Initial restoration work complete for BLM portion of Pack Creek Fire

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire personnel have completed the initial restoration work for the Pack Creek Fire on all 131 acres of BLM-managed lands impacted by the fire.  

The fire restoration project incorporated the application of native seeds to help stabilize soil and protect the area from erosion. The remains of burned Pinyon pine and juniper trees were cut to serve as seed sites and to trap sediment from water runoff and help address resident concerns about the view of the area.

As seeds begin to germinate, the plants will help to retain soil and reduce splash detachment of soil particles decreasing soil runoff.  

“We know this is a small part of the restoration currently in progress, but we are happy to celebrate this step,” said BLM Fuels Natural Resource Specialist Charlie Fischer. “We will continue to work with the community and our partners on restoration and fuels and fire management projects.” 

Staff from the Bureau of Land Management will continue to actively manage the restoration area for years to come. Fire personnel will monitor the area for erosion, water quality impacts, and other potential concerns.

With initial restoration completed, future phases will include monitoring for erosion and the use of herbicides to keep invasive plant species like cheatgrass in check. 

Background: On June 9, 2021 the Pack Creek Fire ignited from an abandoned campfire about 14 miles southeast of Moab. The fire grew to a total of 8,952 acres.

The fire moved quickly through the riparian zone then moderated when reached a BLM fuels reduction project enabling firefighters to gain footing against the blaze, ultimately protecting most structures and homes.
Approximately 131 acres of BLM lands were burned below the community of Pack Creek. 

This year, the BLM invites people to reimagine their public lands as it celebrates 75 years of stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska.

The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.