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May 16, 2008 For Immediate Release Darlene Koontz Superintendent (530) 595-4444, ext. 5101
Lassen Volcanic National Park Ready to Ignite Prescribed Burn near Loomis Museum
Lassen Volcanic National Park staff plans to ignite a 130 acre prescribed fire, which encompasses six burn units, near the Loomis Museum. Individual units may be burned during separate operational periods in order to minimize smoke impacts. Ignition is planned to begin early next week, May 19-21 depending on weather conditions and site conditions. The fire will be staffed and patrolled until declared out.
The goal of the project is to break up the continuity of the fuels which have accumulated unnaturally with the absence of fire. Historically fire burned regularly in these vegetation communities, every 5-20 years, thus shaping and maintaining this community. Reintroduction of fire and subsequent maintenance treatments of this area will help mimic historic and natural fire activity to preserve this vegetation community. Completion of this project is also necessary to ensure protection of developed features in the immediate vicinity of Manzanita Lake and provide a greater buffer for firefighter’s effectiveness and safety in the event of a wildland fire event. Within the proposed project area are several unique historic, administrative and residential features. Of particular note, various buildings associated with the Loomis Ranger Station/Museum are listed as national historic structures.
Because of developed sites and nearby National Forest lands, this area will likely remain designated as a primary fire suppression zone. Therefore, prescribed fire would be the most appropriate treatment to preserving natural processes, cultural resources and restoring natural fire cycles.
Approximately 95% of the project area has received mechanical thinning from below in recent years to help produce more fire resistant and resilient fuel profiles. These thinning operations will enable fire crews to effectively apply prescribed fire to the project area.
Lassen Volcanic National Park uses prescribed fire, where appropriate, for the restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems and for species-specific resource management goals. Prescribed fire projects are conducted in a manner consistent with park and prescribed fire plans. “This project is a high priority in order to protect the extremely valuable natural and cultural resources in this area.” said Superintendent Darlene Koontz.
For more information, please contact the park at 530/595-4444 Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
May 7, 2008 For Immediate Release Darlene Koontz Superintendent (530) 595-4444, ext. 5101
Lassen Volcanic National Park Ready to Ignite Prescribed Burn in Mineral
Lassen Volcanic National Park staff plans to ignite a 50 acre prescribed fire in the Park’s Headquarters area, located at the western edge of the community of Mineral along State Highway 36. Ignition will begin on Thursday, May 8th and continue on Friday, May 9th. The fire will be staffed and patrolled until declared out.
The project is divided into seven separate units. Due to predicted winds for Thursday and Friday the units along the western boundary will be ignited on Thursday and the eastern units will be ignited on Friday. The northeasterly winds predicted for Thursday should carry the smoke down Battle Creek Canyon away from the residential area. The southwesterly winds on Friday should push the smoke to the north of the park residential area and Mineral.
“Smoke management is always a concern during these prescribed fire projects, said Superintendent Darlene Koontz. We had to change our sequence of firing for these seven units to mitigate the smoke to the park residents and the community of Mineral.”
The goal of the project is to break up the continuity of the fuels which have accumulated unnaturally with the absence of fire. Historically fire burned regularly in these vegetation communities, every 5-20 years, thus shaping and maintaining this community. Reintroduction of fire and subsequent maintenance treatments of this area will help mimic historic and natural fire activity to preserve this vegetation community and protect the historic administration area.
Approximately 95% of the project area has received manual thinning from below in recent years to help produce more fire resistant and resilient fuel profiles around the headquarters area.
Lassen Volcanic National Park uses prescribed fire, where appropriate, for the restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems and for species-specific resource management goals. Prescribed fire projects are conducted in a manner consistent with park and prescribed fire plans. “The Mineral project is the first of several prescribed fires planned for 2008. I look forward to working with the surrounding communities as we manage fire for natural resource benefits and public safety,” added Superintendent Darlene Koontz.
For more information, please contact the park at 530/595-4444 Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015