A Forest Service Burned-Area Emergency Response, or BAER, team examines ground burned in Utah's 71,000 Brian Head Fire in June and July. The team's report will help guide restoration efforts now under way. By spurring plant growth and stabilizing soils, officials hope to minimize erosion and the potential for destructive debris flows that could threaten roads, water supplies and fisheries. Photo courtesy Dixie National Forest
Brian Maffly has worked for The Tribune off and on since 1994. Maffly roams Utah, covering public land and environment.