Arnold, CA — Planned burning has started in Calaveras Big Trees State Park as part of a strategy to bring beneficial fire to the landscape.
We reported earlier that California State Parks had opened the window for doing prescribed burning as early as September 30, but it needed the weather conditions to be ideal and the resources to be readily available. Burning started on 697 acres on Monday afternoon, and it will continue over the next several days.
Smoke will be visible nearby.
Calaveras Big Trees officials report that several areas are closed in the South Grove area, including the South Grove Trail, Beaver Creek area, Bradley Grove Trail, fire road around the South Grove, and the Walter W. Smith Memorial Parkway south of the Stanislaus River.
Citing the purpose of the burning, California State Park officials note, “Fire is part of the natural ecosystem for giant sequoia. Giant sequoia need beneficial moderate fire to aid reproduction, and they depend on fire for their long-term survival. Heat from fire opens cones and helps release seeds. Fire also creates the right conditions needed for large numbers of giant sequoia seedlings to sprout. It clears debris, creates a mineral soil seed bed, and allows sunlight to reach the forest floor. Beneficial fire like prescribed fire can protect giant sequoia groves from extreme wildfire.”
The burn is being conducted in partnership with CAL Fire.
