Wildfire Protection and Restoration
Plants for Wildfire Protection and Restoration
Catastrophic wildfires ravage extensive areas of the country. Experts warn of more frequent fires as populations expand to the urban-wildlands interface. The Plant Materials Program develops plants and techniques for rehabilitation of burned lands and evaluates the ability of plants and landscaping methods to lessen fire damage and protect lives in populated areas.
Impacts from a wildfire go beyond burnt vegetation. The potential for severe soil erosion and accelerated water runoff exists after a wildfire due to the lack of plant material to stabilize the soil. Soil erosion and water runoff can cause severe damage to property and pose safety hazards.
Emergency Watershed Protection - The purpose of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program is to undertake emergency measures, including the purchase of flood plain easements, for runoff retardation and soil erosion prevention to safeguard lives and property from floods, drought, and the products of erosion on any watershed whenever fire, flood or any other natural occurrence is causing or has caused a sudden impairment of the watershed.
Other Resources
Communities and residents can access educational resources available at FAC - Fire Adapted Communities, "Firewise", and " Ready, Set, Go!" programs.
