Experimental burn being conducted by NPS/USGS crews on a cheatgrass infested site in the Kings Canyon / Cedar Grove area of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The burn is part of a study by the USGS Southern Sierra Field Station, funded by the JFSP, to investigate ecological characteristics of this highly invasive species, to look at the role of fire and other disturbance on its establishment and spread, and to look at potential management options for either controlling or limiting its establishment in new areas.

NPS resource staff have recently noticed significant increases of this exotic species at several locations in the park. There is particular concern because cheatgrass is an aggressive competitor and is highly flammable. Thus it can be detrimental to many natives by either through out competing them or causing shifts in fire regimes.