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Point Reyes National SeashoreLimantour area during the 1995 Vision Fire
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Point Reyes National Seashore
Fire Ecology - Research

The objectives of fire research at PRNS are two-fold. The primary research objective is to collect and analyze data on specific biological resources in a scientifically rigorous manner to determine positive or adverse effects of prescribed burning on targeted resources. The secondary objective is to improve the knowledge base about prescribed fire and wildfire such that fire research will contribute both to science and to fire management.

Research has been conducted by park staff and by outside researchers. It is the goal of the fire program at PRNS to continue in-park research efforts and to recruit high caliber research from outside organizations.

 
Harbor Seal Pup, © Sue Van Der Wal  

Did You Know?
Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are present in the waters of Point Reyes year round. Every spring, approximately 7,000 harbor seals, or 20% of the mainland California breeding population, haul out on the beaches of Point Reyes. Look for them in the esteros and in Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon.

Last Updated: August 04, 2009 at 07:33 EST