Unit 2A, Laws, Activity 1
(Unit 2A Laws.pdf) - (Unit 2A Laws .doc)
Read and Research related web sites
This activity will familiarize you with the federal and state laws that give agencies authority for fire management on agency lands. Thus, providing you with improved knowledge of laws and authorities that will assist in performing the Fire Program Manager's duties.
1. Read the following summary of the history and legal mandates, and link your agency procedural guidance to the higher-level legal framework. Use the websites to research specific laws and regulations that influence your work on the ground. Be prepared to discuss in the classroom:
a. Federal and State laws that give your agency authority for fire management on it's lands.
b. An example of how states have the authority to supplement federal laws.
c. National agreements that allow interagency participation in fire management activities at your agency and district.
d. Type of agreement(s) can be used at the local level to engage in fire management activities with another entity from your district.
2. The documents (Web Sites, CFR Index and Agency Policy Lists) should also be accessed and read. Use the web site list to checkout related web sites, the CFR Index is a handy resource to navigate the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Agency Policy Lists are a summary of the agencies tiered laws, regulations and policies.
HISTORY AND LEGAL MANDATES
POLICY / PLANNING FLOWCHART
As fire managers, we use fire for life/property/resource protection, to regulate fuels, and maintain healthy ecosystems. When we operate within the scope of our duty, in a non-negligent manner, and manage risk appropriately, the agency should stand behind us.
A. Resources that can be relied on to avoid liability:
- Be an informed decision-maker. Stay current with all levels of policy, directives, and agency procedures.
- Have detailed, up-to-date Land/Resource Management Plans.
- Fire Management Plan.
- Develop thorough prescribed burn plans and follow them.
- Involve interdisciplinary teams throughout the planning process.
- Involve the public in decisions and keep them informed.
B. Enabling Laws/Policy
- Constitution
- Federal Laws (Congressional Statutes)
- State Laws
- National Interagency Policy
- National Agency Direction (Administrative Law, Manuals)
- Regional Agency Direction
- Forest/Park/Unit
- Planning/implementation – IDT
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