California State Parks, in partnership with Cal Fire, is planning to conduct prescribed burns in the sandhills area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park beginning next week.
Smoke from the burns is likely to be visible in Felton, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, as well to drivers on Graham Hill Road or Highway 9.
The area being burned is 8 acres and is scheduled for the week beginning Monday, May 18. Depending on weather conditions, burns in the area may continue between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for up to two weeks.
The park’s Pine Trail will be closed during the burning operations.
These burns are permitted, planned and coordinated with the Monterey Bay Air Resources District to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding communities.
This burn is part of State Parks’ Santa Cruz District Prescribed Fire Program for vegetation management and hazardous fuel reduction. It’s part of a long-term strategy at the state park to protect the endangered Bonny Doon manzanita, a rare evergreen shrub.
If you’re in a smoky area, officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and remaining indoors as much as possible. These precautions are especially important for children, older adults and people with respiratory and heart conditions.
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