Seeding Operations Begin July 21, 2013 (Silver Post Fire Response Burned Area Emergency Response)

Silver Fire BAER seeding operations commenced this morning. Air Tractor Agricultural aircraft are being used to seed the proposed 11,500 acres for Phase I, and 1,450 acres for Phase II. Seed is being loaded with a system of portable conveyor belts from tractor trailers into storage trailers, then onto a truck that then loads the aircraft. The aircraft are able to carry up to 4,000 pounds of seed per flight, covering approximately 75 acres per flight. The seed is comprised of a quick germinating, non-persistent annual cereal barley that provides rapid ground cover. A small percentage of native perennial species would also be included to give the burned area a jump start in natural recovery, and provide for long-term ground cover. Aircraft are stationed at the Gila National Forest Air Tanker Base at the Grant County Airport.