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Date: July 6, 2009
Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, 530-595-4444 x5101

Lassen Volcanic National Park plans to initiate the Crescent Prescribed Fire Project on Wednesday, July 8th or Thursday, July 9th. The recent cool, wet weather has prohibited fire crews from igniting the prescribed fire. Park staff decided to delay the project last week due to the Independence Day Holiday. Fire staff is monitoring fuel moisture to determine the optimum time when the fire will meet objectives and minimize burn intensity. The entire project consists of three units totaling 1,847 acres. Park fire management is planning to ignite one unit of approximately 551 acres. “The park intends to burn each unit independently to lessen the smoke impacts to park visitors and the general public,” stated Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz.

The unit lies between Chaos Crags and Manzanita Creek within an area which historically experienced large fire activity prior to 1918. Fire suppression in this highly fire dependent ecosystem during the last 90 years has created a heavy concentration of fuels.

Special features within the area include the public drinking water source for the Manzanita Lake developed area and a unique hardwood and riparian corridor along Manzanita Creek. Specific protections have been designed in consideration of these features. “Park fire staff works closely with the Water Treatment Specialist and the Wildlife Biologist to protect valuable resources during ignition operations,” Koontz said.

Use of periodic prescribed fires within the park will help preserve valuable visitor facilities and natural resources and reduce the risk of high intensity and severe fires associated with excessive fuel accumulations.

For more information, please contact the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at (530)595-4480 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo where you can find fire management information through the “management” link.