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Faced with a long list of fire and fuels management projects for completion in 2002, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks worked with outside contractors to accomplish park goals. The parks sought assistance with fuel reduction and facility improvement projects and the hired contractors performed with professionalism. In addition to completing necessary work, these projects strengthened numerous relationships between the National Park Service and local businesses.
Silver City Fuel Reduction Project
Firestorm, a company out of Chico, California, completed a 20-acre thinning project around the community of Silver City. The work involved the mechanical removal of dead and down material, as well as the thinning of small trees and dense shrubs, in a 200-ft. barrier around the community.
Hazard Tree Removal Fuels Cleanup
Kiper Logging, out of Squaw Valley, California, began a 250-acre hazard tree removal and fuels clean-up project in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. Following park standards, Kiper removed hundreds of dead trees that threatened buildings, campsites, and roadways. The trees had died naturally over the past several years as a result of an insect infestation. Dead trees that did not directly threaten human life or property were left in place for wildlife habitat.
Air Support Services
Rogers Helicopters, out of Fresno, California, completed its second year of a five-year contract to provide helicopter services during the summer. Stationed at Ash Mountain for five months, the Rogers ship is used for park maintenance, research, search and rescue, law enforcement, and fire management. The helicopter also responds to interagency incidents with the U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Grant Grove Fire Station Remodel
Petrosius Construction, out of nearby Visalia, California, remodeled the Grant Grove fire station by constructing a new storage space for fire equipment and search and rescue gear. The Grant Grove Fire Station houses one structural fire engine, one wildland fire engine, one ambulance, and seasonal/permanent fire management employees.
Helispot Reconstruction
Souza Construction, also out of Visalia, reconstructed four helispots for the parks. Approaching 30 years old, the helispots were deteriorating and did not meet current standards. The work involved replacing or installing new surfaces (pavement or gravel) and enlarging the helispots to a standard size.
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