Progress Update on South Fork and Salt Fire BAER Response Efforts - July 4, 2024
On this Independence Day, as we celebrate our nation’s spirit of resilience and unity, the Village of Ruidoso extends its gratitude to the dedicated teams working tirelessly in response to the South Fork and Salt Fires. Led by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the US Forest Service (USFS), the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) efforts are advancing with purpose and determination. These collaborative endeavors aim to assess and mitigate immediate post-fire risks and safeguard our natural resources, cultural heritage, and community infrastructure. Here’s a comprehensive update on the progress made thus far and the critical next steps in our recovery journey.
Department of the Interior (DOI) Updates:
Forestry Specialists: Completed specifications and cost estimates for BAER treatments covering 400 acres of tribal commercial timber land.
Structural Assessment: Identified 12 additional structures on tribal lands vulnerable to post-fire risks.
Infrastructure Protection: Completed HESCO Barrier installations at three critical locations along Cherokee Bill Canyon.
Cultural Heritage Conservation: Conducted an environmental compliance review to stabilize soil around a historic Mescalero stone cabin, safeguarding it from erosion post-fire.
Hydrology Focus: Determined optimal barrier types for diverse treatment applications across affected areas.
US Forest Service (USFS) Highlights:
Signage and Safety: Submitted initial funding requests for hazard warning signage on Smokey Bear Ranger District, pending review at the USFS Regional Office.
Risk Assessment: Concluded Critical Values Risk Assessment for National Forest System lands, outlining priorities for protection.
Expert Recommendations: Completed BAER reports by archaeology and recreation specialists, proposing treatments to safeguard critical values within the Smokey Bear Ranger District.
Hydrological Modeling: Collaborated with US Geological Survey (USGS) to install an emergency rain gauge network to monitor watershed response and facilitate targeted treatments.
Today’s Plan: DOI and USFS BAER teams are finalizing their respective risk assessment matrices, treatment plans, and cost estimates. This crucial phase will ensure comprehensive protection measures are implemented swiftly to mitigate post-fire risks effectively.
Acknowledgment: We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Mescalero Apache Tribal Roads maintenance crew for their unwavering commitment and proactive efforts in road and infrastructure protection. Their dedication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and properties within our community.
For more detailed insights into BAER team operations and ongoing efforts, please view the video summary provided by T.J. Clifford and Mike Martinez on our Facebook page here.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to prioritize safety and recovery in our beloved Ruidoso.
