Prescribed Burns in Olema Valley Scheduled for the Week of October 5, 1998

Date: October 5, 1998
Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135

Point Reyes National Seashore will conduct prescribed fires in the Olema Valley this week as weather conditions allow. The areas planned for burns are along Highway One near the Five Brooks area and further south by the Hagmaier Ranch. The goal of the program is to systematically reduce hazardous fuel loads and eliminate some non-native plant species. The Five Brooks burn is approximately 30 acres in size and the Hagmaier burn is approximately 180 acres in size but will be burned in small sections and probably take several days to conduct.

Additional fires throughout different areas of the National Seashore will be ongoing during the next month. Some of the locations include Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, Mount Vision, and Bolinas Ridge. The main objectives of this fire program are to reduce hazardous fuels and remove non-native vegetation. To complete this prescribed fire program, the National Park Service has developed a specialized fire management team which works in cooperation with Marin County Fire Department.

Burning also provides other ecological benefits such as improved wildlife habitat and an improved environment for native plant species.

The prescribed fires 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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