Intensive grazing practices in the early 1900’s, as well as increased recreation and homesteading near water sources have all but destroyed historic flood plains. Flood plains are lands bordering rivers and streams that normally are dry but are covered with water during intense flooding events. These flatland areas serve to slow water velocity and to reduce sediment transport downstream. Today, many streams and rivers are deeper, narrow and lack the tradional meanders, so that when a flood event occurs, sediment is quickly moved to lower elevations. Much of the brunt of the fire and subsequent flooding event is manifested downstream in the Upper Sevier River and is evidenced along many riparian corridors within the Sanford Fire perimeter.

Stream rehabilitation and riparian improvements in this area are addressed as part of the Upper Sevier Community Watershed Project. However, these events will further serve as an important testament for the need of long-term, large-scale watershed protection programs. Water issues will also be addressed as part of the Sanford Monitoring plan.

Monitoring will play an important role in understanding the Sanford Fire and its’ effects.