Photo by Kristi Jamason/FRLT.
The Feather River Watershed has now seen over two months of mega-fire with evacuations spanning multiple counties, people's lives up-ended, and much change and loss.
- The Beckwourth Complex started in Sierra Valley on June 30th and burned 105,670 acres.
- The Dixie Fire rages on. At day 49, the Dixie Fire is the largest single fire in California history, at over 850,000 acres and 55% contained.
To all who are impacted by these fires, our hearts are with you.
The devastation of communities, the loss of cherished homes and important businesses built by the people who make this region unique and special, is especially heartbreaking. FRLT is dedicated to fire recovery on the land and within these communities. Our staff and Board live and work here—together we will envision and build toward a more resilient future.
The Dixie Fire is now threatening Lake Davis, communities along the Highway 70 corridor east of Quincy, and burning toward Milford on Highway 395 and into the Beckwourth Complex scar. To all of those currently impacted and ready to evacuate at a moment's warning, including our Sierra neighbors now facing the Caldor Fire—stay aware, strong, and safe. We will get through this, together.
Conserved Lands: Working with Nature for Recovery
Riparian vegetation regrowth (aspens too!) seven weeks after the Beckwourth Complex burned a recently conserved ranch in eastern Plumas County.
Photo by Kristi Jamason/FRLT.
To date, 13 FRLT conserved properties have been impacted by the Beckwourth Complex and Dixie fires. We’re working in close coordination with landowners and fire personnel for both incidents.
In the weeks and months ahead, we'll be working with landowners and a team of experts to (1) assess fire severity and impacts on vegetation and soils, water resources, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources on conserved lands, and (2) identify best practices for allowing and assisting natural regeneration where possible, and appropriate interventions for restoration where needed.
Each day, we’re learning new ways to be effective and adaptive during these large and challenging incidents.
Visit our blog for more information. We'll be updating regularly and will share more about fire recovery efforts in the weeks and months ahead.
An Update on the Heart K Ranch
A message from Stewardship Manager, Nils Lunder
The Heart K Ranch red barn and apple orchard with low intensity fire in the oak woodlands as seen on 8-24-21. Photo by Plumas PAO, Ludie Bond.
For the last two weeks, the Dixie Fire has been surging near one of FRLT's most iconic properties—the historic Heart K Ranch. Here's an update from our Stewardship Manager and Indian Valley resident, Nils Lunder.
"Fire has burned up and out of Indian Valley impacting Peters Creek and Foreman Ravine. The steep, wooded slopes of Mt Jura have burned with the fire backing down numerous drainages towards Taylorsville, Genesee Woods and the Genesee Valley. Fire has burned down the slopes of the Heart K Ranch, reaching the Genesee-Beckwourth Road in several places. Fire spotted across the meadow and Indian Creek burning some pasture and fencing. To date, none of the historic structures have been lost, but there has been damage to our ranching infrastructure.
Fire crews have established structure protection throughout Genesee Valley protecting homes and ranches. The USFS has been lighting backfires to burn off surface fuels and keep the fire burning at a lower intensity.
The large spot fire on the north slope of Grizzly Ridge, and fire south of the Heart K Ranch has burned into the fire scar from the 2019 Walker Fire on the flanks of Mt. Ingalls and is now making huge runs to the east. This active and dangerous front of the fire is a priority in the firefight, and many communities evacuated and impacted by the Beckwourth Complex are unfortunately preparing to leave again.
We are grateful for the hard work that everyone is doing on the Dixie Fire to protect our communities while also prioritizing the safety of fire personnel and first responders."
How you can help our communities
There are many ways to help those impacted by the Dixie Fire. From farmers, small businesses, schools, volunteer firefighters, and families, many people have had their lives turned upside down and could use a hand up.
A grassroots website has emerged as a hub for verified relief campaigns--dixiefirerelief.org. Thank you for your generosity!
Visit Dixie Fire Relief Hub
We have so much to be grateful for.
A huge thank you to everyone braving dangerous conditions to fight these fires and care for our communities. And thank you land trust community and donors for standing with us as we navigate landscape-scale wildfire impacts and recovery in the watershed we call home.
Save the Date: September 15
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival returns to Quincy in just two weeks! FRLT is proud to sponsor this annual event and fundraiser for Plumas Arts. This year, the film fest is available in-person or live online.
Buy tickets today to connect with community and support a great cause.
Now more important than ever
Help protect the Sierra Nevada's largest watershed
The headwaters and habitats of the Feather River Watershed are crucial for California's water resources and a climate resilient future. Help us conserve and restore these lands and waters,
today and for future generations.
Donate Today
Feather River Land Trust | 530-283-5758 | info@frlt.org | www.frlt.org