Communicating the Role of Science in Managing Giant Sequoia Groves

Douglas D. Piirto, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Robert R. Rogers, USDA Forest Service
Mary C. Bethke, USDA Forest Service

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Abstract

Management of giant sequoia groves has been and continues to be a hotly debated issue. The debate has reached Congress, with all parties seeking resolution as to what constitutes an ecologically and publicly acceptable management approach. Determining the correct management approach and communicating that approach to the general public is the crux of the problem. Emerging concepts and principles of forest ecosystem management may provide a mechanism to seek resolution of these management problems related to giant sequoia.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the members of the recently formed Giant Sequoia Ecology Cooperative provided the impetus for the development of this first working paper, which attempts to: 1) describe the historical events that led to much of the controversy surrounding management of giant sequoia groves; and 2) propose three management goals to guide development of best management practices for giant sequoia groves.