The Horseshoe 2 fire containment is moving along and attention is turning to preparing for possible floods and debris flows in its aftermath.
A public workshop is being organized for June 16, 6:30-8 pm (AZ time) in the Rodeo Community Center, just over the border in New Mexico. Technical assistance and other services from the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Services will be discussed. Ann Youberg from AZGS (aka "Fire Girl") will describe debris flows and similar hazards and what can be done to mitigate them. Ann will be in the field with Forest Service experts next week to start the assessment of the Horseshoe 2 burned areas.
Staff from Rep. Gabrielle Giffords office will also be on hand to provide information and answer questions about post-fire management and restoration.
Based on our experience in similar terrains and situation, we anticipate it will take 3-5 years for vegetation to be restored to the point that debris flows and mudslides will be naturally mitigated and the threat minimized. [right, debris flow near Flagstaff, resulting from the 2010 Schultz fire on higher slopes. AZGS photo]