(KMJ) – Yosemite National Park Fire Managers are planning a prescribed fire in Yosemite National Park on or before Wednesday, October 28, 2015, weather and conditions permitting.
There are two locations being considered for this prescribed burn and the final decision will be based on weather and air quality conditions. The prescribed burn will either occur in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias or an area along the Wawona Road near the South Entrance of the park.
The Mariposa Grove project is the park’s highest priority and will begin at the top of the Grove near Wawona Point and continue South. The Mariposa Grove is currently closed for a major restoration project and fire managers are aiming to complete this prescribed burn during the closure to prevent further interruption to park visitors.
Fire produces the optimum conditions for Giant Sequoia reproduction and propagation by removing the accumulated layers of dead, woody debris and exposing nutrient rich mineral soil. Fire also dries the cones allowing the seeds to shed, creates holes in the forest canopy, and eliminates shade tolerant competition.
