The French Fire started August 14, 2004 in Whiskeytown
National Recreation Area and entered into the community of French Gulch, California. The fire burned over 13,000 acres; 400 acres of which were in the recreation area. It
destroyed 26 homes and one historic building that had
been built in 1914.
Even before the fire was declared controlled, the Burned
Area Emergency Response team was called in to assess
the burned area. Among the many recommendations,
mitigation for non-native invasive plant species was a
priority.
The fire started near the road in an area called Coggin's Flat, named after a sawmill that existed
on the site before the park was established. The area consists of 7.5 acres of land running parallel
to Trinity Mountain Road and Clear Creek. Prior to the fire, this area was infested with Himalaya
blackberry, an aggressive non-native species that inhibits the growth of native species. The fire
burned through so hot that it consumed the understory down to mineral soil. Eight days after the
fire, blackberry was already sprouting from the roots, and by April 2006 the blackberry at
Coggin's Flat was 12-18 inches high. Through money obligated by the BEAR Teams
recommendations, Whiskeytown was able to hire staff to be part of the Exotic Plant Management
Team. The team began treating the blackberry using herbicide and by mid-summer the
blackberry was effectively treated. Many other invasive weeds, including yellow star thistle and
common mullein, were also present and are still being treated at Coggin's Flat. Besides
herbicide, the team also hand-pulled these weeds to minimize the use of herbicide.
There has been a positive response by the native vegetation in this area. With more sunlight and
nutrients available and less competition, there is an amazing amount of native plants germinating
from the existing seed bank. With the help of many volunteers, park staff planted 1192 plants
and 33 pounds of flower and grass seed that include 17 native plant species.
Many other agencies and organizations assisted the Exotic Plant Crew on this project including
students from Shasta College, Boy Scouts of America, Crystal Creek Boy's Camp, California
Conservation Corps, Student Conservation Association, Firestorm, California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), University of Nevada-Reno. In addition, there were many
individuals outside of the agencies that contributed to the restoration effort.
Contact: Carol Jandrall, Fire Communications and Education Specialist
Phone: (530) 359-2304 |
