For those of you heading out into the wilderness via the Summit or Lewis Camp Trailheads, you may see some smoke in the air. Do not worry though as the Forest Service is doing some prescribed burning. Below is the public release article with more information.
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Sequoia National Forest personnel are preparing for their fall prescribed burning on the Western Divide Ranger District. Fire crews are available to conduct burns when conditions become favorable. As weather conditions and smoke dispersal allow, burning may start as soon as next week.
The main area targeted for burning is around the community of Ponderosa. There are over 600 acres of hand piles. The piles consist of small trees, brush, and limbs that were created from a community wildfire protection project. The projects will result in reduced risk of wildfire, helping protect the community.
When the burning is completed, the piles themselves may not be entirely consumed in the fire. Typically there are remnants of the piles left to protect the soil from erosion, and promote growth of new vegetation. Some piles will be intentionally left unburned to benefit wildlife.
Smoke from the prescribed burning operations may have impacts to Ponderosa, Camp Nelson, Johnsondale, Sequoia Crest and Alpine Village. Forest personnel will be working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and reduce any local impacts.
Media planning to visit the burn project area are asked to notify Denise Alonzo, Public Affairs, at the Western Divide District Office (559) 539-2607, extension 212.
Golden Trout Wilderness 