Prescribed Fire at McCurdy Trailhead Scheduled to Occur on October 21 & 22, 1997

Date: October 21, 1997
Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135

As part of the National Park Service’s effort to reduce fuels and invasive plants, two prescribed fires are scheduled to occur on October 21 and 22. The first prescribed fire scheduled for October 21 will be on a 20 acre site located in the Olema Valley off of Highway One; the second fire on October 22 will occur on a 50 acre site also in Olema Valley near McCurdy Trailhead. Both fires will begin at approximately 9:30 am.

The prescribed burn is part of an major effort by our resource management specialists to remove the invasive, non-native plant, scotch broom and to remove hazardous fuels. Because control of the broom has been limited in the past, the quickly spreading plant has "crowded out" California native plants. Superintendent Don Neubacher stated “Over the long-term these prescribed fires will reduce the growing cost and problem of destructive wildfires.”

Prescribed burning has been an effective method in removing invasive plants from the Point Reyes National Seashore. Burning also provides other ecological benefits such as improved wildlife habitat, reduction of hazardous fuels, and an improved environment for native plant species. The prescribed fire will only be conducted if weather and other conditions are favorable.

The fire will be monitored and staffed by National Park Service personnel.

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