Prescribed Burning to Begin on the Monument!
November 13th, 2015 by Eric Mart
Springville, Ca., November 13, 2015 –Sequoia Nati onal Forest personnel are planning to begin prescribed burning on the Western Divide Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National Monument. Fire crews are prepared to conduct burning when weather and smoke conditions are favorable. Burning will continue through the winter and into spring.
The areas targeted for burning are near the community of Ponderosa, south of Camp Nelson, adjacent to the Tule River Reservation, and north of Springville near Blue Ridge Road. Elevations range from 7,200, 6,400 and 3,000 feet respectively. There are approximately 400 acres on which there are scattered hand piles of small limbs, brush, and trees that were created from hazardous fuels reduction projects.
When the burning is completed, the piles may not be entirely consumed by the prescribed fire. Typically, there are remnants of the pile left to protect the soil from erosion and promote the growth of new vegetation. Some piles will be intentionally left unburned to benefit wildlife.
Smoke from the prescribed burning operations will be visible in Ponderosa, Springville and adjacent mountain communities. Forest personnel will be working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and reduce any local impacts.