Smoke Management
In order to ensure healthy and biologically intact Sierra Nevada forest ecosystems we must return our forests to the fire-resilient historic conditions that existed before a policy of fire suppression was adopted by the Forest Service.
Restoration work is necessary to prepare forests to return to natural forest ecological processes, and to reduce the severity of wildfires and limit their spread to communities. This restoration work includes removal of excess biomass on the forest floor, thinning of overly dense young trees, and reintroduction of natural fire back into landscapes. These essential restoration tools will provide multiple benefits to natural resources and to communities.
Smoke management refers to the management of smoke generated by prescribed fire (also called “controlled burns”) to reduce the amount and quality of smoke generated that impacts air quality and human health.
Over time, the Sierra Nevada forests will become more fire resilient, fire will become less intensive and more manageable, and air quality impacts from fire will ultimately be reduced.