By Scout Nelson
Two years after the Power Dam Road Fire swept through the White River region of South Dakota, producers are seeing signs of recovery across the land. The September 2024 fire burned more than 15,000 acres and caused major damage to fences, equipment, pasture, and other ranch resources.
Today, producers are sharing what they learned and how careful land management is helping the area recover.
The South-Central Resource Conservation and Development Council recently held a Power Dam Road Fire Tour in White River. The tour gave producers an opportunity to share their experiences and discuss the recovery of their land. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and local partners also helped producers address resource concerns after the fire.
The fire started from a spark from a power pole and quickly spread across the area. Winds reached 50 miles per hour (mph), with gusts reaching 75 mph. Eastern red cedar trees burned easily, helping the fire move quickly. The fire crossed the river and later moved back across it, making the situation difficult for local residents and firefighters.
At the beginning of the fire, only one fire truck was at the starting point while three homes needed protection. As wind conditions changed, firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Once the winds became calmer, passenger planes that had been changed into firefighting aircraft dropped fire retardant over the area. Within about 24 hours of steady conditions, the active fire was under control.
Firefighters from nearby communities and other parts of the country came to help. They worked to stop the fire and watched areas that could burn again. Ranchers also received strong support from neighbors. Some fences were cut so cattle could escape, while others helped provide hay after grazing areas were burned.
The months after the fire remained difficult. There was very little moisture during the fall and winter. Strong winds lifted soot from the burned ground, making the landscape look as if it were burning again. In some draws, soot formed drifts nearly two feet deep.
Dr. Kevin Sedivec, a Range Science Program professor at North Dakota State University, explained that land needs time to rest after a fire. However, after enough recovery time, some grazing pressure can encourage new plant growth. He also noted that wildflowers have five times the minerals of grass.
Ken Risseeuw and his grandson Rogan gave one example of how preparation can reduce losses. Their family lost a machine shed, one baler, and two drills. However, recently installed fencing remained nearly 100% intact because it used steel braces.
The family also saved newly installed watering tanks because gravel had recently been placed around them. Tanks surrounded by vegetation or made from plastic were lost. The ranch lost about 3,500 acres of summer pasture, and the fire came within 200 yards of the home.
After the fire, the FSA helped the family establish cross fencing through the Emergency Conservation Program. The new fencing uses steel and four strands of barbed wire, with wood used only for gate posts. The NRCS also provided a deferred grazing incentive.
The fire removed about 90% of the cedar trees on the Risseeuw property. The family also saw positive forage results after allowing part of a burned field to rest.
Local landowner Bob Hutchison also saw major changes on his land. Nearly all of his 500 acres burned except for a small 20-acre area.
Hutchison allowed his land to rest for nearly two years before grazing again. The recovery has included more native grasses, wildflowers, and native plants along fence lines. Cedar trees have also been removed, allowing grasslands to return.
Hutchison and Risseeuw both credit local NRCS and FSA staff for helping with fencing plans, costs, and recovery efforts. The experience shows that allowing burned land enough time to recover can support stronger plant growth.
The NRCS continues to provide conservation planning support to producers after fires and during other land management challenges. Producers interested in prescribed fire can contact their, local NRCS service center to learn about safe and planned fire management practices.
Photo Credit: pexels-alexandrep-junior
Categories: South Dakota, Weather