After a burn there are several things we must evaluate to determine how the site should be rehabilitated. One of the first priorities is to determine the intensity of the burn. Sometimes a fire burns fast, therefore sparing a lot of vegetation from total devastation. However, in most cases the fire burns very hot, and not so fast, destroying almost all vegetation in its path. Cases like this need to be analyzed for rehabilitation. Once a site is identified we must then decide if there is a better chance at natural regrowth versus drill seeding or aerial seeding. Some factors that go into determining this are: precipitation zones, resource uses, and wildlife uses of the site. Low precipitation zones have a lower seeding success rate. As for resource and wildlife use, if there are certain grazing needs to be met, drill seeding the site might accommodate those needs more effectively versus the natural regrowth method.
Before the drill or aerial seeding begins we must determine what species will best succeed in that particular site. The soil types and precipitation zones will determine the most suitable species to be seeded. Also, the ESI data must be analyzed to determine what was there to before the burn. If the seeds are available and are affordable, it is important to seed the native species that once existed on that site. Some introduced species may be seeded for specific reasons. Crested Wheatgrass is seeded for its adaptability to almost any condition. Triticale is seeded for dust control, Forage Kochia and Ladak Alfalfa is seeded primarily for forage.
Once the site has been designated as a rehabilitation site and the seed mixes are constructed a rehabilitation plan is formed. As a team integrated effort a plan is constructed that states what Rehab efforts are proposed and it is submitted for funding approval. Once the plan is approved the plan is then implemented and the rehabilitation for that site begins. With the monies allotted contractors are hired to do the drilling, and if BLM officials are unable to do the job, contractors are also hired to do the fencing around certain burns that are critical and need protection from livestock. Another factor that determines if the site is drilled or aerial seeded is when a cultural inventory is done. If an area has been identified as an area of concern, then that site may not be drilled but may be aerialed. Areas of concern can be erosion prone areas, primarily by wind and water. Erosion control can be maintained by placing straw bails along the path of water flow which catches the sediment and allows for less erosion. Triticale is used to prevent wind erosion problems, and other species that utilize lots of water are used for water erosion problem areas.
All fires are closed to grazing and use for a minimum of 2 years and are monitored once a year.
