THEMARICOPAMOD.COM / WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

Arizona begins mammoth task of rejuvenating scorched land, but faces one major obstacle

with summer nearing its end, efforts are now focused on recovery and restoration.

UPDATED SEP 1, 2024

The state faces a long-term project that will require significant time and resources.

Phoenix, Arizona: This scorching, record-breaking summer has seen Arizona ravaged by wildfires, leaving hundreds of thousands of acres of land barren. The McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Maricopa County, has suffered significant damage in recent heatwaves and summers hot like never before. The park has seen nearly 2,000 acres of land burned.

The dry and windy conditions prevalent during the season have exacerbated the fire risk across the region.

And now with summer nearing its end, efforts are now focused on recovery and restoration. But that isn't as straightforward as it sounds. Why? One word: Invasion. Not the type with boots on the ground, but rather one that attacks and proliferates more insidiously. Invasive plant species have begun to dominate the charred landscape. These species include red brome and Mediterranean grass, both of which pose significant threats to the area’s recovery.

"When these invasive species mix with the desert climate, they create prime conditions for future wildfires," one local expert told 3TV. "If something as small as a cigarette or a hot piece of equipment were to come into contact with this vegetation, it could easily ignite a new fire, which would then spread rapidly due to the contiguous growth of these plants."

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent wildfires.

Now before the land can be nurtured back to its original state these invasive plants need to be carefully managed and removed. The recovery plan includes comprehensive invasive species management, potentially reintroducing native vegetation like the iconic saguaro cacti and other trees that were lost in the fires. However, this is a long-term project that will require significant time and resources.

Maricopa County officials recommend park visitors take simple precautions, such as brushing off their shoes and clothing after hiking and rinsing off bike tires before leaving the park. These small actions can prevent the unintentional spread of invasive seeds to other areas.

The financial cost of restoring land damaged by wildfires is high. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the expense can range from $500 to $1,000 per acre. For McDowell Mountain Regional Park, this could mean a total cost of up to $2 million for recovery efforts. The federal government does, however, provide annual grants to assist with these expenses.