Los Padres National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

Date: October 6, 2008

Gap Fire Hydromulch Project Completed on National Forest Land

The aerial hydromulching project on national forest lands in the Gap Fire area that started on September 24, was completed mid-day today.  Over a thirteen day period, six small airplanes and one large helicopter made 3,238 flights delivering 3.5 million gallons of hydromulch to key areas of the burn.  The cost of the treatments is roughly $4.8 million.  

The hydromulch consists of recycled paper and wood fiber, water, a binding agent and a temporary green dye.  The mulch does not contain seeds or fertilizer.  The hydromulching of high risk areas is intended to help reduce soil erosion and allow native seeds and roots to get reestablished.  The mulched areas will remain closed to all public entry for approximately one year, according to Santa Barbara District Ranger Cindy Chojnacky. 

“Walking, biking, driving or horseback riding on the mulch will reduce its effectiveness in reducing erosion and protecting the community of Goleta,” explained Chojnacky.  “We hope people will understand the importance of protecting the mulch over the winter and that they will abide by the closure.  Anyone who violates the closure is subject to a fine and damages,” she added. 

For more information regarding the Gap Fire hydromulching operation, please visit the Gap BAER section of the Los Padres National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/conditions.

NOTE:  A second hydromulching project is expected to begin Tuesday under the jurisdiction of the County of Santa Barbara in which some private and non-federal public lands in the fire area will be treated.  County officials plan to use the same contractor, Aerotech, Inc.  For more information, please contact County Communications Director William Boyer at (805) 568-3428.

###