Crews begin reseeding Utah’s Rocky Canyon burn scar
Crews are reseeding ground burned by the Rocky Canyon Fire near Henefer, TownLift reported November 12 after speaking with Utah forestry officials. The fire started August 7 and burned 16,464 acres of private and state wildlife land across Summit and Morgan counties.
What new roots can do for Henefer
On a steep slope stripped of plants, a downpour can carry loose soil downhill. Utah’s restoration plan identifies Henefer and East Canyon Reservoir as places where that runoff matters. As the new plants take root, they can help keep more soil on the slope. Flooding and debris flows remain possible while the ground recovers.
Two gathering grounds for sage-grouse
The fire burned two known leks, open places where male greater sage-grouse gather to display during breeding season. State wildlife staff recommended seed mixes for the project. The birds’ habitat is one consideration in deciding what to plant.
The first green shoots will tell only part of the story. State forestry officials told TownLift that lightly burned edges could start growing back within a year. Woody plants take longer to mature, and the return of the broader ecosystem could take five to 20 years or more.
