Landowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires may apply

SANTA FE – Following the disastrous South Fork and Salt Fires earlier this year, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Forestry Division is accepting requests for post-fire erosion and hazardous tree mitigation assistance from landowners in the fire-affected areas.

State Forestry will pay contractors to conduct site assessments and carry out post-fire hazard mitigation projects on private land. These projects will reduce hazards from dead trees that may fall on houses or roads and help stabilize slopes to mitigate future potential flood risk.

"We know many people who suffered losses in these devastating fires face the potential of having their properties further damaged by falling tree and eroding soil that can contribute to flooding. We encourage those landowners to request this assistance in mitigating those issues," said EMNRD Sec. Designate Melanie Kenderdine.

Requests must come from landowners in Lincoln County within the boundaries of the fires burn scars. Hazard tree assistance will include removing damaged trees within a specific distance from structures and/or roads and driveways. That distance must be less than or equal to the twice the tree's height.

Trees qualifying for removal will have one or more of the following characteristics:

Leaning more than 30 degrees.

Have more than 75% canopy damage for Ponderosa pines, or more than 50% of canopy damage for other tree species.

Have split trunk exposing the heartwood.

Have 40% exposed roots.

Properties will be prioritized to maximize long-term watershed recovery, focusing on areas with the greatest risk of erosion that may contribute to significant debris flows and impact downstream communities.

Project implementation by State Forestry and selected contractors may include:

Hazard tree mitigation: identification and felling of wildfire-damaged trees that pose an immediate threat of falling onto a road, powerline, or other improved property.

Contour felling and log erosion barriers: cutting and securing burned trees on contour lines along slopes to slow runoff and capture sediment.

Ground roughening: ripping or otherwise preparing soils for planting activities.

Seeding: spreading seeds of fast-growing herbaceous plants to stabilize soil.

Mulching/chipping/mastication: applying organic material like straw or wood to reduce erosion and retain moisture.

One rock dams: constructing low rock barriers across small gullies (narrow channels formed by erosion) to slow water flow and reduce erosion.

For applications and guidelines for assistance, visit the Forestry Division's Submission Manager -
Salt & South Fork Watershed Stabilization & Hazard Tree Mitigation Assistance Request.