BLM Plans To Aerially Seed SE Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management says it is working to restore wildfire-scarred rangeland in southeastern Oregon.  Crews will aerially seed burned areas near Bowman and Tucker Hill, using native grasses and forbs to help vegetation and wildlife habitat recover from the 2024 fires. 

“Post-fire restoration is about giving native vegetation the best opportunity to recover,” said Oliver Liu, natural resources specialist at the BLM Lakeview Field Office. “By establishing desirable plants and reducing invasive annual grasses, we can help restore healthy, resilient landscapes, and improve habitat for wildlife.” 

Aerial seeding projects at Bowman and Tucker Hill will support post-fire rehabilitation efforts.  Aircraft will distribute a mix of native grasses and forbs across the project areas to help reestablish vegetation following the 2024 Bowman Well and Tucker Hill Fires. The work is part of the Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Restoration effort. 

The aerial herbicide treatments help control invasive annual grasses that can compete with native vegetation, increase fuel loads, and contribute to more frequent wildfires. The projects will use imazapic, a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents the germination of winter annual grasses. BLM noted together, the seeding and herbicide treatments are intended to support the recovery of burned landscapes while reducing conditions that allow invasive annual grasses to spread.

BLM will post maps identifying treatment areas along the main roads entering the project areas.  For public and applicator safety, BLM asks people and pets to avoid camping or traveling through treatment areas while aerial applications are underway. 

For more information, visit the BLM Oregon/Washington Weeds and Invasives Program webpage or contact the BLM Lakeview District Office at (541) 947-2177.

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