USFS Eldorado NF Contracts GeomorphIS to Conduct Caldor Fire Weed Survey

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Eldorado National Forest (ENF), contracted with a GeomorphIS/PBC team to conduct one season of invasive plant surveys and manual treatments for target species including ENF invasive species and state-listed Noxious Weeds within and adjacent to the Caldor Fire area along fire-suppression disturbances (e.g. fire lines, staging areas, spike camps, drop zones, etc.). The Caldor Fire BAER Invasive Plants Project Area includes approximately 140 miles of dozer constructed fire line, 94 miles of roadside fire line and fuel breaks, and 69 point locations (staging area, drop point, etc.). Total area for fireline surveys and treatment are ~1,981 acres and total area for point locations are ~36 acres. The project area consists of a mosaic of habitats, (on all aspects) including mostly ponderosa pine, sierran mixed conifer, montane hardwood, and chaparral. The Caldor Fire started August 14, 2021, and burned approximately 255,000 acres, of which approximately 216,000 acres occur on Eldorado National Forest lands within the Amador, Pacific, and Placerville Ranger Districts. This Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Invasive Plant Survey and Treatment project facilitates the implementation of the Caldor Fire BAER Project, which includes surveys of fire suppression disturbances for new invasive plant infestations and manual treatment of small infestations. The results of these efforts will assist land managers in reducing the spread of invasive plants within and adjacent to the Caldor Fire area.