Crescent Meadow Prescribed Fire
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA
Prescribed Fire Treatment

Started on or about
08/04/2009

Status as of
10/15/2009

Cause
Project

Location
Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park (CA)

Acreage Treated
42 acres

Estimated Completion Date
August 4th

Park Status
There are trail closures associated with the project. Please see attached map for details.

Updates on Fire
This fire is declared out.

Overview
The Crescent Meadow prescribed fire was conducted on Tuesday August 4th. Ignitions were completed on August 4th. This 42 acre unit is located in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. This project provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness how fire encourages giant sequoia germination and provides a healthier habitat for these trees. The parks’ Fire Place will be placed at Crescent Meadow to provide enhanced educational activities for visitors during the prescribed fire. Opportunities to safely view the fire will exist from nearby trails.

Vegetation Affected
Mixed conifer-- giant sequoias, white fir, sugar pine

Benefits of the Burn
This unit was last treated by prescribed fire in 1984 so completion of the project maintains a natural fire cycle for the mixed conifer forest. A regular fire cycle improves forest health by reducing the amount of dead, woody debris that can lead to larger, more intense fires. Fire aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees and creates a diverse habitat for plant and animals. Giant sequoias are fire adapted and thrive in naturally cycling fire. Fire opens the cones, and releases the tiny seeds to the nutrient rich ash and mineral soil below—ideal conditions for this tree’s germination. Fire thins competing vegetation and trees and opens the canopy for this sun-loving species.

Contact Information
Deb Schweizer
Phone Number: 559-565-3703
Debra_schweizer@nps.gov