Blazing Impact
Wildfire & The Environment
Sept 2024
At the end of August, The House Draw Fire, ripped across 175,000 acres of sagebrush and grasslands in northeast Wyoming, leaving behind a mosaic of charred earth, and etched its place in history as the state’s largest wildfire on record.
If it’s hard to picture 175,000 acres, think of it this way: that’s the same as 273 square miles, about 28 square miles bigger than the entire metropolitan area of Denver.
In this remote area, the impact goes way beyond the visible damage. It’s causing habitat loss, soil erosion, and creating new challenges to keep unwelcome invasive species from taking over. All of this presents huge uncertainties and challenges for local cattle and sheep ranchers who play a big role in our community’s economy.
There is also the controversial issue of sage grouse habitat. The balance between protecting sage grouse and supporting industries that rely on sagebrush landscapes makes this bird a lightning rod for broader environmental and economic discussions. The fire burned through crucial sagebrush habitat, which is essential for the survival of sage-grouse, especially during the nesting season.
What will it take to heal these scorched lands?
Join us as we delve into understanding the aftermath of this colossal blaze with local experts Ryan Fieldgrove, Allison McKenzie, and Zach Byram. They shed light on the environmental impact, what it means for the flora and fauna and the overall ecosystem, and the people who rely on it for their livelihoods.
For more information contact:
Zach Byram
Clear Creek Conservation District
500 W Lott St
Buffalo WY 82384
307 620 3021
Allison McKenzie
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Buffalo WY
500 W Lott St
Buffalo WY 82834
307 684 2526
