Fire Plan

Date: January 10, 2013
Contact: Karl Cordova, [phone]
Contact: Lisa Hanson, [phone]

Casa Grande Ruins National MonumentNews Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-January 10, 2013

Karl Cordova, Superintendent  [phone]

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Solicits Public Review and Comment on  

Environmental Assessment for Fire Management Plan  

The National Park Service (NPS) is making available for public review and comment an Environmental Assessment for a fire management plan at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Updated policy and existing conditions are incorporated into the EA. The objective of the proposed plan is to suppress all fires, while protecting human life, properties, and values at risk. Two alternatives are analyzed in this EA:

Alternative 1, the No Action Alternative, is the preferred alternative, would suppress all fires, and would not allow for implementation of any planned fuel reduction projects. Alternative 2, the Planned Fire Activities Alternative, would suppress all fires and would allow for implementation of a range of planned fuel management projects. These projects would include mechanical (tracked and wheeled vehicles) or manual (hand held tools) actions to reduce or remove vegetation. Given the nature and the monument's sparse vegetation and the very low risk of wildland fire based on historic fire records, there is no anticipated need for any planned fuel reduction projects.

The NPS encourages your review and comment on the EA. The EA will be available for public review and comment for a minimum of 30 days. Please submit written comments by February 12, 2013 online at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website athttps://parkplanning.nps.gov/ cagr. The "Open for Public Comment" link on the left column provides access to the EA. Written comments may also be sent to:

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Attn: Fire Management Plan EA

1100 W. Ruins Drive

Coolidge, AZ 85128

Commenters should be aware that their entire comment - including personal identifying information may be made publicly available at any time. While commenters may ask that their personal identifying information by withheld from public review, the NPS cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

We appreciate your input on this project. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hanson, Planning and Compliance Specialist at [phone] or e-mail us.

-- NPS --