News Release

Bandelier Seeks Public Input on Preliminary Alternatives for New Fire Management Plan

Bandelier National Monument seeks public comment on the preliminary alternatives for a new Fire Management Plan (FMP).

NPS

News Release Date: May 20, 2024

Contact: Zachary Whitlow, [phone] ext. 1512

Los Alamos, N.M. – Bandelier National Monument seeks public comment on the preliminary alternatives for a new Fire Management Plan (FMP). A summary of the plan can be found at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f59c8943876449e995b1e5e0ee13848d. 

All National Park Service (NPS) units with burnable vegetation must have an approved Fire Management Plan. This is a programmatic planning document that describes policy, goals, and objectives, and establishes strategies and tactics for managing wildland fire and non-fire fuel treatments, such as manual and mechanical thinning. FMPs are based on direction from existing park planning documents, such as a general management plan and resource stewardship plan. 

Bandelier’s FMP will address values to be protected and align with parkwide resource stewardship goals and objectives. The FMP will also be consistent with environmental laws and regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal and State Historic Preservation Acts, Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

Public Engagement is an important part of Bandelier’s planning process. The park invites the public to submit comments May 20 to June 3 via the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BAND_FMP. 

Additionally, for those without internet access, comments may be submitted through postal mail: 

Bandelier National Monument 
Attn: Laura Trader, Fire Management Program 
15 Entrance Rd 
Los Alamos, NM 87544 

Comments on the park’s related social media posts will not be officially accepted. All public comments must be received through PEPC or postal mail by June 3, 2024.

There will also be opportunity to comment on the completed Draft Fire Management Plan and Environmental Assessment during the 30-day public comment period currently scheduled for July 24 to August 24, 2024. Additional information with be forthcoming.