Our team is now complete! Michael “Fred” made the long haul from Athens, Ohio to join us just in time for our upcoming hitch. As Michael is already skilled in the ways of FIREMON plots, he was able to jump right into data collection. He is thrilled to be exploring a new and vaster area than previous work in Ohio. Doug is happy to have a fellow corps member and roommate at the bunkhouse.
Our first “real” hitch took us to the Fremont District of Dixie National Forest. All members were awed by the views from 10,000 feet overlooking Capital Reef National Park and the Henry Mountains beyond. Temperatures remained cool keeping spirits high and the plot work flying by. The team completed all 20 plots in the Solomon Basin wildfire burn area in three days time. We thus wrapped up our hitch returning to the Powel Ranger District in Dixie and the Bridge wildfire area. Everyone felt a great sense of accomplishment as we were able to wrap up the Bridge area as well.
Brian Doughty, SCA Plant and Fire Program Manager, met the team at camp and was happy to hit the field to learn all about data collection in Utah. He joined us for three days in the field. A lovely team dinner at the Pine Woods Dinner House in Duck Creek was enjoyed by all. Due to an unfortunate turn of events, pictures verifying Brian’s help with the team were lost. All we will have are the wonderful memories of chicken jalapeño sausage burritos, crispy cookies, and eating summer sausage while hiding in the trees to remember him by.
