The Ponderosa Project is underway around the community of Ponderosa, located on the Western Divide Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Forest Service is working to reduce fuels using activities such as the thinning of small trees and brush, piling, and prescribed burning.

A variety of techniques have been utilized to reduce these fuels, including the use of stewardship contracting. Chainsaws, hand tools, and mechanical equipment are being used where appropriate. Some of the fuel may chipped, or burned in piles during the burning season. Some vegetation can be removed and sold under a personal use firewood cutting permit. The contractor should be finished working in the area by the end of this week.

Prescribed burning will occur on approximately 1,100 acres around the community of Ponderosa to dispose of the piles and fuel on the ground between them. When completed, the piles themselves may not be entirely consumed in the fire. Typically there are remnants of the pile left to protect the soil from erosion, and promote growth of new vegetation. Some piles will be left unburned to benefit wildlife. The results will look similar to treated areas in the Camp Nelson Urban Interface Project area a couple of years ago. Smoke from the burn operations will be visible around Ponderosa. Forest personnel will be working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and minimize any local impacts. When the prescribed burning begins this fall, residents should keep the windows closed in their cabins. A seasonal homeowner may want to call the Springville Office prior to vacationing here to check on the status of burning if concerned about smoke in the area.

Please use caution and watch for workers and trucks while traveling through this area.