The Land Trust continued efforts in November and December to help our Preserves recover from this summer’s Flat and Cram Fires.
Bulldozer line restoration was a priority at Aspen Hollow Preserve and Whychus Canyon Preserve after the Flat Fire. At Aspen Hollow Preserve, the Land Trust worked with contractors in early December to restore a bulldozer line on the southeast of the Preserve. Crews used heavy machinery to remove berms, add logs and branches for roughness, and create water bars to reduce erosion. Volunteers will be on site next week helping spread native seed to boost native plant recovery. At Whychus Canyon Preserve, volunteers lent a hand in November to restore a smaller bulldozer line on the western rim. They hand spread native seed and helped rake and smooth the soil. Huge thanks to all the volunteers who helped with these wildfire recovery work parties in challenging terrain!
Priday Ranch continues to recover from the July Cram Fire. Native plant regrowth is looking great and we are optimistic about longer term recovery. We completed more post-fire weed management efforts at the Preserve in early December. Contractors were on site to provide targeted aerial herbicide application using drones on 436 acres. This is the first time the Land Trust has used drones for this kind of restoration. Drones used for this purpose usually weigh between 80-125lbs empty and can carry 10-15 gallons of herbicide. We chose to use drones instead of helicopters because drones can be programmed to target very specific routes, can fly in rugged topography like steep slopes beside creeks, and use less fossil fuels than traditional helicopter or aerial applicators. The herbicide we used targets invasive annual grasses such as cheatgrass and medusahead rye. These weeds can easily take advantage of bare soil after a fire, establishing quickly and outcompeting native plants which are generally much slower to establish.
Whychus Canyon Preserve remains closed to the public after the Flat Fire. Please respect this closure as it is very dangerous at the Preserve, and wildlife need the space to recover. Stay tuned for more wildfire recovery information as we move into spring.
Learn more:
- Flat Fire Recovery Resources
- Flat Fire Burns Land Trust Preserves
- Cram Fire Impacts Priday Ranch
- Managing Weeds at Land Trust Preserves