Big Basin State Park: Ecology & Fire

Introduction to Big Basin

• Big Basin's entrance evokes a sense of stepping back in time with its tall trees and lush environment.
• The park contains some of the world's last old-growth redwoods.
• Established in 1902, Big Basin is California's oldest state park, situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• Citizen efforts to protect the forest from lumberyards led to the park's establishment and spurred the redwood preservation movement.
• Generations have explored the park's 18,000 acres, observing wildlife and gathering around campfires.

The Role of Fire in the Ecosystem

• Fire is a natural and renewing process, essential for Big Basin's ecological health and productivity.
• Fire contributes to the park's high biological diversity.
• Fire-created cavities in redwoods provide habitats for bats, squirrels, and raccoons.
• For millennia, California Native American Indians used fire to maintain healthy environments.

The Impact of Fire Suppression and Climate Change

• A century of fire suppression resulted in excessive fuel buildup, contributing to large wildfires in California.
• Climate change and increased dryness have extended the period when fuels are readily combustible.
• Fire requires oxygen, fuel (vegetation), and an ignition source to start.
• Lightning strikes in the summer of 2020, following days of record heat, provided the ignition source for wildfires.

The 2020 Wildfires

• Thousands of lightning strikes hit the Santa Cruz Mountains on August 16.
• The lightning ignited multiple fires, which initially did not threaten Big Basin.
• The initial fires were viewed positively as they reduced fuel loads.
• On August 18, a wind shift caused extreme fire behavior.
• A north wind pushed smoke into Big Basin, aligning slope and weather patterns and intensifying the fire.
• The combination of fuel, topography, and weather led to the extreme fire behavior.

The Devastation

• Three large fires merged into a large fire, endangering Big Basin.
• Park staff evacuated Big Basin in about three hours.
• Efforts were then focused on saving staff homes.
• Assessments the next day revealed widespread destruction.
• 97% of Big Basin burned, encompassing nearly all 18,000 acres.
• 100 structures, 85 miles of trails, 20 staff homes, and the nature museum were destroyed.

Immediate Aftermath and Healing

• The natural environment began to recover on its own after the fire.
• Trees are sprouting, the forest floor is regrowing, and more sunlight is reaching the ground, promoting plant growth.
• Understory plants are thriving.
• Birds and other wildlife are flourishing.

Reimagining Big Basin

• California State Parks initiated the Reimagining Big Basin project to plan the park's future.
• The rebuilding aims to make the park resilient to wildfires and address the climate crisis.
• Expanded use of prescribed fire, incorporating indigenous knowledge, is planned.
• Other goals include preserving old-growth forests, incorporating technology, and ensuring equitable access to the park.

The Forest's Recovery

• The forest's recovery requires a long-term perspective, aligned with the lifespan of the trees.
• Redwood roots intertwine with neighboring trees, symbolizing the need for collective strength and hope for the park's future.
• The fire represents another event in the history of Big Basin Redwood State Park.