Single Publication

RUIDOSO, NM, Aug. 29, 2022 – The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has conducted field assessments and identified priority treatment locations within the McBride fire area where moderate to high soil burn severity occurred. The treatment will involve aerial seeding, by helicopter, of 335 acres. This treatment will help stabilize the hillsides impacted by the fire to reduce post-fire runoff and erosion in the Devils Canyon, Middle Rio Ruidoso and Upper Rio Ruidoso Creek/River watersheds on National Forest System lands.
Up to 50 pounds of seed mix per acre will be strategically cast along the hillsides by helicopter. The seed mix includes barley (Hordeum vulgare), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), and sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendul). The aerial seeding is scheduled to take place on September 1 and 2.
PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION on FS Road 120: As a safety measure, fire prevention patrol units will be stationed along sections of FS Road 120 to ensure that traffic moves steadily and safely through the corridor during helicopter operations.
BAER teams focus on emergency actions necessary to protect human life and safety, property, and natural and cultural resources, including affected watersheds. BAER assessments identify unacceptable risks on federal lands from post-fire threats and help land managers prepare burned areas for potential threats from rainstorms.
BAER Safety Message: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events – be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/abq.