Lassen Volcanic National Park Wilderness Areas
A collaborative initiative between LAVO managers and the Sierra Institute
Overview
The Wilderness Fuels Module is a specialized fuels reduction crew operating within designated wilderness in Lassen Volcanic National Park (LAVO). A collaborative initiative between LAVO resource managers and the Sierra Institute, the crew addresses fuel loading in high-value ecosystems that have experienced over a century of fire exclusion.
In alignment with the Wilderness Act of 1964, which mandates the preservation of wilderness character and prohibits the use of motorized equipment, the crew uses non-mechanized tools—including crosscut saws, axes, and other hand tools—to prepare areas for fire reintroduction. This project work adheres to wilderness standards and supports fire restoration goals such as enhancing forest structure, protecting wildlife habitat, and preserving cultural and historical resources.
All operations are conducted during eight-day field hitches. The resulting fuel treatments support the Park’s ability to implement pile burns and broadcast burns, effectively reintroducing fire to landscapes where it once played a critical ecological role.
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