Sandbaggers needed to help with burn area efforts

To help prepare for possible erosion problems that could occur this winter as a result of the Waterfall fire, volunteers will be filling sandbags 9 a.m.Ðnoon Saturday at Carson City's Corporate Yard.

"When storms bring moisture or when snow melts, water could come streaming down the areas where the Waterfall fire burned off vegetation. Without that vegetation to soak up the moisture and knit the soil together, we could have flooding and our water supply could be seriously affected," warns JoAnne Skelly, Carson City/Storey County extension educator for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, who is organizing the effort.

Next week, Carson City personnel will take the sandbags filled this Saturday to neighborhoods affected by the fire - Kings Canyon, Ash Canyon, Timberline and Lakeview - to make the bags accessible to homeowners.

Homeowners should place the sandbags in areas where water could come onto their property from above, as well as in areas where water could run off their land and cause problems for others or for the community's water supply.

"We don't want to wait until we have an emergency on our hands," Skelly said. "We need to take steps now to protect our homes and our water supply."

This Saturday's sandbagging is part of ongoing community efforts to deal with the effects of the Waterfall fire.

On Sept. 18, Cooperative Extension staff and about 40 volunteers cut down Russian knapweed plants at burned areas of Kings Canyon. Russian knapweed is a noxious weed that completely takes over vulnerable areas, preventing beneficial vegetation from resprouting. At about the time the first frost hits, certified pesticide applicators will spray an herbicide on the remaining plant parts, which will kill their deep, long roots. Later this fall, the area will be seeded with desirable vegetation.

Volunteers to help fill sandbags should bring gloves Saturday and be able to lift 25 pounds. Meet at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3303 Butti Way, off East Fifth Street. Shovels, bags, snacks and drinks will be provided by the city.

To volunteer, contact Skelly at skellyj@unce.unr.edu or 887-2252.

YOU CAN HELP

What: Volunteers needed to fill sandbags to protect property from runoff caused by the Waterfall fire

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday

Where: Meet at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3303 Butti Way, off East Fifth Street. Shovels, bags, snacks and drinks will be provided by the city.

Volunteers: Bring gloves and be able to lift 25 pounds

Contact: JoAnne Skelly, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, skellyj@unce.unr.edu or 887-2252