Since the start of the fire suppression era, Western juniper (J.occidentalis) has expanded its range into terrain previously comprised of grass and brush species. This range expansion coupled with increased human development has led to a decrease in streamflow, groundwater, and soil moisture, while increasing the risk of high severity fire affecting communities such as Lake Shastina. Western junipers are prolific water users, thus the removal of juniper at scale will increase groundwater infiltration, soil moisture retention, and increased streamflow in the water-limited watersheds. Initial removal and maintaining elimination of juniper with the use of prescribed fire will promote overall forest health and providing a secondary benefit of reducing wildfire risk and the potential for high severity fire impacts. These actions also create conditions that allow for increased effectiveness and safety in fire suppression operations when wildfire returns.

Climate Action - Adaptation, Climate Action - Carbon Sequestration and Storage, Climate Action - Emissions Reduction, Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration - Land Acquisition & Protection, Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration - Water, Fire Resilient Forests - Beneficial Fire Capacity, Fire Resilient Forests - Fuel Management

None

1154 acres