Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire burned hundreds of thousands of acres of forest near Las Vegas, damaging the soil and reducing its ability to absorb rainwater, which led to flash flooding. In response, the city has adopted a 25-year urban forestry management plan to address flooding caused by the resulting burn scar. The plan calls for planting more trees in flood-prone areas, which have increased by 10% since the fire. These trees will replenish the city’s urban forest and help absorb and redirect rainwater. Some of the vegetation will also be incorporated into green stormwater infrastructure. The Forestry Division said residents are encouraged, though not required, to plant trees from an approved list available on its website.
