Bootleg Fire Recovery: A Long Road to Restoration

Klamath Falls, Oregon – The 2021 Bootleg Fire, one of Oregon’s largest wildfires, burned over 400,000 acres, devastating forested areas and entire ecosystems. Creeks filled with charred debris, and hillsides once protected by dense tree canopies were exposed, leading to unprecedented runoff.

And then heavy rains in 2022 and 2023 led to logjams in creek beds, caused by burned tree trunks. These logjams sometimes hindered water runoff but also aided stream recovery. Still, clean-up and restoration have been labor-intensive and costly.

The Klamath Watershed Partnership (KWP) is supported by grant funding from the Avista Foundation, partnered with the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Green Diamond Rescue Company, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and has been a key partner in the Bootleg Fire recovery efforts. Established in 1997, KWP collaborates with landowners, agencies, and organizations to preserve and restore natural resources in the Klamath Basin. Their focus on education, consultation, restoration, and planning has greatly benefited recovery efforts.

Fire recovery involves multiple methods to stabilize and restore ecosystems. Areas near the banks of the river are sensitive to high-intensity fires like Bootleg and require longer recovery times. Despite the challenges, progress is being made; by the end of 2024, over 16.5 miles across seven streams had been restored at a cost of more than $20,000 per mile.

Though there is still much work to be done, collaboration among volunteers, landowners, and scientists is driving restoration efforts forward. Visit klamathpartnership.org to learn more and view before-and-after photos.

At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $17 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.