SFNF News:
SANTA FE — The Santa Fe National Forest, in collaboration with the National Forest Foundation, will use a variety of vegetation management strategies to treat invasive species within the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon burned area starting this week.
The SFNF and NFF plan to treat 1,400 acres between June and October of this year, with the goal of treating a total of 4,200 acres over three to four years.
“By implementing adaptive invasive plant management strategies, such as targeted herbicide application, we can foster the recovery of native plants that are resilient against disturbances like floods and wildfires,” said Christine Bishop, Invasive Plant Program Manager.
A contractor will use both herbicide application and manual removal, focusing the work along fire containment features like fire lines or fuel breaks. Signs will be posted near treatment areas stating the name of the herbicide or management strategy and the dates of when to avoid the area. During project implementation, alternative recreation and access options will be identified on the SFNF website.
Herbicide will be applied directly to leaves or spot-sprayed in specific areas using a backpack sprayer or squirt bottle. Weather conditions will be monitored before applying the herbicide. If rain is forecasted within 48 hours before or after the scheduled application, the treatment will be postponed until conditions improve. A contractor will document and map invasive species in both new and existing areas throughout the project and will provide updates to the SFNF on their progress.
Visit the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Recovery Page and the SFNF’s social media (Facebook and X) for updates on HPCC recovery work.
Map of locations for herbicide application within the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon burned area. Courtesy/USDAFS
About the Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology–and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.