The National Park Service is on holding a meeting Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 – 9 p.m. at the Earth Box, in the Orca Conference Room located upstairs in building B from 5-7 p.m. The meeting will cover the park’s development of an Environmental Assessment, which aims to revise the existing Fire Management Plan for San Juan Island National Historical Park.

There are several items the park would like to incorporate in the revision including the park expansion at English Camp, add project areas for hazard fuel reduction, and update the operating guidelines for project implementation including the use of mechanical methods and continued use of prescribed fire to accomplish park management objectives.

Most forest, shrub, and grass ecosystems rely on fire to maintain their vegetative structure and species composition. Fire historically played a critical role in the health and maintenance of the park’s ecosystems.  NPS policy recognizes that fire is an important ecological and evolutionary force in many terrestrial ecosystems.  Due to the proximity of the park to private lands and residences, it is crucial that the park work with adjacent land owners. This cooperation will assist in restoring and maintaining the desired conditions within the park, and will reduce the risk of wildland fire spreading to property outside of the park.

Please send your comments and concerns to San Juan Island National Historical Park, PO Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Attn: Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment, by Feb. 10.