Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument Fire Management Plan FONSI Signed

On February 9, 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for an environmental assessment (EA) for the Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument fire management plan (FMP). After consideration of the environmental assessment and public, tribal, and agency comments, the finding concludes that the project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required.

The NPS considered two alternatives in the EA. Alternative B, the selected action, will develop and implement a new FMP for the parks. Activities for reducing hazards and fuels would include the application of manual and mechanical treatments to create buffers; maintaining defensible spaces; limiting fire spread; protecting roads, parking lots, trailheads, and trails; and reinforcing safety zones. Activities would also include conducting prescribed burns in certain areas to reduce fuels load and to protect park resources.

Alternative B was selected because it best meets the project purpose to incorporate federal wildfire policy and guidance grounded in the evolving science of wildfire management consistent with NPS policies and requirements. Alternative B also provides a flexible range of options and activities that the NPS could use to respond to changes in environmental conditions and the specific needs of fire management within the parks.

Thank you for your interest and comments throughout the project planning process. Depending upon funding, the NPS plans to implement the action in the spring of 2024. Although public comments are not solicited on this decision document, the FONSI may be viewed by clicking the link at the bottom of this page and the EA may be viewed from the "Documents List" link at the left of this page.

Document Content:

FONSI_MEVE_YUHO_Fire Management Plan.pdf   (655.6 KB, 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.