As the smoke settles on the 12,000 acre Whit Fire, which started 12 miles west of Cody on Aug. 2, resource managers are asking for help to prevent damage to BLM lands that provide valuable wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
While suppressing the Whit Fire and protecting natural resources and infrastructure, firefighters needed to access these lands with fire engines, heavy equipment and other motorized vehicles. The suppression actions unavoidably left vehicle tracks on the landscape. Once present, it is tempting for others to follow the tracks.
“With the types of soils and vegetation present on these lands, repeated vehicle use along such tracks can turn them into permanent scars on the landscape," said BLM Cody Field Manager Delissa Minnick. “This can be harmful to the wildlife, plant, soil and watershed resources that make this area the special place that it is."
With hunting season and other fall recreational activities on the horizon, it is imperative that people avoid driving in the tracks left behind by firefighters. Stabilization and rehabilitation efforts are already underway in the burned area. Physical rehabilitation of the tracks may include seeding, installing water bars, and pulling vegetation and debris back into cleared routes to help stabilize soils and discourage vehicle use. In addition, BLM and Park County law enforcement officers will step up efforts to prevent vehicles from causing resource damage in the fire area.
Protecting wildlife habitat and other resource values within the Whit Fire area will require effective planning by all cooperating agencies, adjacent landowners and the public. Your participation in this effort is encouraged and there will be opportunities for all interested parties to be involved. For further information, contact the BLM Cody Field Office at 307-578-5900.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
