California’s forests are among the most complex and diverse in the nation, with 25 major forest types occurring over 32 million acres throughout the state.
Approximately 33% of California is forested. These forest resources are susceptible to a variety of forest pests depending largely on tree species composition, tree stocking, drought, air pollution and other environmental factors.
Though the public forestlands include over 32 million acres in California, this does not include the privately-owned forestlands.
Managing the vegetation on your property is not always a simple task. The aim should be to increase the health of your forestland and grassland while protecting the soil, water, air, plants and animals (wildlife) of the area (S.W.A.P.A.).
NCRCD, in conjunction with the Nevada County Forestry Committee and a generous grant from PG&E, has created a “How To Manage The Vegetation On Your Property” brochure targeting these issues.
This brochure is available for download here, and also available at our office.
“Fire Evolved Ecosystem…What Does This Mean?
Fire used to move naturally throughout forest and grassland areas approximately every ten years, depending on the area, weather patterns, topography and types of dry vegetation. Lightning often started fires and winds would carry them throughout the landscape. This natural phenomenon kept brush from growing out of control and competing with other plants and trees while thinning dense, young stands of trees. Some plants actually need disturbance, such as fire, to stimulate their germination and growth.
With the increase of home building in rural and forested areas, a natural or man-made fire is now suppressed to save human lives and structures. As a result, heavy accumulation of dead vegetation exists while brush and trees have grown very dense and tall. With overcrowding, these species are competing for sunlight, water and nutrients in the soil to survive. Many plants and trees are weakened as a result and lose their ability to withstand diseases. Therefore, it becomes the task for humans to mimic nature as best we can and manage the vegetation as naturally as possible. There is need to reduce the amount of vegetation and tree density in our forests to improve their health and protect human lives and property. This also means understanding the types of wildlife present in your area along with the type of habitat they require for food, shelter, nesting and protection.
Some areas still allow “controlled or prescribed burns” but they should be done by a professional and only on permissible burn days. Due to air quality concerns and the increase of home building, there are fewer “burn days” allowed and permits may be required.”
“Developing a Plan
Develop a plan for your property that includes your goals, the time you have available for maintenance, resource inventory of your property and note any sensitive areas or concerns. Resource inventory includes the type of soil, location of water courses, slope and topography and type of existing vegetation (including invasive weeds). Look over your property and see if any soil erosion or flooding has occurred. Make note of any wildlife and determine their habitat needs.
Make biodiversity part of your goal. Multiple plant species increases the biodiversity
and habitat for different animals. Biodiversity or different habitat includes different plant structures and elements like pockets or mosaics of brush, large decaying logs, snags (dead trees), clumps of oaks or piles of stacked dead brush. These different elements increase the habitat available to different birds and wildlife. Different plant structure can be strategically placed so it does not reduce the effectiveness of your fuel reduction treatment. There are many websites available that have information on Threatened and Endangered plant and animal species in your area as well.
Annual Maintenance is an integral part of every plan. California’s fire evolved ecosystem
is not static. Every year vegetation growth (biomass) exceeds vegetation decomposition.
If vegetation is not managed yearly and it continues to build up, it creates potential fuel loads on your property. Therefore, annual monitoring and maintenance is needed. Native shrubs either resprout or rapidly germinate from seed. For example, white-leaf manzanita produces seed that can stay viable for 300 years! The most effective method of keeping non-native and invasive weeds from taking over your property is early detection and treatment. Once you have initially treated your property, annual maintenance usually takes far less work and time to achieve the desired results.”
Protecting Communities And Savings Forests
Solving the Wildfire Crisis Through Restoration Forestry
By Thomas M. Bonnicksen, Ph.D
In California, 37 million acres - or roughly 48 percent of the state's land base - face high, very high or extreme fire threats. Managing forested resources is critical to protecting communities and meeting the needs of a growing population. Click on the link above to view the PDF version of this book.
