Local News

Post-fire Treatments

Oct 02, 2015

Contact Information:
Okanogan Conservation District
Kirsten Cook, Education and Outreach Coordinator
Kirsten@okanogancd.org
509-422-0855 ext. 103

Making the Best Choices for Your Land from a Sea of Options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Landowners within the burn areas are understandably anxious to protect their homes and property from further damage and to see the land recover. There are many different treatment options available to landowners; however, not all treatments are equal in terms of effectiveness and return on investment. Some treatments can even cause more damage and cost landowners more in the long run.

Before implementing any treatments, it is recommended that individuals and communities consult with non-commercial experts in the post?fire treatment profession who can provide perspective and guidance. The Okanogan Conservation District is offering free site visits to fire-impacted landowners to help them evaluate treatment choices. District staff will also refer landowners to other experts in specific fields such as foresters, hydrologists and engineers as needed.

Differing opinions exist about the use and effectiveness of various post?wildfire treatments. Okanogan CD staff rely on field experience and published scientific studies to provide the best available information to landowners. The most important thing to understand is that treatments need to be suited to the specific site, particularly the soil burn severity. A treatment that works on one piece of land may not work well on a neighboring parcel.

Okanogan CD’s website has links to several references regarding post-fire treatments at www.okanogancd.org/fires. Landowners may find the “Treatments Comparison Table” particularly helpful, along with the “After the Burn” link. Landowners are encouraged to contact a conservation planner at 509-422-0855 or by email at intakes@okanogancd.org to arrange for a free site visit.

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The Okanogan Conservation District works collaboratively with land managers to care for natural resources in Okanogan County. Okanogan CD acts as a clearinghouse for landowners to report natural resource and agriculture infrastructure damage and post-fire resource concerns. The Okanogan Conservation District is a local governmental entity formed as a sub-division of Washington State under RCW 89.08. All District services are provided free of charge without discrimination.