Kicking Ash...

September and Red 124 is still smouldering.  I had an opportunity to receive a crash course on Hazard Tree Assessment from a couple of BC crewmen, known as experts in this field.  Hazard trees are not just the obvious leaners... so I learned.  

Destination...
750m portage trail between Murdock and Larus Lakes along the Bloodvein River

We picked up the crewmen John and Marcel from their fire line camp on Murdock 

I was given a tour of their camp.  Some rehabilitation pointers were communicated to the crew... small steps to consider when comes time to demobilize their camp. 



Restoring the camp and helipad areas to their most natural state will reduce the impact on the land and on the minds of those who may come across these sites in the future.  Unfortunatly, this creative mail box will be cut down and left behind to be reclaimed by the land. 

Out on the trail 

The trail and forest I knew so well were unrecognizable

The fire was so intense that it gutted trees that then collapsed unto themselves... turned mosses and duff into a layer of ash

An interesting burn pattern

Yet, just barely a week after the fire impact, new growth is found.  

Hard to miss this splash of bright lime green in a dark charcoaled forest. 

This is a great opportunity to re-route the portage trail. 
No trees to blaze therefore flagging required.  Will need to return to cut the new trail.

 

 

The crew got to work, first scouting and assessing....

then cutting the hazards

 

 

This hazard is no brainer to me.. its roots grappling at nothing.

As we were working, a black bear came out from the forest across the river and swam to our side and quickly disappeared again.  It was cleary on a mission to get out of here in search of greener pastures. 

It's time to head back

Looks like I got a little dirty

Thanks John and Marcel for imparting some of your knowledge

It was all good