NPS photo

In many parts of the Giant Forest, human presence overshadowed even the mighty sequoias. Above is the former Giant Forest Lodge area.

Overview 

Impacts from nearly 100 years of development supporting overnight accommodations in Giant Forest threatened the giant sequoia ecosystem that the National Park Service was charged to protect for future generations. To construct roads and parking lots, sequoia roots had been pruned, small portions of wetland and riparian areas had been filled over, and drainage patterns had been changed. Outdated utility systems leaked effluent into meadows and streams. Trampling and automobile use had compacted, eroded, and degraded soils, and pavement remained in abandoned campgrounds - all preventing germination and establishment of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and tree seedlings.

Fire, a critical factor for establishing the next generation of sequoias, was eliminated from the developed zone. Traffic congestion and limited opportunities for people with disabilities impaired visitor enjoyment. Aging, dilapidated structures were costly to maintain and service.

To keep Giant Forest Village in operation into the 21st century, a great amount of additional disturbance would have been necessary, including:

• Replacement of the leaking underground water system
• Replacement of the leaking underground sewer system
• Replacement of many old, rundown buildings
• Long-term trimming and removal of trees that threatened buildings and visitor safety
• Long-term cutting of roots to clear underground pipes
• Continued soil erosion, soil compaction, and topsoil degradation
• Continued fire suppression in and near development