Redwood National and State Parks 2004 RX burns
REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS, CA
Prescribed Fire Treatment

Started on or about
09/27/2004

Status as of
10/13/2004

Cause
Project

Location
Bald Hills prairies (RNP) + Prairie Creek State Park (CA)

Acreage
As of October 13, three RX units have been treated this season in the prairies of the Bald Hills (Schoolhouse Peak, Woodengate, and Airstrip) for a total of 550 acres.

Estimated Completion Date
10/31/04

Overview
For the 13th year, the Prescribed Fire Program at Redwood National and State Parks is successfully putting fire back in the prairies and oak woodlands at the landscape level. Currently, there are 28 prairie and oak woodland burn units in the parks totaling about 4300 acres, with a goal to burn all of the units on a three to five year rotation during the August-November burning season. This time frame best approximates human-set fires by both American Indians and early settlers in the region, and accomplishes park vegetation management objectives.

Strategy
325 additional acres will be treated as conditions permit during the next few weeks, for a total of 875 acres treated in 2004.

Vegetation Affected
annual grasses and oak woodlands

Benefits of the Burn
Vegetation benefits include: the control and elimination of exotic plant species and encroaching Douglas-fir in prairies and oak woodlands; the restoration of native plant species diversity; and the improvement of native plant to exotic plant species ratios. Also included in the remaining planned burns is Boyes Prairie at Prairie Creek State Park, an area that is very popular for elk viewing and will give many visitors the chance to see the benefits of RX fire to vegetation and wildlife up close.

Partners Involved
California Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service

Contact Information
Rick Young, FMO
Phone Number: 707-464-6101 X5290
rick_young@nps.gov