What is Reclamation & Conservation Seed and Erosion Control?

What is it?

Reclamation and conservation seed and erosion control are the efforts that are taken to ensure the land recovering from a wildfire can be properly reseeded to maintain the vulnerable land, and promote new growth of native plants to restore the condition of the scorched land. 

Are wildfires bad for the land?


According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), there are many benefits of fire. "It is one of our greatest tools and one of our most destructive forces," (Cal Fire). Fires actually clean the forest floor, provide better habitat for animals, kills disease and promotes new generations of plants and animals (Cal Fire). 



What can be done to help the land flourish after a fire?


We can replant the land with native species to encourage growth on the vulnerable land. After a large fire, when there is no vegetation to prevent erosion, mass flooding and mudslides can occur, causing massive damages and even death. 







Replanting in a timely manner helps conserve the land and prevents erosion. After a fire invasive species can also take root where there is no competition, so replanting with the right species of seeds is also important. When it comes to public land or large wildfires, companies like Granite Seed out of Lehi, Utah, will sell erosion control seed to the USDA or other agencies to help combat the aftermath of a wildfire. 




References:

Cal Fire. (n.d.). Benefits of Fire. Retrieved February 9, 2018, from http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/TheBenefitsofFire.pdf

Granite Seed Company. (n.d.). Retrieved February 09, 2018, from https://graniteseed.com/revegetation-conservation-seed/

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