Trail Rehab Plan Already Formulated

Even before the fire has been put out, Bridger-Teton National Forest is formulating plans to repair damaged trails in the fire area.  Trails Program Manager Linda Merigliano says that the Little Horsethief Canyon Fire has impacted trails in Wilson Canyon, from lower Wilson Canyon where the fire started, through the 5-way area of Wilson Canyon up to just below Ferrins saddle, and the West Game Creek trail was also substantially burned over.  Additionally, suppression work done in protecting Snow King and the Town has included the construction of bulldozer lines that have impacted trails in the Cache Creek drainage/Hagen area. The Skyline Ridge area has seen heavy fire and fire suppression activity, as well. Leeks Canyon was improved to allow for access of heavy firefighting equipment into Wilson Canyon and has also had ‘dozer lines added to the area. Preliminary rehabilitation plans are already in the works and Merigliano says she hopes to get a good jump on trail rehab work even before the snow flies. However she estimates that rehabilitation work will last well into next year. The rehabilitation plan will address the impacts of the fire and the suppression effort on the trails as well as the prevention of erosion and evasive weeds in the affected areas.