BLM Approves Post-Fire Restoration Plan for S-1 Vya Fire Area
ALTURAS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has approved an emergency stabilization and burned area response plan for the S-1 Vya Fire area, authorizing efforts to repair fire-damaged fencing and restore vegetation on approximately 287 acres of public and private land within the fire perimeter.
The plan, approved by the BLM’s Applegate Field Office, includes repairing or replacing approximately 12 miles of allotment boundary fencing damaged by the fire and drill seeding to improve soil stability and establish perennial grass cover for wildlife, including mule deer and pronghorn.
“Post-fire restoration is critical to stabilizing soils, reestablishing vegetation and protecting wildlife habitat. Repairing damaged fencing and reseeding affected areas will help the landscape recover while supporting wildlife and livestock management,” said Kevin Kunkel for the Applegate Field Office.
Seeding operations are expected to begin in fall 2026 and last approximately two to three weeks. Crews will use range drills pulled by a D6 bulldozer or large tractor, with all access to project sites occurring on existing roads and routes.
The BLM developed seed mixes using soil and precipitation data, along with ecological site descriptions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, to select vegetation suited to local conditions and the plan’s restoration objectives.
Fence repairs and reconstruction are scheduled to begin in summer 2027 and be completed by fall 2028. The fencing will follow BLM specifications designed to support wildlife passage, including appropriate wire spacing and smooth wire along the bottom.
The project area includes priority habitat management area designated for greater sage-grouse under the 2025 Greater Sage-Grouse Rangewide Planning Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment for Nevada and northeastern California. The project will follow the required design features for these designated areas.
According to the BLM’s decision record, vegetation, soil and other public land resources are at immediate risk of erosion, degradation or additional damage following the wildfire. The agency approved the proposed action under its emergency stabilization and burned area response authorities.
The decision is effective immediately and remains in effect during any appeal unless the Interior Board of Land Appeals grants a stay. More information is available through the BLM’s S-1 Vya Fire Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Response Plan project page. Contact the BLM Applegate Field Office at 530-279-6101 for more information.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.