2018 Willow Creek Burn Riparian Restoration Sign-up

Volunteers Needed for Willow Creek Fire Riparian Restoration!

In the late morning of July 11, 2017, a wildfire was ignited on the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge by a military target flare at Willow Creek. By the time the fire was extinguished, it had burned 488 acres of core nesting and brood-rearing ground for the sage-grouse leks in the north-central part of the refuge. It also killed a large amount of the willow and shrub cover along a reach of Willow Creek where Catlow Valley redband trout breed and loaf. This is a genetically distinct population of the Great Basin redband trout. It is a federal “Species of Concern” and is listed by ODFW as “Sensitive Critical.”

The Refuge is beginning restoration of the burned area with a planting of willow whips in the riparian zone along the creek on May 5 and 6, 2018. On the first day the willow whips will be cut upstream and downstream from the burn site. They will be soaked overnight in tubs and then planted the following day. The Refuge is aiming to have the work completed just prior to bud break or at least before full leaf. The willows will help restore shade and cover to the burned reach of the creek for the trout and provide habitat for migratory song birds.

Volunteers are urgently needed to help with this important project. There will be some bed space in the Refuge bunk house for participants as well as camp sites in the Hot Springs Campground. Bunkhouse space will be allocated on a first come-first served basis.

The work may be strenuous and require frequent bending over and involve physical exertion to insert the willow whips into the banks. The ground may be rocky, wet and uneven. You must be in good physical condition and willing to work outdoors, in potentially inclement weather. Refuge staff will train and oversee the work and provide hand tools for the job. You are responsible for providing your own appropriate clothing and shoes with ankle support, food and bedding.  That said, each day’s tasks should not require a full day of work, and there may be time to explore parts of the refuge.  Many secondary roads may still be closed to vehicle traffic, however.

If you are interested in helping with this critically important project, please go to the registration page on the Friends of Hart Mountain website by clicking here.  More detailed information on reaching Hart Mountain and what to bring will be sent by mid-April to those who register.

APPLICATION and SELECTION:

Applications are available on this website and will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.  Selection will be on a first-come basis.  Successful candidates will be notified by e-mail by mid-April.  Others will be placed on a backup list.