Controlling Soil Erosion After Wildfire and Guiding Recovery in Southern Utah Kristina Young, Utah State University Extension Kara Dohrenwend, Rim to Rim Restoration Matt McEttrick, Rim to Rim Restoration Henry Grover, Southwest Fire Science Consortium
Wildfires are a natural occurrence in many ecosystems across Southern Utah and the greater Colorado Plateau, which includes Northern Arizona, Southwest Colorado, and Northwest New Mexico. However, due to decades of fire suppression, wildfires are becoming more intense and larger (Singleton et al., 2019). This fact sheet offers information to help people in Southern Utah and the greater Colorado Plateau region understand the effects of wildfires on the land and the process of soil erosion. We discuss how wildfires affect soils and plants and offer suggestions for reducing soil erosion as needed. The information provided is relevant to private landowners and public land managers impacted by wildfires.
reduce it when necessary can help guide land recovery after a wildfire (Ice, Neary, & Adams, 2004).
Progression of Recovery After Wildfire Wildfires can quickly alter a landscape and cause soil erosion. However, many ecosystems have the ability to regenerate after a wildfire. The recovery process following a wildfire can be broadly divided into several stages. In the years following a wildfire, the amount of soil erosion can change significantly, and can vary with soil type, climate, and fire intensity. The stages of recovery may include the following phases: 1. Initial response 2. Regeneration 3. Stabilization
So, why should we care about soil erosion? Simply put, soil is the foundation of any piece of land. Maintaining topsoil is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, soil erosion can increase dramatically after a wildfire, which can lead to the loss of topsoil and the formation of channels or rills that divert water. This process can significantly alter how water moves over a piece of land for years to come. Understanding the factors that contribute to soil erosion and learning how to
During the initial response phase, there may be increased soil erosion due to lost vegetation cover. In the regeneration phase, new vegetation may begin to establish, reducing soil erosion. Finally, in the stabilization phase, the soil and vegetation have reached a state of equilibrium, minimizing erosion and promoting stability. Understanding the different recovery 1