The BLM undertakes stabilization and long-term rehabilitation actions to repair lands damaged by wildfire that are unlikely to recover naturally. Emergency stabilization and burned area rehabilitation are part of a holistic approach to address post-wildfire issues, including soil impacts, vegetation restoration, invasive species establishment and spread, and damage that can occur resulting from suppression activity and long-term (more than 3 years) restoration. Rehabilitation includes, but is not limited to, contour felling, mulching, seeding, and control of invasive plants.

Emergency stabilization refers to planned actions performed by a Burned Area Emergency Response team within 1 year of containment of a wildfire to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources. Burned area rehabilitation refers to efforts undertaken within 3 years of containment of a wildfire to repair or improve fire-damaged land unlikely to recover naturally to desired management conditions, or to repair or replace minor facilities damaged by fire. The spread of cheatgrass, in particular, is possible in areas burned or disturbed due to fire suppression activities. Widespread presence of cheatgrass can alter the local fire regime and fire-recurrence interval.

This analysis describes the impacts to stabilization and rehabilitation in relation to fire and fuels management. Impacts to stabilization and rehabilitation directly affect the management of fire and fuels and the potential for future fire occurrence and spread. Beneficial impacts to fire and fuels management results from management actions that encourage appropriate stabilization and rehabilitation following a wildfire. Adverse impacts to fire and fuels management result from management that limits stabilization and rehabilitation activities.

Direct impacts to stabilization and rehabilitation include restrictions that prohibit or limit stabilization and rehabilitation actions or techniques.