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National Fire Plan Success Story

First Firewise Projects in Western Arctic Parklands, Alaska
Noatak National Preserve and Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
National Fire Plan - Fuels Reduction
2009

During the summer of 2009, Western Area Fire Management completed two inaugural Firewise projects in Noatak National Preserve (NOAT) and Kobuk Valley National Park (KOVA). Park staff chose the Kelly River Ranger Station in NOAT and the Giddings cabin at Onion Portage archeological site in KOVA for several reasons.

Located in the flammable boreal forest, the 1985 Kelly River Ranger Station sits in a remote area where historically large fires have occurred. Rangers staff the station at least 30 days a year and approximately 75 travelers (mainly recreational boaters and hunters) visit it annually. The combination of fire occurrence, a remote station, and visitors, shouted watch out to staff and made this project a top priority.

Kelly River Ranger Station before Firewise project.
Kelly River Ranger Station before Firewise project.

Kelly River Ranger Station after Firewise project.
Kelly River Ranger Station after Firewise project.

The Giddings cabin at Onion Portage archeological site is highly valued because of its contributions to archeology and anthropology in Northwestern Alaska. A National Historic Landmark, Onion Portage is one of the most important Alaskan sites for documenting the progression of cultural change over time. J. Louis Giddings discovered the site in 1941 and with a student and crew of local residents found 8 layers of human occupation dating over 10,000 years. In 1964 local Inupiat residents constructed the cabin, cache, and cold storage structure for Giddings and his crew. Nestled in the boreal forest, in 1971 the Ambler fire came within 1.5 miles of the site. Park staff restored the cabin in 2007 but the boreal forest encroached upon it, providing significant fuel for a fire that could threaten it.

Giddings Cabin in Noatak National Preserve before Firewise project.
Giddings Cabin in Noatak National Preserve before Firewise project.

Giddings Cabin in Noatak National Preserve after Firewise project.
Giddings Cabin in Noatak National Preserve after Firewise project.

Fire staff made the structures “Firewise” in an effort to protect them and create a safe area for firefighters to work in the event of wildfire. Staff removed most of the combustible vegetation within 30 feet of the structures, thinned vegetation within the 30 to 100 foot range, limbed trees and increased tree spacing. The cut debris was stacked into piles and will be burned in the spring of 2010.

Firewise projects are critical to the protection of people and park resources. Fire management thanks the parks for their support and looks forward to future Firewise opportunities in Northernwestern Alaska.

Contact: Charlie Reynar, Assistant Fire Management Officer, (907) 683-9549.