Erosion Control and Site Stabilization

Photo of jute netting and straw wattle erosion control measures

Property owners may take steps to prevent the transport of pollutants from fire areas and stabilize property from erosion and sedimentation provided the control measures installed DO NOT disturb burned debris and ash from structures and delay the response of the hazardous material and debris/ash cleanup and removal process. Please remember that there are health hazards associated with disturbing debris and ash; follow all public health guidelines that have been issued.

The links provided below are informational only – professionals should be consulted and utilized for debris removal, installation of erosion control measures, and restoration activities.  

For a list of erosion and sediment control material vendors and professionals, see this spreadsheet. Please note, this list of vendors is not all inclusive. The vendors are not affiliated with Napa County and this list is provided as information only and is not intended to be legal advice or an endorsement of any service or entity.

General Post-Fire Restoration Documents

These links will take you to outside websites

Guidance for Erosion and Sediment Control Treatments 

The following links are guidance documents for installing erosion and sediment control treatments. After identifying which Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices (BMPs), are relevant to your property, use the following links for guidance in implementing the selected BMPs.

If your property was burned or you are concerned about hazards on your property, use this checklist to determine what erosion control and site stabilization methods are relevant to your site conditions: Napa Fire Complex Debris and Ash Removal (DAR) Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Checklist 

Click here for an update to the soil cover provision recommendations (June, 2021).

Restoration

Many ecosystems are adapted to periodic fire and will naturally recover after experiencing a wildfire. As we saw with the 2107 fires, native trees and shrubs resprout from branches and bases, even when they appear burned and dead. For example, redwoods and many species of oak trees have thick bark that helps protect the vital parts of the tree and can withstand the impacts of a wildfire. Even completely burned vegetation and their remaining roots systems provide protection from soil erosion and can provide habitat and cover to wildlife. In many cases, simply letting natural processes take their course can be the best approach to post-fire ecosystem recovery. However, trees that pose a health and safety hazard, particularly in areas adjacent to or in proximity structures, should be removed. If you are unsure if your trees pose a health and safety hazard, they should be assessed by a certified arborist or Registered Professional Forester (RPF). Additionally, there are other ways to facilitate restoration of the natural environment:

See the Post-Fire Watershed Recovery Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Click here to return to the Post-Fire Watershed Recovery homepage.