Fire is identified as one of the top anthropogenic threats to inland species. They have the potential to wipe out entire populations through direct mortality, sedimentation and siltation of habitat, and destruction of riparian habitat, especially for species with very limited ranges. Climate change is likely to increase the risk of more frequent and intense fires throughout California in the future.
Wildfires are a natural component of California's landscape. However, fire suppression, coupled with climate change, has made modern fires more frequent, severe and catastrophic. The transition from relatively frequent under story fires to less frequent, but catastrophic, crown fires can have a severe impact on fish habitat and wipe out populations with narrow habitat ranges.
CalTrout has partnered with the Inyo National Forest and the Mammoth Mountain Ski area to proactively address this forest health issue at June Mountain. We are pursuing additional funding to accomplish subsequent phases, and intends to leverage funds to implement further scientific research to measure long-term ecosystem changes and determine best alternatives for biomass utilization.