This section of the Manual sets out The Nature Conservancy's Standard Operating Procedure, requirements and guidelines for wildland fire. The difference between these three types of rules is explained below.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): As specified in the Conservancy's Policies and Procedures Manual (available on the TNC Intranet), compliance with all SOPs is mandatory. Unless specified otherwise in a particular standard operating procedure, only the Director of the Worldwide Office function responsible for issuing a particular standard operating procedure has the authority to grant an exception to the procedure. The Conservancy's Board of Governors approves SOPs.

Requirements: Requirements apply to all burns and can only be exempted by the Fire Management Coordinator.

Guidelines: Guidelines apply to most burns conducted by the Conservancy, but there are instances where a guideline may not be necessary and an exemption is justifiable. Exemptions must be made by the Fire Manager in writing, with justification. There is a section on the Conservancy's standard Prescribed Burn Unit Plan for most burn-specific exemptions.

Last updated November 10, 2005