This summer, in partnership with Inyo National Forest, forestry crews have been working to restore the vitality of Reds Meadow Valley’s forests and meadows. Some of the work involves removing excess fuels by thinning understory and overstory trees. Carefully planned thinning of over-crowded forests helps the ecosystem thrive and strengthens trees defenses against the spread of pests and pathogens. So far, more than 628 acres of the work planned for this summer has been completed.
This includes a portion of meadows in the valley which are suffering from conifer encroachment. We are thrilled to share that a portion of this work is being completed by the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s newly created Forestry Stewardship Crew, established as a collective effort of the Bishop Paiute Tribe, Sierra Institute, and Whitebark Institute. This crew is part of a workforce training program designed to give local Tribal Members an opportunity to develop skills and gain crucial experience to access well-paid jobs in forest resilience efforts happening throughout the Eastern Sierra.
In addition to reducing fuels in Reds Meadow, we are also working to educate the public about the project and its implications on forest health. Over the course of the summer, we have reached a diverse group of visitors and locals alike, engaging with more than 300 different groups through tabling, coffee gatherings, and interpretive walks discussing fire ecology. We appreciate the Devils Postpile National Monument’s interpretive staff for their collaboration and for providing us with a space to engage the public.
