GARY WUCHNER By their proximity to Yosemite National Park (YNP) local residents are vitally interested in all things Yosemite, so great interest was on display when Gary Wuchner, fire information and education manager for YNP addressed Rotarians last Thursday. Wuchner's presentation on the history of fires in YNP was as interesting as it was educational.

Since August of 1944, Smokey Bear has admonished us to prevent “forest fires” and wildfires and the campaign has been effective. Ironically, and counterintuitive, fire is a necessary part of forest health. While human activities can have devastating consequences, lightning has long been the main culprit in forest fires. Information available dating to the early 1700's shows that absent intervention a given area of forest will experience fire approximately every 13 years. The concern for over a hundred years has been prevention and stopping fires, contributing to a less healthy forest. Contemporary wisdom is not only that natural fires should exhaust their course (absent peril to humans or structures) but also that planned or "prescribed burns" lead to a healthy forest.

Fire is no stranger to YNP and Wuchner has the proof; tell-tale slices or "cookies" of old Pines and other trees clearly illustrating not only accurate dating of fires past, but revealing of their intensity and character. Two such fires are currently burning, "Slope" and "Vernon" fires. Absent some cataclysmic weather change, these fires will run their natural course as they reach the boundaries of previous fires where fuel is short.

Fire management serves not only to protect life and property, but management of smoke is also important. The arsenal of fire management tools includes mechanical cutting of fire breaks, back fires, and of course extinguishing with water or retardant. These measures can impact the safety of personnel and equipment, so allowing a fire to run its course is the preferred strategy.

Those wishing to learn more are encouraged to contact Wuchner at 372-0480 or by email at gary_wuch ner@nps.gov.