Lawrence County Community Wildfire Protection Plan - Black Hills ...

The ½-mile buffer zones will have atarget prescription average of 20-feet ofseparation between conifer canopies. Thiscan reduce the chance of active crown firein the general vicinity of structures and otherimprovements. Structure data of LawrenceCounty contributed to the development of200 ½ mile WUI zones that consist ofapproximately 309,376 acres. These ½mile buffers have been identified aroundinhabited structures and definedcommunities at risk.½ mile WUI zones will be prioritizedfor treatments based on structure densitywithin these areas. The WUI data has beendeveloped with priority ratings to reflect theorder of precedence. Areas within the ½mile buffers that are thinned, open or donot contain hazardous fuels will beexcluded from required treatments. Theseareas must not contain fuel loads which willsupport sustained crown fire.Hazardous topography will beidentified as areas greater than 8% slopeon a south or west aspect. The areas whichclassify as hazardous topography willrequire more aggressive treatment. Conifercrown spacing should be maintainedgreater than the average 20 foot spacingto reduce the risk of crowning and torchingon steeper slopes with south and westaspect. Property ownership will determinewho is responsible for treatments. This planwill encourage private landowners to treattheir land also to improve the continuity ofthe fuels reduction efforts in LawrenceCounty.The intent of these buffer zones is toreduce hazardous fuels to the point wherethe average worst condition during a wildfirewould not support a high intensity crownfire in the vicinity of values in the WUI. Thisshould be done by providing conifer canopyseparation, removal of ladder fuels andremoving or treating surface fuels. Coniferstands need aggressive treatment toreduce the chance of high intensity fire orlofted embers from endangeringcommunities ahead of severe wildfire.When a wildfire approaches a structurethrough these ½ mile buffers, it shoulddecrease in intensity and burn on theground. This would give suppressioncrews a safer environment and betteropportunities for protecting life, propertyand resources.The 1½-mile buffer zones will have atarget prescription of an average of 10 feetbetween conifer canopies. Stands may bestocked at higher levels if they do notthreaten WUI values during a fire eventfrom radiant, convective heat or loftedfirebrands. 1½ mile WUI buffers havebeen developed which cover approximately177,746 acres which will help protectLawrence County.The 3-mile WUI buffer zones will betreated to reduce uncontrolled high intensitywildfire such as the 1959 Deadwood FireLawrence County Community Wildfire Protection Plan 17