Hulsman Ranch is Hit by the Bomb Cyclone-Help!
The Bomb Cyclone Meets the Sheep Fire with Catastrophic Results.
This week’s Atmospheric River resulting from the Bomb Cyclone off the coast of California, combined with the the after effects of the Sheep Fire, have resulted in broader damage to the Hulsman Ranch. Much of the damage occurred in places that had been spared in the initial sweep of the Sheep fire. Extremely heavy rain resulted in debris flow and flooding that was amplified by the lack of vegetation, burn debris, and hydrophobic soil created by the heat of the fire. A torrent roared down one of the bare canyons bringing everything it its path with it. I was left running for higher ground as it plunged into my yard. This black quagmire flattened fences, deposited piles of burned bark, limbs, ash, and mud every place it flowed including in buildings, yards, corrals, pastures, and the hay
field. It even took out some of the fences already replaced after the fire last fall. 
The clean up after this weather event will be extensive and expensive and is adding onto the continued work after the fire. Fences will need to be replaced. Metal fence posts were bent by the power of the water and then buried in the mud. Our irrigation system will need significant repairs as it suffered erosion and is clogged with debris. Buildings will need repair. At this time, the extent of this damage is not fully evaluated. The black debris deposited by the high water will require removal. This mud is black, messy, and in some places is like quicksand. Efforts of making a pathway for the flow away from the buildings by building a trench and a berm and sandbagging, done in a break between the storms, did not stem the flow of the water in the next one. They all eventually gave way and the damage continued. 
Thankfully all the animals are OK and they were not in harm’s way. The sheep, cattle, dogs,the horse, and the humans were happy to
have the storm move on its way. I am sure the wildlife was also thankful. 
It is ironic that the water that we so desperately needed had such significant ramifications. Hopefully the remainder of the winter will bring moisture in a more controlled manner. We would so appreciate any assistance you could provide for recovery from this weather event.
Help Hulsman Ranch Recover from the Sheep Fire
The Sheep Fire Burned the farm!
Hulsman Ranch is a sustainably operated farm near Susanville, California.. It has been family owned since 1862 and managed by women since 1914. Our history dates back to one of the original pioneers in the area - Peter Lassen. Hulsman Ranch produces grass fed beef and grass fed lamb plus is a green certified forest since 2001. Hannah Tangeman is the primary manager joined by her husband Jay and sister Susan. The Lassen Land and Trails Trust worked with Hulsman Ranch to form a wildlife Conservation easement on a portion of property adjacent to Bass Hill Wildlife Area. This land is the home to a plethora of wildlife including owls, deer, sapsuckers, hawks, geese, squirrels, turkeys, and coyotes to name a few.
The 29,000 acre Sheep Fire swallowed 75% of Hulsman Ranch on August 23,2020. A lightning ignited fire, raced down the face of Diamond Mountain. In less than 45 minutes, it changed the destiny of our family farm. What had been a heritage barn crafted by our great grandfather in around 1900, with hand hewn beams and barn owls gracing its rafters became a silhouette of flames in front of our burning forest. All the meadow grass hay that was harvested this season burned beside it. If those blows to the gut were not enough, the original rail fences that enclosed our pastures and wildlife conservation easement, burned like dominoes as the flames traced their footprints across the landscape. All of the forest we loved so much was incinerated and is now just black sticks and ashes on the ground. Hannah, Jay and the livestock watched helplessly from the field. All were safe. Hannah remained in the field sleeping with the livestock to ensure their safety for 6 nights. The property also sustained great damage to its passive irrigation system and pastures as the fire crews attempted to prevent further spread of the flames. 
Hannah watching the last of the barn and haystack being burned by the Sheep Fire.
The barn in its glory with some of our sheep.
Damage sustained by one of our pastures as fire crews attempted to stop the fire.
There is so much we need to do to move forward with a recovery plan. The needs are immediate and large. We urgently need to build another barn for shelter, buy hay to feed our animals through this coming winter, rebuild fences to keep our livestock safely off the roads and rotate through our grazing season management. We are compelled with the need to help prevent erosion on the fragile soils left by this hot fire that made much of our forest vulnerable to rain events that will pull the soil off the steep slopes of the mountain. Additionally, we need to rehabilitate our irrigation ditches, pastures, and stock water. 
A location in the forest before and after the fire.
The tall pines after the fire.
Please stand with us to reach these goals. Funding allows us to address these needs more quickly and effectively. Every dollar will either touch the soil, support the livestock feeding needs, replace miles of essential fencing or make a sturdy barn.
Hannah and Susan Tangeman have shepherded the ranch in the footsteps of the women ancestors who have owned it since 1914 and built on their great grandfather John F Hulsman's vision who founded the farm after purchasing it from Peter Lassen's estate in 1862. We have the years of experience farming to help heal the burn with your help. We love this land and want to see it vibrant and productive again.
Hulsman Ranch in the spring. Most of the trees beyond the pastures are now burned.
Hulsman Ranch is most grateful for any support you can offer in this pivotal time. Please share this with friends also.
Onward through the smoke. Our motto for 2020!
Thank you,
Hannah, Jay, Susan, and all the stock and wildlife of Hulsman Ranch
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