Prescribed pile-burning operations planned at Gualala Point Regional Park

Sonoma County Regional Parks, in collaboration with CAL FIRE, the North Sonoma Coast Fire Protection District, and the South Coast Fire Protection District (Mendocino County), is planning to conduct pile burns at Gualala Point Regional Park on October 25th to take advantage of cool coastal conditions.  Burning will only occur during cool-weather conditions and with ample fire-suppression resources available at the site.  The fire agencies will provide fire engines and crews to manage the burning process throughout the day, and Regional Parks staff will work in collaboration with the fire agencies.

To reduce smoke and air pollution, we are following best management practices. The burn piles have been cured over several months, reducing the moisture content of the woody material and providing the conditions for a more complete and less smoky burn.

Gualala Point Regional Park will remain open, and park users may see or smell smoke in the area during burn days. Some trails may be closed for public safety.  Those trails that are closed will be posted with trail closure signs.

The upcoming pile burning at Gualala Point Regional Park is a continuation of fuels reduction work that began earlier this year with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) providing the workforce to thin vegetation along the forested windrows and stack the material into burn piles. Thinning vegetation minimizes surface and ladder fuels to help protect the remaining trees and adjacent communities from future wildfire severity.  This project will also help build and foster collaboration between Parks and fire agency personnel.

For more information on how Regional Parks uses low-intensity prescribed fire as a landscape management tool, visit SoCoParks.org/Fire.

About Sonoma County Regional Parks

Sonoma County Regional Parks includes 56 parks, beaches and trails. Regional Park’s mission is to create healthy communities and contribute to the county’s economic vitality by acquiring, developing, managing, and maintaining parks. Regional Parks preserves natural and cultural resources and offers opportunities for recreation and education that enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents and visitors.

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Contact Information:

Brook Edwards
Park Program Supervisor
Natural Resources Division
Sonoma County Regional Parks
brook.edwards@sonoma-county.org