Giant Sequoias - Salt Creek Ridge Grove Unit

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Salt Creek Ridge Grove Unit

This grove unit is 59.4 acres in size. It is located about 1/3 mile east of the Ladybug Unit off the north side of Salt Creek Ridge within the confines of a sub-watershed that eventually drains into the East Fork of the Kaweah River. There is a large flowing spring in this grove. The Grove ranges in elevation from 5100 to 6000 feet and is entirely privately owned. This was once a truly beautiful grove before logging of both giant sequoia and mixed conifers in the 1940' s-50 by previous landowners. There is no public access to this grove. Still, there are presently 18 sequoias that range in size from 3 to 12 feet in diameter that remain after completion of the last round of logging in 1981.

Sequoia Resource

There are 18 giant sequoias that range in size from 3 to 12 feet in diameter. There are 1570 sequoias ranging in size from 4.5 to 35.9 inches in diameter, which were regenerated from the 1940's-50's logging. Hand counting of 1987 fire-regenerated sequoias is not completed yet, but it is estimated that there are at least a few thousand trees competing with the deer brush. There are 64 known giant sequoia stumps found in this Grove. There are many 25 to 35 inch diameter trees that are extremely robust, being up to 140 feet tall and only 50 years old throughout many portions of the grove. There most likely will be a replacement stand of large sequoias in about 600 years from now.

Fire History

The 1987 Case Fire crowned out over much of the grove area resulting in destruction of much of the conifer canopy in the same manner as the lower portion of the Monache Tubs Grove. Much slash is found under the brush. Prescribed burning is slated for 2003.

Logging History

Logging occurred during the 1940' s-50 and during 1982 within this Grove. Mixed confers and giant sequoias were logged during both harvests. There are 64 known large sequoias stumps found in the Grove. Still there are forested areas where there is a good mix of incense cedar, white fir sugar pine and ponderosa pine. Black oak can be generally found in the more open areas.

Regeneration

The lack of good sequoia seed sources and the resulting deer brush creates a thick canopy growing over many areas of this Grove which then creates a shading problem that held back many of these young sequoia trees. