Fire Management Units - Wilderness South

 
Dozens of tree trunks and understory vegetation in a dense coniferous forest.
Forest near Fir Top.

WILDERNESS SOUTH (2,297 acres) - This unit is largely comprised of designated wilderness land south of the Vedanta Society property. It follows Inverness Ridge south to just south of Mud Lake, and includes Firtop (1,324 ft). The unit also encompasses land southwest of Firtop, reaching to the coast at Wildcat Camp. Vegetation is dominated by dense stands of Douglas fir with significant amounts of dead and downed material present. The southwest corner of the FMU also supports high quality stands of coastal scrub, including coffeeberry, California sagebrush, coyote brush, bush monkeyflower, and lizardtail. This FMU supports two plant species of management concern, Marin manzanita (Arctostaphylos virgata), and California bottlebrush grass (Elymus californicus). Marin manzanita is fire dependent, and in the absence of fire, this stand has become unhealthy and cannot reproduce. Encroachment of Douglas fir has also served to reduce direct sunlight and further the “decadent” status of the Marin manzanita population in this part of the park. Shrubs in these stands are old and not reproducing, or dead.

Vegetation Map of the Wilderness South Fire Management Unit

 
 

Last updated: February 5, 2024

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Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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