November 8, 2026 - Sierra National Forest officials report members of the North Fork Mono Tribe, other local tribes, and the Sierra National Forest came together for a cultural burn on the Bass Lake Ranger District the week of October 25.

The event also brought together several California-based researchers, scientists, and academic collaborators interested in the ecological and cultural benefits of prescribed fire.

A total of 100 hand piles over 10 acres were completed at China Meadow to return nutrients to the soil.

Cultural burns like this rejuvenate ecosystems, continue Tribal cultural traditions, connect participants with the land, and illustrate a shared commitment to forest stewardship.

This joins last year’s cultural burn on a neighboring meadow as part of the forest’s goal to bring cultural perspectives onto the land: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../news.../stories/cultural-burning

Additional photos here

Source and photos: SNF