California State Parks plans to resume prescribed pile-burning in the Northern portion of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park on February 3, 2025. Monitoring and patrol will occur throughout this period and extend into the evening when required. All burning is dependent on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal and to meet ecological goals. If conditions are not conducive for burning, burns will be rescheduled.
Roughly 60 acres of forest have been prepared for treatment and are included in the prescribed pile burning. Portions of Aptos Creek Fire Road may be closed temporarily with pedestrian and bicycle traffic redirected to ensure public safety. People around Soquel, Corralitos, and the Monterey Bay area may see smoke on the days of burning.
Pile burning is part of a larger fuel reduction project at the park to alleviate extreme fire behavior in the event of a wildfire in the Upper Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon areas. This project will improve emergency access, foster forest health, and enhance biodiversity. These burns are permitted, planned, and coordinated with the Monterey Bay Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding communities.
Prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than wildfires. Officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and remaining indoors as much as possible near active burn areas. These precautions are especially important for children, older adults, and people with respiratory and heart conditions.
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For more information, call the Santa Cruz District prescribed burns hotline at (831) 216-6459 or email [email protected].
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TOP PHOTO: Pile burning in progress at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. • Photo Credit: Scott Christ, California State Parks.