03/25/08

So how do you distribute 3500 pounds of sagebrush seeds over an area as vast as last summer's Murphy Complex Fire? Well, it's almost like drawing up a battle plan. You relentlessly attack whether it's by land or by air.

Aerial seeding is by far the most efficient way to reach some of the more remote areas scorched by fire. The idea is to get the seed on the ground while there is snow cover to prevent wind erosion. Unlike some other native species, sagebrush does not re-sprout after fire. But it is a vital component of this steep habitat... The first element in a critical food chain, that affects the survival of a wide variety of wildlife.

Fish and Game Habitat Manager Mark Fleming says, "Any animals that rely on sagebrush throughout the year as part of their habitat is going to benefit from this. if you've been out there in the sagebrush country you're going to see animals like sage grouse, antelope, mule deer, all kinds of small birds and mammals that live in those type of communities."

Over 280,000 acres were seeded during two weeks of flying. On the ground, nearly 70,000 acres of land was drill seeded with a grass and forbs seed mix. This benefits both wild animals and domestic livestock.

In addition, some areas were drill seeded with bitterbrush, a key component to winter survival of mule deer, antelope and bighorn sheep.

Department of Lands Resource Specialist Katie Dennis says, "We would like to also increase the wildlife. the different forbs... I believe there's four different forbs in the seed mix... that benefits the sage grouse, the antelope, the mule deer, the elk, everything."

It will take years, if not decades to bring back the area to pre-fire conditions. So this is only the first step in a long process. But with the cooperation of several states and federal agencies and the tremendous help of volunteers, someday the area burned in the Murphy Complex Fire will be restored... Once again a healthy habitat for our state's wildlife.

Mike Keckler Reporting For KMVT News.