The Thousand Lake Mountain seeding is an example of how quick response to fire and seeding after a burn can have great long term benefits.
Thousand Lake Mountain is located in south-central Utah on the Fish Lake national Forest. The forest fire occurred between 7,000 and 9,000 feet in mostly dense conifers. The steep sided canyons and high ridge lines are home to an abundance of elk and mule deer, small mammals and birds. Snowpack on the mountains melts and runs directly into the irrigation and drinking water systems of nearby towns. The wildfire threatened the stability of the loose mountain soils and the decision was made to aerial seed the burned area.
The long term benefits are obvious. Tall grass thrives between the burned tree trunks where elk and mule deer forage and bed. Slopes are stabilized and show little sign of erosion. Small conifers, shrubs and pioneer species are returning to the mountain.
[huge_it_portfolio id=”6″]