Prescribed burn set for Monday at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)- California State Parks announced that they are planning to conduct a prescribed burn at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

State Park officials said that they plan to conduct a 13-acre prescribed burn near the observation platform starting on Monday with alternate dates of Tuesday or Wednesday.

Ignitions are scheduled to occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Powder Mill Road, Ridge Road and Pine Trail may be closed during the burn operation per State Parks.

Officials said that visitors will be rerouted during the day and the burn will be monitored 24 hours a day.

State parks said that the burn is part of a long-term strategy to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire to maintain the rare ponderosa pine sandhills habitat.

Officials said that the rare habitat relies on fire to maintain a healthy ecosystem and regenerate sensitive species.

The burn will enhance the health of the ecosystem by removing fuel buildup and restoring nutrients to the soil.