What’s the Issue?

In 2019, a forest health inventory of Tomales Bay State Park revealed a need for ecological restoration of its declining Bishop pine and hardwood forests. Fire suppression and the accumulation of woody debris and litter over the last century have made forest regeneration difficult, as Bishop pine seeds need bare soil to sprout. These aging trees are susceptible to disease and invasion, with many in the park already dead and dying. Additionally, habitat for mammals and birds like the northern spotted owl is at risk if a crown fire occurs due to fuel buildup.