Strategies proposed to use natural and prescribed fire to accomplish refuge management goals are:

• All wildland fire will be managed in a safe and efficient manner, utilizing the best practical method
that will produce the least negative impact on the environment and adjacent private property.
The refuge staff of 14 fire management personnel maintains almost three million dollars worth of
equipment to accomplish prescribed and wildfire management projects. Refuge fire management
plans and step-up plans dictate the level of readiness to be maintained throughout the year.

• Dormant and growing season prescribed fire will be used to reduce hazard level of existing fuels
and to restore fire dependent, grassy fuel types where brush types now exist. The fire staff burns
an average of 40 to 45 burning units totaling 12,000 to 15,000 acres per year.

• Develop cooperative ventures with adjacent landowners to aid in manage- ment of swamp perimeter fires. Most cooperative ventures will be accomp- lished through the 80 member GOAL organization representing
20 major landowners surrounding the Okefenokee Swamp.

• Develop a fuel management zone around the perimeter of the swamp to allow more natural control of fire within the swamp.

• Replace historic fire seasons and frequencies with prescribed fire to restore and
maintain longleaf pine community habitats throughout refuge uplands.

• Restore habitat diversity throughout refuge wetlands making use of prescribed
and natural fire as it occurs.

• The refuge hosts a 12 month contract based at Pogo Helibase.

•Three Refuges and one National Forest share the helicopter.

• The major uses of the helicopter is prescribe burning, wildland fire manage ment, wildlife surveys and search and rescue.