Wilderness Fire Management in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park's wilderness fire management practices have significantly influenced its diverse ecosystems, ranging from chaparral to alpine environments. Research indicates that the historical policy of fire exclusion has altered natural conditions, while the Wilderness Act mandates preservation of these areas' natural states. Natural fire zones, established by both the US Forest Service and National Park Service, highlight the ecological importance of wildfires in Yosemite's wilderness areas. The 1974 Starr King Fire, ignited by lightning near Mount Starr King, provided critical data on water quality impacts due to its location within a watershed supplying Yosemite Valley.

van Wagtendonk, J. W. (2019). Wilderness Fire Management in Yosemite National Park. EARTHCARE: Global Protection of Natural Areas, 324–335. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429052347-32