South Moccasin Fire Restoration Coalition

Published: 2022
By Cody Ream

In early October 2021, the South Moccasin Mountains in Fergus County experienced a devastating wildfire. This fire burned approximately 7,200 acres of forested land predominately owned by private landowners. After some site visits to assess the damage, landowners formed the South Moccasin Fire Restoration Coalition (SMFRC). MSU Extension organized the SMFRC in a way that would cover the needs of all in the group. Two salvage loggers were contacted to remove dead or dying trees before the timber value depreciated to zero. Smaller pines were sold to the local Amish for making pallets. Timber value from this effort went toward seeding and rebuilding infrastructure. A helicopter was contracted to spread a grass seed mix created by MSU Extension Range Specialist Jeff Mosley in May to replace the burned timber areas. This was done to help prevent weeds from taking over the area. Total re-seeding costs, including helicopter fees, were covered by NRCS funding that the coalition obtained ($132.41/acre for 7,200 acres). Cost-sharing grants were also obtained through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for rebuilding fences destroyed by the fire. Looking forward, the activities of the SMFRC are coming to an end, but it is not over. The next step for the SMFRC is to obtain a grant to cost share 50% of the chemical expenses to control weeds over the next three years.