Fire season is kicking off, and the team and I have had our first round of fire monitoring. We conducted our survey at the Airport fire site, named so due to the presence of the Alpine County International airport, which is adjacent to the site.  We learned a lot of new techniques, which will receive honorable mentions, but will not be discussed. Belt transects, canopy and basal gap measurements, perennial density and nested frequency, point intercept, and soil stability encompass the survey techniques we implemented for fire monitoring.  Apart from the fire monitoring skills, I also broadened my botanical knowledge, being introduced to a few new grasses and forbs.

We camped for two nighst at Indian Creek Reservoir, which was just  down the road from the Airport fire plots.  Our sites were right near the reservoir, which had a lovely view of the mountain side.  The sites had tent pads, a fire pit, bathrooms, and showers, which is a rarity in regards to what our future camping experiences in the field will be like, so we soaked it all up and enjoyed it.  Some of us took a dip in the reservoir, which was extremely cold (for my taste anyhow, but I’m always cold).  Our second night of camping, we built a fire.  I know we were fire monitoring, so it may seem a bit odd that we were deliberately starting fires, but we were very cautious, and put a lot of effort into making sure the fire was properly extinguished prior to leaving. I’m proud to say that this was the first fire that I actually started and maintained by myself. This is an accomplishment for me, and I’m going to wear it as a badge!  I’ve never smelled a fire as flavorful as this one, the burning sagebrush wood exudes a wonderful aroma.  Ultimately, this was an educational as well as a fun experience for the team and me.  Well, that’s all for now, catch ya later folks!

Me happily tending the fire…

Indian Creek Reservoir

Love, light, and laughter,

Alex