Bandelier National Monument Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment

The National Park Service seeks public input on the Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment for Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico.

Bandelier's Fire Management Plan (FMP) will outline strategies to protect the public, surrounding communities, and critical infrastructure; reduce wildfire risk; conserve natural and cultural resources; preserve ecosystem processes; and ensure responsible stewardship of the park's diverse landscapes.

Bandelier's current FMP was approved in 2005. An updated FMP is needed to officially include current terminology and policies and address changes to Bandelier's natural and cultural resources since the 2005 FMP was implemented. These changes, particularly within the parks vegetation communities, have occurred across the landscape as a result of numerous wildfires since 2005. An updated FMP is also needed to expand fuel treatments across the park; incorporate new scientific research, information, and technology; and consider past, present, and future implications of a changing climate.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates potential impacts of two FMP alternatives - a no action option and the parks proposed action. Under the no action option, the park would continue to implement the 2005 Wildland Fire Management Program. Under the parks proposed option, an update would allow strategic management of wildfire, defensible space, forest thinning, and prescribed fire across a broader area of the park and would enhance partnerships, fire education, and adaptive management.

Alternative A (No Action): The Current (2005) Multiple Strategy Wildland Fire Management Program.

Alternative B (Proposed Action): The Expanded Multiple Strategy Wildland Fire Management Program.

The public is invited to review the FMP EA and share feedback during an extended 45-day comment period from Dec. 19, 2025, to Feb. 1, 2026, to allow adequate time for public comment during the holidays.

How to Participate
• Review the FMP EA and explore the interactive StoryMap, available online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ BANDFMPEA2025
• Submit comments via the PEPC website or by mail to:

Bandelier National Monument, Attn: Laura Trader, Fire Management Plan EA
15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544

Document Content:

Bandelier FMP EA L.Trader 12-18-2025.pdf   (3.6 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.