Yosemite National Park Fire Ecology Annual Report: Calendar Year 2007

Hooke, Jen; Hirschfield, Isaiah; Shive, Kristen

A summary of fire ecology activities and program information for the Park/network including fire effects plot workload, staffing, management objectives and monitoring results, and planning, fire monitoring, communications, and research. Also included are staff accomplishments/areas of focus, future program direction and other optional information (e.g. data analysis graphics or presentations, annual highlights, publications, program challenges, unique solutions to problems, collaboration, photographs of monitoring/fire activities, and suggestions on FFI). 2007 was a busy and very successful year for the Yosemite Fire Ecology program. Several multi-year monitoring efforts were concluded and analyzed. The fire effects crew was able to complete all scheduled field work and data entry, get training opportunities, and still contribute on local prescribed burns and on off Park assignments in Idaho, northern and southern California. Several big personnel changes occurred. Crew Assistant Ilana Abrahamson left to pursue graduate studies after six years with the Yosemite fire effects crew. She transitioned early in the fire season with Kristen Shive, the incoming assistant, to help provide continuity. Jen Hooke took the fire ecologist position at Redwood National Park. Before leaving she completed and analyzed a huge amount of monitoring data. A lighter workload than usual allowed new crewmembers to train and familiarize with the program and contribute on many fire operations and to the Resource Advisor program. There were several cross-training opportunities and presentations made to the public, school groups, VIPs and a delegation from Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.2007 was another active year for the Yosemite Fire Ecology Program. Regionally, the year proved to be one of the longest fire seasons on record in the Sierra. In Yosemite, lightning started a fire near the South Entrance on Good Friday, April 6th. The Jack Fire started October 29th near Wawona and stayed active well beyond Thanksgiving. Elsewhere, Idaho, the Southeast and the Eastern Great Basin were active in the summer months as was Southern California in the fall. In Yosemite, a dry 06/07 winter contributed to predictions for a potentially volatile fire season. An early July lightning bust created several manageable starts. There were no new wildfires until a late October bust started many fires on the Park’s western slope in and outside the suppression zone. Ultimately, though, no fires reached more than 1,300 acres. While resources were committed locally, Yosemite Valley prescribed fires took the lead. Five separate burns were completed in Yosemite Valley. Hodgdon and Yosemite West were also targets for successful burns.

Yosemite National Park Fire Ecology Annual Report: Calendar Year 2007

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