To protect giant sequoias from the threats of high-intensity wildfire, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks began assessing 11 giant sequoia stands to determine the best method of fuels reduction. Techniques used with include manual thinning by hand, later burn piles, and lastly prescribed fire. The work will begin as early as the fall of 2023.

Although giant sequoias require frequent low- to moderate-intensity fire for healthy growth and regeneration, the recent high-intensity wildfires have caused high mortality and the inability to reseed burned areas. This treatment should help to reduce the intensity to protect remote and currently untreated groves and prevent further loss of the iconic species.

You can learn more on the National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/news/sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks-taking-emergency-action-to-protect-giant-sequoias.htm