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Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135
The National Park Service is planning on conducting a series of prescribed burns between September 27 and mid-November, 1999. Burning will occur along several areas of the Seashore: the Highway One corridor between Five Brooks and Dogtown; east of the Estero Trailhead; along the Mount Vision Road; on Firtop in the Inverness Ridge; and on Bolinas Ridge. The purpose of the burns is to reduce hazardous fuels and control the spread of Scotch and French Broom, both non-native, invasive plants. The prescribed burn is part of a multi-year ongoing effort by the National Park Service to reduce hazardous fuel loads and remove invasive, non-native plants such as scotch broom. Because control of non-native plants has been limited in the past, non-native plants have quickly spread and "crowded out" California native plants. In addition, because fire has been suppressed in the past, heavy fuel loads have increased and need to be systematically reduced over time to reduce fire danger. Some of the prescribed fires planned this fall will reduce the fuels between park lands and adjacent private property. For example, the burn along Mount Vision Road will help maintain a clearing between the park and the town of Inverness. 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 - more - species. Last year, approximately 700 acres were burned and National Park Service staff is hoping to burn the same amount this season. During this time smoke will occur. Wind and weather will be monitored to minimize the impact of smoke to local residents. Please use caution when driving in areas where burning is occurring. If you would like additional information about the burn schedules, contact Point Reyes National Seashore at (415) 663-8525. -NPS- |
Last updated: February 28, 2015