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National Fire Plan Success Story

Van Vleck Subalpine Meadow Restoration Project
Pacific Ranger District, Eldorado National Forest
National Fire Plan - Restoration

The Van Vleck Subalpine Meadow Restoration project area is situated approximately 15 air miles Northeast of Pollock Pines, California near the historic Van Vleck Ranch area. The 183 acres of proposed treatments are located in subalpine meadows with distinct plant communities that have been significantly altered by the absence of fire. Meadows are the most biologically active of the plant community types of the Sierra Nevada, and no two meadows are exactly alike. Fire-resistant tree species, such as lodgepole and red fir are the dominant coniferous trees. Aspens, alders, and willows can also be found in the meadow system. Shrub species include gooseberry, Lemmon's willow, honeysuckle twinberry, cow parsnip, spiraea, bracken fern, tripvine, and service berry.

The goal of this project is to restore the subalpine meadows' function, natural diversity and areal extent. Natural successional processes are resulting in conifer establishment in many meadow communities, diminishing the size and function of the meadows. In a region dominated by dense coniferous forest, subalpine meadows create natural fire breaks, support distinctive plant and animal communities, provide habitat and summer forage for wildlife and offer unique recreational opportunities.

pre-treatment view of Van Vleck Subalpine Meadow Restoration project area
pre-treatment view of Van Vleck Subalpine Meadow Restoration project area
pre-treatment view of Van Vleck Subalpine Meadow Restoration project area

This is a multi-year project. The first phase of this project occurred in fall 2007 and involved the removal of the encroaching conifers. Conifers were removed by hand within the interior and edges of selected meadows and aspen stands. Approximately 4,000 trees were cut and scattered to be burned at a later date. Large conifers (greater than 8 inches dbh) that were growing in and amongst the aspen stands were griddled. The conifer removal significantly opened up the meadows. The second phase of the project is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2008 using prescribed fire. The prescribed fire will be conducted in the late fall when the fuel conditions are the driest in order to produce a fast burning, low to moderate intensity fire. The intention of this type of burn is to consume the scattered conifers and the conifer seedlings, reduce decadent brush, and stimulate dormant forbs and grass seeds. The protection of woody species, such as willow and other important meadow features will be emphasized through appropriate firing methods.

Pre- and post-treatment monitoring by the Eldorado National Forest is being conducted by using permanent photo points and vegetation monitoring to determine if the treatments produce either successful or undesirable outcomes, and if alternative approaches need to be considered.

Project implementation is being accomplished through a grant received by the California Deer Association. In addition, several graduate students from California State University, Sacramento are conducting their thesis research in the project area.