October 2021 - 37

Good from the bad
Below-normal levels of precipitation resulted
in good and bad news for the Mullen Fire burn
area. Riparian areas, which naturally help control
erosion, showed patchy burn scars across the
footprint of the fire with some loss of willows.
Precipitation was between 50 to 65 percent of
normal in much of the Platte River watershed in
May. While the lack of moisture slowed vegetation
growth, it also minimized sediment finding
its way into rivers and streams, which is good
news for fish and other aquatic life.
Amundson said grasses are already recovering
quickly in riparian areas, and some willows are
showing signs of resprouting. Areas along North
and South Mullen creeks, portions of Douglas
Creek and the main stem of the North Platte
River showed higher fire severity than other
riparian areas. Due to steep topography, these
areas have a limited riparian vegetation band
along waterways, which normally reduces the
impact from wildfires.
" The streams should be able to handle the
sediment loads in the future with some vegetation
regrowth in the riparian areas to hold the
soil in place, " Amundson said
Depending on precipitation amounts and
intensity throughout the remainder of the
summer, these areas could see increased ash,
sediment and woody debris deposits into the
river corridors.
Overall, wildlife managers are optimistic that
this wildfire will be ultimately beneficial for big
game animals.
" In the next two to three years we should
see a lot of good come from this fire, " Amundson
said. " Mule deer summer ranges should
be positively affected, and in the Platte River
and Savage Run wilderness areas many acres of
bighorn sheep habitat have likely been created
by this fire. Recent helicopter flights showed
bighorns have moved into areas they have not
historically used due to high conifer densities.
The sheep have better line-of-sight visibility
now with the conifers gone. There's currently
a bighorn sheep collaring study taking place in
this area to learn more about habitat use, so it
should be exciting to see. "
For habitat recovery, patience is key. Biologists
will continue monitoring regrowth and how
wildlife respond to the new landscape.
- Robin Kepple is the information and education specialist
for the Laramie region and is a regular contributor to
Wyoming Wildlife magazine.
Vegetation is often quick to return to areas where the burn wasn't too severe. The first plants to reestablish after
a fire are usually forbs with grasses following soon after. A fire can open an area to greater sunlight and warmth,
stimulating germination of some seeds. (WGFD photo)
" In the next two to three years we should
see a lot of good come from this fire. Mule
deer summer ranges should be positively
affected, and in the Platte River and Savage
Run wilderness areas many acres of bighorn
sheep habitat have likely been created by
this fire. " - Ryan Amundson
Wyoming Wildlife | 37

October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2021