U.S. Joint Fire Science Program

 

Date of this Version

2010

Document Type

Article

Citation

JFSP Final Report. Project Number 07-2-2-10; 07-2-3-06

Comments

US government work.

Abstract

The use and cost of post-fire emergency stabilization treatments continues to grow. To help maximize the impact of these treatments, many assessment teams use the Erosion Risk Management Tool (ERMiT) erosion model to predict postfire erosion and mitigation effects. However, despite several completed JFSP projects, the long-term effects of these treatments remain unknown, and the ERMiT model has not been validated. Long-term post-fire erosion and runoff data on a variety of mulches and erosion barriers were collected using 12 existing sites throughout the Western U.S. The agricultural straw and wood strand mulch treatments were very effective at reducing erosion and runoff. The contour-felled log treatment was effective at reducing runoff and erosion for small storms, but was not effective for larger events. The hydromulch formulations tested in this study were not effective at reducing runoff or sediment yields. Numerous presentations, field trips, and Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) trainings were conducted. These activities provided much-needed information about the effectiveness of stabilization treatments.

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