The Fire Management Plan is designed to protect the park’s natural resources, historical landmarks, and local communities from the devastating effects of wildfires. It also aims to reintroduce the natural role of fire in the ecosystem, which can lead to healthier forests and grasslands. This includes the use of prescribed burns and allowing certain natural fires to burn under controlled conditions.
This decision is a significant step forward in the NPS’s commitment to preserving and protecting the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The approved plan will guide the park’s fire management activities in the future, ensuring a balanced approach between protecting life and property, and maintaining the health of the park’s ecosystems.