Traditional Fire Use in the Coastal Mountains of Central California
| " ... because lightning ignitions often appear to dominate the fire record,
few studies have focused on
anthropogenic ignitions." | |
| | This study brought together a disparate team of subject specialists and tribal peoples to add clarity to our
understanding of relationship between humans and fire
in the Central Coast region of California, and directly apply this knowledge as a tool for modern land management. LOCATION Two primary locations: Pinnacles National Park in San Benito County, CA; and in the watersheds of Whitehouse, Waddell, and Scotts Creeks in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties, CA., all within the aboriginal territory of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. Pre-colonial population density in the region was among the highest in North America, providing an ideal setting for examining landscape level effects of anthropogenic fire on ecosystems.
KEY FINDINGS There were few lightning ignitions, but considerable evidence of frequent fire - presumed anthropogenic - prior to European settlement. The study is now one of just three investigations in California to indicate a strong statistical relationship between pre-colonial societies and fire frequency, suggesting a culturally and spatially complex relationship between tribal societies, fire, and terrestrial resources in the region. The prescribed burn component of the project improved understand of traditional management processes and how botanically and culturally significant vegetation communities might be restored to a reference state that is inclusive of cultural management.
Traditional deergrass burn at Pinnacles National Park (12/8/11). Photo by Rick Flores
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Source:
http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5f6de7b069a57255f980944b4&id=ff5fea1cd7 __._,_.___
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