Hodgdon Proposed Prescribed Fire

Mid-June, 2012

Segments D and E of Hodgdon (PW-04) area burn unit are being prepared for a prescribed fire to begin mid-June, dates to be announced. The units have dried sufficiently to conduct the proposed 200 acre project. Fuel moistures and other fire factors, within the burn unit, are reaching optimal levels to successfully complete the project. The project area is near the Big Oak Flat entrance station, campground and community of Hodgdon Meadows.

The two units have had minimal fire history between 1930 and 1990, although natural fire history is evident with fire scars on several mature trees. Since 1990, a hazardous fuel reduction program has been implemented to protect private and public structures around the Hodgdon Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The most recent projects were last summer with over 500 acres being treated. A mixture of fuel reduction techniques have been used including mechanical thinning, pile and prescribed burning. These WUI treatments have created defensible space for the Hodgdon residential area. This project will not only extend the defensible space, but also facilitate the reintroduction of fire into the ecosystem and restore the forest area. Combined with other burns near Crane Flat, and Rockefeller Grove areas, and with the fuel reduction projects conducted by the Stanislaus National Forest along Evergreen Road, this project will further reduce the likelihood of catastrophic fire originating at lower elevations, either inside or outside of the park affecting communities in mixed confer pine forest.

In accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964, all phases including; unit preparation, ignition, holding, mop-up and rehabilitation will be implemented with the intention to preserve wilderness integrity. Minimum Impact Management Techniques will be employed to preserve the wilderness area. By joining with the Stanislaus National Forest no fire line is needed due to roads surrounding the project area. A Resource Advisor will be assigned to the project to advise on cultural and natural resources.

Smoke, affecting health, is always a factor in the decision making process. A smoke management plan has been submitted to the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control District, and a burn permit has been issued. Smoke monitors will be deployed in smoke sensitive areas determined by Yosemite’s air quality manager, and Tuolumne County APCD.

More updates will be published through the duration of the prescribed fire project. It is anticipated active ignition will take three days. The fire area will then be mopped–up and monitored.

For Additional Information please contact:
- Fire Information Officer Gary Wuchner at: [email protected]/ (209) 372-0480 or 375-9574.
- Yosemite National Park Web page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm.
- Yosemite Air Quality Web page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm
- Yosemite Fire Twitter: http://twitter.com#!/YosemiteFire