Santa Cruz Mountains coast redwoods ecosystem emerges from ashes of CZU Complex fire
As we’ve discussed before, roughly half of the San Vicente Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains burned during last year’s CZU Complex Fire. We’ve spent a great deal of time on the property recently with our partners on the project to assess the effects of fire and its implications for restoration. On a trip to the property last week, we got a great look at how the coast redwood ecosystem reacts to fire damage. There’s a lot of green coming through, both from the trees and the understory. We’ll share more in coming weeks, but in the meantime check out these cool photos.
Owned by POST and Sempervirens Fund, 8,532-acre San Vicente is the largest privately held property between Silicon Valley and the Pacific Ocean and connects 27,500 acres of contiguous protected woodland. Save the Redwoods League holds a conservation easement that permanently protects the land from subdivision and development, while providing the opportunity for restoration and scientific research, as well as sustainable timber harvesting on portions of the property. The League directs restoration projects, monitors timber harvests, and ensures the protection of old-growth redwoods and important habitats.
One Response to “San Vicente Redwoods is green with new growth”
Roger Watson
San Vicente, Big Basin should look great if there are no more fires, in the next 400 years.
Rebuild Big Basin? How do you “rebuild” when the park is ashes? Besides all the fallen trees, many of the standing trees will be falling for years to come. Think twice before hiking Skyline To The Sea, Sunset Trail, Chalk Mountain, Westridge, Berry Creek Falls, and most other connector trails. Besides being dangerous, there is almost nothing left. “You May be cited”.
Better to spend the money on saving other forests that have not been burnt yet!