Coalition Makes Significant Progress to Protect California’s Giant Sequoias Threatened by Wildfire
California’s conservation champions have made monumental strides in safeguarding the iconic giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees.
The Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, a formidable alliance of federal and state agencies, tribal representatives, and conservation organizations, has doubled down on its commitment, treating nearly 9,900 acres across 28 giant sequoia groves in 2023 alone. This effort marks a significant leap from the previous year, catapulting the total treated acres to 14,143 since the devastating wildfires of 2020-2021.
In a year that could have been marred by fire and loss, GSLC has planted over 294,000 native tree seedlings in areas scorched by flames, with the tally of new life reaching more than half a million trees in just two years. This collaborative venture has not only revived cultural practices and fostered co-stewardship agreements with tribes and nonprofits but has also propelled research studies aimed at understanding and preserving these majestic forests.
The coalition’s work, steered by the collective effort of 941 individuals and an investment of $32.9 million, underscores a shared vision of increasing wildfire resilience through ecosystem-wide restoration. The array of treatments—including manual and mechanical fuel reduction, prescribed fires, and cultural burning practices—aims to lessen the fuel load, thereby mitigating wildfire risks.
Highlighting the importance of continuous action and support, Dr. Joanna Nelson, director of science and conservation planning for Save the Redwoods League, emphasized the intersection of forest ecology, wildfire, and climate studies in their work. With an unpredictable fire season ahead, GSLC is calling on policymakers to ensure sustained funding, policy changes, and resource allocation to keep up the momentum of this critical conservation effort.
As the guardians of the giant sequoias, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Yosemite National Park, and several others, band together, their work symbolizes a beacon of hope for the future of these ancient giants.
