2016 Polecat Gulch Sagebrush Thinning

 

In the spring, the Wildfire Mitigation Team identified a localized stand of dead sagebrush at the southern portion of Polecat Gulch Reserve. The sagebrush were killed by grasshopper infestation. Recognizing the newly created wildfire hazard from the dead wood, we cut, mulched and removed the dead sagebrush, and mowing invasive, non-native Rush Skeletonweed. This project both reduced flammable vegetation, but was also designed to allow native grasses and shrubs to out compete Rush Skeletonweed.

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Polecat Gulch project area before and after removing dead sagebrush fire fuels