Project Profile: Develop Treatments for Cultural Resources Threatened by Wildland Fire at Pacific West Parks

Inflation Reduction Act
Resiliency | FY24: $1,385,435

First built in 1923 and remodeled in 1948, the Oregon Caves Visitor Center welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually.

NPS Photo

The National Park Service will create a plan to protect historic properties in western national parks from wildfires. Staff will use data and surveys to identify sites are most at risk and develop strategies to reduce that risk. These strategies will be integrated into the parks' existing fire management plans and overall wildfire risk assessments. The National Park Service will produce a cultural resource predictive model, targeted surveys, and treatment plans that can be used with park Fire Management Plans and National Park Service wildland fire risk models to reduce the vulnerability of cultural resources to wildland fire.

Why? The National Park Service is undertaking this project to safeguard the cultural heritage within western parks from the threat of wildfires. Recognizing the value and vulnerability of these sites, the Service aims to utilize data-driven approaches, including surveys and predictive modeling, to identify historic properties most susceptible to wildfire damage. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the resilience of these cultural sites, ensuring their preservation.

What else? The project will incorporate university teams, including students, to support new and integrated tools and processes. It will also foster Tribal consultation, collaboration, and incorporation of indigenous knowledge in projects protecting cultural resources from climate change impacts. Through consultation, traditional knowledge will be incorporated into the wildland fire response and climate change planning process.

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.