Single Publication

HERMITS PEAK-CALF CANYON BAER TEAM LEADER SHARES ASSESSMENT BRIEFING

Micah Kiesow (Santa Fe National Forest Watershed Program Manager) is the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment team leader for the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire.

The Forest Service BAER team assesses post-fire conditions on National Forest System (NFS) lands. Micah and the BAER team of scientists and specialists have completed its Phase 1 assessment of the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burned area and are preparing to begin Phase 2 in the northern half of the fire area.

LINK TO THE FB POSTED VIDEO OF BAER ASSESSMENT BRIEFING:

https://fb.watch/dpUl207a4C/?fs=e&s=cl

BAER Burned Area Emergency Response Assessment Key Facts:

·       BAER teams focus on emergency actions necessary to protect human life and safety, property, and critical natural and cultural resources.

·       BAER assessments are rapid evaluations of the burned area that are used to identify unacceptable risks on federal lands from post-fire threats and assist land managers in preparing burned areas for potential threats from rainstorms. They assess potential post-fire impacts to affected watersheds.

·       The USDA Forest Service does not have authority to assess or recommend emergency treatments to private property owners; however, we do share our BAER burned area assessment findings, analysis, and data with local, state, and other federal agencies that have that authority to help private landowners.

·       For example, the public can call the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to request “damage assessments” and they have the authority to recommend effective emergency treatments for post-fire rainstorm events if they determine there is a need.

·       Any questions regarding private lands should be directed to NRCS:

Kenneth Branch, Assistant State Conservationist, 505-761-4454, kenneth.branch@usda.gov; or

Aaron Reynolds, Resource Conservationist, 505-761-4430, aaron.reynolds@usda.gov

Additional Information can be found at:

·       NRCS EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION RECOVERY ASSISTANCE: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/landscape/ewpp/?cid=nrcseprd1381472

·       NRCS EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROGRAM FACT SHEET: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf

·       USDA FIRE RECOVERY ASSISTANCE: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ca/newsroom/features/?cid=nrcseprd407898

·       FEMA Flood Insurance Program: https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance

·       FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk: https://www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires

·       FEMA Flood Smart Program: https://www.floodsmart.gov/

·       FEMA Flood After Fire—Fact Sheet: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/Flood_After_Fire_Fact_Sheet.pdf

·       AFTER FIRE FLOODING AND RECOVERY RESOURCES GUIDE FOR NM COMMUNITIES

https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/

·       POST-FIRE RESOURCES FOR NM PRIVATE LANDOWNERS:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8104/68622/

·       AFTER FIRE FLOODING & RECOVERY RESOURCES GUIDE FOR NM COMMUNITIES:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8104/68785/

·       RESOURCES FOR IMPACTED RESIDENTS & COMMUNITIES: