It is hard to keep a 78,000 acre fire like the Sanford in perspective, especially when it is so close to home. However, barring a couple of established dirt roads, the area remains fairly remote – close to home, but outside of established homesteads.

Few roads into the area made it difficult for firefighters to safely control portions of the fire. In addition, there are fewer dirt roads to act as fuel breaks. However, building and maintaining more roads is not the answer!

Existing roads, cut alongside steep terrain, are one of the primary causes of erosion within the watershed. Already areas along the Cottonwood Road are experiencing flood events and washing debris quickly downstream. Until some vegetation is established this will continue to be a problem. Long-term monitoring may indicate that erosion control methods, such as planting grasses, reforestation or creating diversions, are needed over the next several years.

Despite the fire and the flood, the area is still open for recreation! Over 50% of the area within the Sanford boundary remains unburned, creating a mosaic of scenic areas. In fact, after a fire is a great time to see not only new types of vegetation, but also an increase in deer, elk, small game and birds, which flourish during this period of renewed growth.

Keep in mind, while experiencing the Sanford area, that part of what makes this portion of the watershed unique is its remoteness. Voluntarily staying on roads and trails, and not impacting the area while wet and muddy, will reap long-term benefits to this portion of the Upper Sevier River Watershed.

Recreationists can still enjoy the Sanford area.