Is high severity fire causing the need to replant forests to save future wildlife habitat in Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?

Project ID: P23AC02186

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2023

Initial Funding: $74,999

Total Funding: $74,999

Project Type: Research

National Park: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

National Park: Yosemite National Park

Principal Investigator: Kane, Van

Agreement Technical Representative: Dickman, Garrett

Abstract: This project uses field-validated airborne lidar data to evaluate post-fire vegetation trajectories and identify areas that are likely to convert to a non-forested state. This analysis will allow for target restoration management when applicable. YOSE’s forested ecosystems provide numerous ecosystem services to the public – including regulating hydrologic function and downstream water supply, fostering biological diversity, and aesthetic and recreational values. With growing concerns over increasing high-severity fire activity in the Sierra Nevada, this project will provide managers tools to effectively evaluate the risks of future high-severity fire and potential need for active restoration actions given limited time and resources. In addition, students studying at UW will benefit from inclusion in this study to advance their skillsets, experience, and academic interests with hands-on experience.