NPS to Conduct a Prescribed Fire to Control Invasive French Broom near Bolinas during the Week of September 17, 2012

Date: September 12, 2012
Contact: Jennifer Chapman, 415-464-5133

Golden Gate National Recreation Area plans to conduct the 7-acre Lagoon Prescribed Fire during the week of September 17, 2012, near the intersection of Bolinas-Fairfax Rd and Highway One, across from Bolinas Lagoon. Cooperators assisting the National Park Service will include Marin County Fire Department, Bolinas Fire Department, Stinson Beach Fire Department, and other local agencies. The prescribed fire is tentatively planned for Wednesday, September 19, but the date may change based on weather conditions.

The primary objective of this project is to manage a population of non-native French broom (Genista monspessulana) which has invaded areas of grassland and coastal scrub along the Highway One corridor between Olema and Stinson Beach as well as many other areas in Marin County. The area to be burned next week includes the largest unmanaged French broom infestation in the Bolinas area on GGNRA land. Prescribed fire kills French broom plants and reduces the seed bank.

The Lagoon Prescribed Fire project will also maintain areas of grassland which would otherwise develop into dense shrub and forest where a wildfire would be more difficult to control. This will contribute to ongoing efforts to create a strategic fuel break along Highway One where the potential for vehicle ignited wildfires is high. Other similar small areas are burned along the Highway One corridor approximately every other year.

No road closures are anticipated, however, there may be short traffic delays along Highway One while burning is in progress. Short term smoke impacts are expected. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to take actions to avoid or minimize exposure to smoke. See www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/ for details.

To receive an email when the burn days are confirmed, contact the fire education office at 415-464-5133 or by email .

-NPS-