Kelly O’Brien’s firelane blog is changing direction, as are we all, from suppression to prevention. This is an important conversation in which we all need to be involved, in whatever way we can. Jack Ellwanger of Pelican Network is also becoming very involved with this process, as is Don McQueen, according to Jack.

One way I can assist, is to locate good, reputable information to assist in the fascillitation of this conversation. I continually add information to the CWPP page as I find it, or am provided with it. There is a lot of information out there to assist us, models, plans, etc. But there is also money available to assist in this process. We do not need to create this plan alone. We have a lot of available help. What we need now, IMHO, is the science specific to our particular location to support what will work for us. One thing this fire taught us, is that we on the South Coast, those on the North Coast, our neighbors in Cachuaga, Jamesburg, and Arroyo Seco on the east, are all connected by the vast LPNF and the Ventana Wilderness. It is “our” backyard — all of ours, and we need to do something to get it “cleaned-up” sort to speak. We all have talents and skills that we can add to this endeavor. We can’t all commit to a 2-3 year project, but we might be able to bring a single thread to this interwoven tapestry. With enough threads, the piece that results is strong, useful, and beautiful, as well.

Anyway, I urge you to check my CWPP often for information and ways to educate yourselves, so that we may offer our varied and fascinating views.

In preparation for this afternoon’s meeting, Kelly O’Brian and I have been collecting documents regarding community wild fire protection, sample plans, the USFS mandates regarding their management plans, etc. This page — under the same title as above — is listed to the right, under “pages” and is still in its infancy, but still has some links to some good information. I will continue to add data as I find it, or it is sent to me. It is a good place to start for preparation for this afternoon’s meeting, if you are so inclined. Namasté, Kate

Official Notice from John Bradford, USFS District Ranger, Monterey District:

Kirk Creek, Plaskett Creek, Arroyo Seco Campgrounds to Reopen August 1

Los Padres National Forest officials today announced the reopening of Kirk Creek, Plaskett Creek and Arroyo Seco Campgrounds on the Monterey Ranger District, effective Friday August 1. The three popular sites have been closed for several weeks because of the fire emergency. Several day use areas on the Big Sur Coast are now open as well, however the rest of the Monterey Ranger District, including all forest roads and trails, will remain closed to the public for at least the next several weeks, according to District Ranger John Bradford.

“The closure is needed for public and firefighter safety,” said Bradford. “The Indians Fire and Basin Complex Fire are now contained which means there is a secure line around them; however, there are still islands of vegetation within the fire perimeter that will continue to burn. Also, crews are in and around the fire areas repairing fire control lines and roads damaged by firefighting activities,” he explained.

Bradford issued a reminder that the following fire restrictions are in place in all areas of Los Padres National Forest until the end of the high fire season, which generally comes in October or early November:

– Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas of the forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Campfire Use Sites.

– Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, are allowed in all areas of the forest; however, a California Campfire Permit is required to use a stove outside of developed campgrounds and designated Campfire Use Sites. In developed sites, position portable stoves and lanterns in cleared areas near tables and permanently installed stoves. In dispersed areas, clear all flammable material for a distance of five feet, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when it is in use.

– Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the national forest except the Winchester Gun Club in Santa Barbara County and the Ojai Valley Gun Club in Ventura County. Hunting with a valid State of California hunting license is exempt from this restriction. All hunting is currently prohibited on the Monterey Ranger District due to the emergency closure.

– Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the national forest except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site.

– Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or trails that are open and designated for such use. (This restriction is in effect year-round.) Engines must have an approved spark arrester.

For further information regarding campfire permits and conditions on the Monterey Ranger District, contact the Forest Service office in King City at (831) 385-5434 or go on-line to http://www.fs.fed.us.r5/lospadres.

Part II of David Zimmerman’s masterful account of the Tassajara Five’s courageous bid to save the Tassajara Zen Center has now been posted. This is where it is found, it is also linked in my blog log.

http://www.sfzc.org/tassajara/display.asp?catid=4,209&pageid=1313

Part II of the LA Times article on California Wild fires came out yesterday, and can be found here:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-wildfires29-2008jul29,0,5666042.story?page=1

As Co-Chairs of the Big Sur Multi Agency Advisory Council, Congressman Sam Farr and Supervisor Dave Potter have scheduled two special BSMAAC meetings to discuss the Basin Complex Fire.

The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 4th and the second is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th, and both will be held from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge Conference Center in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur.

The first meeting, August 4th, will focus on debriefing from the fire – what went well, what didn’t work, what can we improve on?

The second meeting, August 12th, will focus on rebuilding efforts – what services and programs are already in place, what are needed, are there gaps that we need to work on?

Your participation is greatly appreciated. Please park in the lower parking lot and walk up to the conference center.

Thank you for your efforts to help the Big Sur community!

