Moses Coulee Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

In Dry Eastern Washington, Scientists Look To Rangeland Management To Address Catastrophic Fires

By Courtney Flatt November 6, 2020

In one experimental plot, many of the sagebrush in this Moses Coulee area of central Washington were burned to a crisp during the September 2020 Pearl Hill Fire. It can take decades for sagebrush to fully recover after an extremely intense wildfire. CREDIT: Courtney Flatt/NWPB

As Washington works to combat climate change, can rangelands be better managed to make wildfires less catastrophic? What are the most effective solutions to remove invasive grasses, like cheatgrass, which dries out quickly, burns extremely hot and helps fires jump from bunchgrass to bunchgrass?Read More

‘Hanging Out To Dry’ In Rural Washington As Residents Push For Their Own Fire Protection Group

By Courtney Flatt August 18, 2020

Molly and David Linville purchased a brush truck to fight fires on their ranch and their neighbors’ land in Douglas County, Washington. They live in the Moses Coulee area, where no agency is assigned to respond to fires that spark there. Courtesy of Molly Linville

For some people, there are advantages to living in an unprotected area. For one, they don’t have to pay taxes into a fire district or timber taxes to the state. Residents in Moses Coulee area of Douglas County want to act as an initial attack team for their small area, helping douse the flames until official fire crews arrive.Read More

Washington Ranchers Push To Create Their Own Fire Fighting Teams In ‘No Man’s Lands’

By Courtney Flatt September 9, 2019

Central Washington rancher Molly Linville would like ranchers to be able to fight fires on their own property in the state. She hopes the state will allow ranchers to form rangeland fire protection associations in areas where no agency is assigned to respond to wildland fires. CREDIT: Courtney Flatt/NWPB

There are no agencies assigned to fight fires on certain stretches of Washington rangeland. Ranchers want to form their own firefighting teams – something already happening in Oregon and Idaho.Read More