July 2004
United States Geological Survey
Wildland fires: After the smoke clearsWhat:
Congressional Briefing--While a raging wildland fire can be terrifyingly destructive, some of the biggest dangers come after the smoke clears. Scorched land is vulnerable to a number of threats, including landslides; erosion and sedimentation that can impact water quality; and invasive weeds that can fuel future fires. Come hear how the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its partners work together to protect lives, property, and ecosystems as they stabilize burned areas and rehabilitate the land.
Speakers:
Anne Kinsinger, U.S. Geological Survey
Ed Bortugno, California Office of Emergency Services, Disaster Assistance Division
Where:
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2325
Washington, D.C.
When:
Friday, July 16, 2004
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Come hear more about:
- More than 41,000 fires burned 3,331,437 acres during Jan. 1-July 12, 2004.
- During 2001-2002, the Department of the Interior spent $118 million in post-fire rehabilitation.
- Post-fire brings floods, debris flows, invasive species, altered ecosystems, economic impact.
- Burn severity maps help determine where assistance and treatment is needed.
- Landslide and debris flow assessments help determine vulnerable areas.
- Rapid deployment of streamgages provide early warning for floods.
- Assessments of wildlife habitats and ecosystem studies help manage the impact of fires.
The briefing is sponsored by the California Water Education Foundation and Senator Gordon Smith, Representative Jim Moran, and Representative Greg Walden.
For more details about the briefing, please see: http://www.usgs.gov/solutions/smoke.html.
The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
**** www.usgs.gov ****
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