Jemez fire restoration project

The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club is developing plans to assist in the restoration of areas in the Jemez that were severely damaged last year by the Las Conchas fire. And you are invited to participate as volunteers in this important effort. Please contact Mike Weinberg (505) 231-7322

Several organizations in the region have expressed interest in our assistance with restoration and related activities. How we can best help will ultimately depend on the evolving needs of those impacted by the fire as well as the interests and experience of our volunteers.

It is anticipated that some of the volunteer work will not require any prior environmental training. This could include grass reseeding, planting of sapling trees, debris clearing, or other “get your hands dirty” types of activities. Opportunities to work with the scientific staff of one or more of the potential partnering groups should also be possible for those with existing environmental experience or an interest in learning technical skills. The specific activities discussed so far include restoration planning; monitoring the recovery of wildlife, insects, and flora; and assessing hydrologic changes caused by vegetation loss.

The technical assistance will likely require more weekday activity, because of the facility staff schedules. However, one organization contacted suggested that it might be possible for a team of volunteers to monitor selected species recovery in designated areas, with birds and wetland plants specifically mentioned, if we have the expertise. This could facilitate additional weekend involvement. The less technical assistance can probably be done either on weekends or weekdays. The intent is for this effort to be a long-term project, conducted throughout the year except winter, with the amount of time devoted subject to the personal goals of the volunteers.

Those interested in participating are asked to contact me at mweinberg@windstream.net, identifying your particular interests, experience level where applicable, and preference for weekday or weekend activity.

Thanks,

Mike Weinberg
Chapter Water Issue Chair
Telephone: (505) 231-7322