restore helispots.

Retardant drops require Superintendent's approval.

Use water drops where practical.

Minimize number of drops to what is essential for control of the fire.