From the summary on inciweb tonight:

“The Basin Complex Fire, which started on June 21, was declared 100% contained at 6:00pm today, July 27. The fire has burned 162,818 acres to date; however, the final acreage will be somewhat higher due to the continued burning of islands of vegetation within the fire’s interior.

Approximately 560 firefighters are still assigned to the Basin Complex this evening, but heavy demobilization of resources is underway. Some crews will remain in the area to continue mop-up and to rehabilitate fire control lines and roads.”

Kelly O’Brien is posting this morning about the formulation of a citizen’s group to help develop a plan for the mitigation of future fire damage in the Los Padres National Forest. Her contact information is below in this quote from her blog. If you wish to see the entire article, click on “fire lane” in my blog rolls on the right.

“If we as a community, formed a working group do study and understand the implications, options and limits of issues such as firebreak maintenance and periodic prescribed burns in the Los Padres National Forest (LPNF), AND WE FORMULATED A RECOMMENDATION from a citizens’ group, in the form of a report, to the U.S. Forest Service – LPNF, we could perhaps effect the way our “local” national forest is managed.

If you are willing to be a part of bringing together a community group, the goal of which, over the course of a few years, will be to recommend to the USFS – LPNF a Forest Management Plan that protects our local economy, property and the quality of our watershed, feel free to email me: kellyeo@mac.com or call: (831) 659-2320 or (650) 533-1010 cell. I’ll use what resources I have to assist in bringing together those who are interested in working together.

There is a precedent for such action, by the way, in Idaho, which I shall write about, here, in the near future. And, I believe that we have allies politically here in the State of California, who would support a sensible community approach develop from a citizens’ group.”

Kelly and I have been in communication this am, and she is coming to the 7/31 meeting, will record it, and cover it for KUSP with our permission and that of Bradford. I think that is an excellent idea.

Also, I wanted to let you know about a 5-part series begun today in the LA Times about the wildfires in California. Today’s article is about: Big Fires, Big Business — the costs of fighting fires. See:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fire-index,0,4857752.htmlstory

**NOTE** Inciweb seems to be up and working with very accurate, thorough information under the new IC. MCSO’s Oakley’s name had not been on this am’s report, but is added, along with Boone on this evening’s report.

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The psyche, I am discovering, has an interesting way of copping with events of great magnitude. Eventually, one gets numb. I woke this morning to the sights and smells of unusual amounts of smoke. Nothing. No concern, no curiosity, no cares. I already knew some significant back burning operations were continuing, and I did check all my usual internet sources, just to be sure. I am not concerned that I do not seem alarmed, or nervous, or even curious. My emotional barometer decided to take the day off. OMMMM … perhaps I can get back in balance, today. The rest of me is following suit. No phone, no visitors, no interruptions. Now, if I can just get the dogs to stop barking at the wind!
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In case you haven’t noticed, I created a new page of misc. fire photos. See page link on right.
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Here is today’s comment from xasauantoday: (for the maps, click on their link in my blogroll)

“10:00AM July 23 Update:

Overnight thermal imaging indicates that the backfire moving into Miller Canyon has really flared up. We hope the structures there were adequately protected. We didn’t think there could be anything left to burn near the MIRA observatory, but it appears they have been backfiring from there as well, with some of the fire spilling into the Piney Creek headwaters. The marine layer has burned off very quickly this morning, so this fire will probably continue to be active for as long as there is fuel for it to burn[.]”

1:00 pm at the South Coast Community Center. Lisa will be there to open for us. Please pass the word to all your neighbors.

I. Land & Resources – fire prevention
A. USFS concerns
B. Land Owners concerns
C. BSVFB concerns
II. Tourist impacts
A. USFS concerns
B. Land Owners concerns
C. BSVFB concerns

July 31, 2008. Haven’t heard from anyone else, and the final count was 3/2 for the 1 pm time slot. So, that is the time, folks, by simple majority. Called and spoke with Bradford and confirmed. I also emailed him the below agenda. If we stay on topic, and focused, we should be able to conclude this meeting in two hours (or less). Personally, I am interested in all areas, but cannot devote more than 2 hours to this. Oh, and would someone volunteer to take objective notes, transcribe them and send them to me via email? My hearing is getting worse and I don’t trust myself to gather it all, anymore.

This is a possible agenda:

1. Fire prevention for rest of season: (45 mins)
a. SOD fuel loads, etc.
b. road clearance
c. staffing
d. patrolling
e. USFS concerns
f. Land owner concerns
g. BSVFB concerns

2. Multiple types of wilderness uses: (45 mins)
a. hang gliding (motorized and non-motorized)
b. off-road vehicles
c. hunting season
d. campers
e. USFS concerns
f. Land owner concerns
g. BSVFB concerns

3. If all preventative measures fail, what plans in place in case of fire
(open discussion among interested parties) (1/2 hour)

Conclusion 3:00 pm (I will need to leave, whether it is over or not. I would hope we could accomplish a lot in those two hours.)

Also, see my “When tourists enter the wilds …” page for ideas for dialogue w/ the USFS.