California State Parks, in partnership with Cal Fire, is planning prescribed burns at the Sandhills area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park as part of a long-term effort to reduce wildfire risk and maintain a rare coastal habitat.
The planned 8-acre burn in the Bonny Doon manzanita sandhills habitat is targeted for the week of May 18, though officials said the timing may shift based on weather and conditions. If delayed, burn operations could extend into early June.
Ignitions, when conditions allow, may occur between 10am and 5pm for up to two weeks. Monitoring and patrols will continue throughout the burn period and into the evening if needed. All burning is dependent on favorable weather and air quality conditions to ensure smoke dispersal and meet ecological goals. If conditions are not suitable, burns will be rescheduled.
State Parks said campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park may see smoke during operations. Pine Trail will be closed while burning is underway.
Smoke may also be visible from surrounding areas including Felton, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, as well as along Graham Hill Road and Highway 9.
Officials said the prescribed fire is part of the Santa Cruz District Prescribed Fire Program, which focuses on vegetation management, hazardous fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement. The burns are designed to enhance forest health by reducing fuel buildup and returning nutrients to the soil, while lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
The program is coordinated with the Monterey Bay Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impacts.
State Parks noted that prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than wildfires. If smoke is visible or present in nearby communities, residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay indoors when possible, especially children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions.
For more information, contact the Santa Cruz District prescribed burns hotline at 831-216-6459 or email Sa***********************@******ca.gov.
