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National Fire Plan Success Story

Two Prescribed Fire Treatments Completed in April 2007
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania
National Fire Plan - Rehabilitation

Picture of fire burning on a grassy area.
Flashy fuels in the Synder 1 burn produced large flame lengths. NPS photo by Cliff Lively.

Picture of a firefighter with brush burning in the background.
Firefighter on the Snyder 1 burn. NPS photo by Cliff Lively.

Two projects on park lands above the Middle Delaware River treated a total of 36 acres with fire. The common goals of Loch Lomand 1 and Snyder 1 were the maintenance of open space and the cultural landscape as well as the removal of exotic plant species. Firefighters from the park, nearby NPS areas and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) together worked safely to complete the projects.

Loch Lomand 1, near Dingman's Ferry, also provided a measure of protection for the wildland-urban interface as the 26-acre unit is near the park boundary. Red-carded staff came from Delaware Water Gap NRA, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Independence National Historical Park, Statue of Liberty National Monument, Gateway NRA, and the USFWS. This was the first prescribed fire experience for many of the participants. Several media outlets filmed the burn.

Snyder 1, south of Milford, served to maintain a fuel reduction area between the town, a designated community at risk, and the park. Resources came from the two Delaware River parks, Statue of Liberty and the USFWS. The main fuel, big blue stem grass, produced impressive flame lengths despite the high humidity, providing valuable lessons in fire behavior.

Additional prescribed burns are planned in these areas as the park begins to expand its open space burning program.

Contact: Barb Stewart, Fire Communication and Education Specialist, NPS Northeast and National Capital Regions
Phone: (434) 220-9065