A grant of nearly $100,000 given to the Sequoia Parks Conservancy will enable the organization to fund three research and restoration projects in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in California.
The money, $94,074, was provided by the Easterday Family Foundation. The funded projects include assisting in the restoration of endangered mountain yellow-legged frog habitat and populations, supporting black bear research and management, and aquatic and wildlife ecosystem studies in the foothills area of the parks.
“Our national parks are living classrooms and research venues for us to better understand how our planet works and how to best protect these special resources for future generations. Donations toward these types of programs are key for our parks and staff to succeed in their efforts. The funding from the Easterday Family Foundation is much more than a gift to the Conservancy. It’s a contribution to the future of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks,” said Mark Tilchen, executive director of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
Active research and science is a key component of the mission of the National Park Service. These projects provide opportunities for the NPS to conduct additional research with students first-hand. From new discoveries to long-term monitoring, national parks are living laboratories that give a glimpse not only into our past and present, but our future as well.
“It is through the generosity of groups such as the Easterday Family Foundation that we are able to continue the peer-reviewed research that is so vital to understanding these parks’ flora and fauna,” said Christy Brigham, acting superintendent and chief of resource management and science for Sequoia and Kings Canyon. “This type of scientific research is critical to making sound management decisions as we study resiliency in the face of environmental changes.”
Comments
Tis Curious that the Iconic SEQUOIADENDRONS are absent from the funded Research; Like we wonder how many ancient trees have fallen due to failed Prescribed Fire Implementation allowing fire to re-enter old burn scars; thus, burning their last remaining critical support/wooden strength ? triggering the trees losing their stability. No respect for these very ancient trees, the NPS is Suppose to Protect and Perpetuate:
Consider how these forests were treated historically:
http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/when-giant-sequoias-were-sacrificed...
Thank you for your comment and concern for the funding of research for giant sequoias. The great news is that giant sequoia research in the parks is being and has been funded through additional ways.
For example, the Giant Sequoia Drought Vulnerability project has funding from NPS (SEKI), USFS, USGS Western Research Center, USGS Southwest Climate Science Center, and other funds from Carnegie Airborne Observatory. Here is a video link that talks more about the work that is being done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYcsL29XNGw&feature=youtu.be
Additionally, the parks have received funding to study the effects of both prescribed burns and wildfires in giant sequoia groves in response to the 2015 Rough Fire.
The parks are grateful to have received this single donation from the Easterday Family Foundation through the Sequoia Parks Conservancy as it allows us to conduct additional research in projects that may not otherwise be funded.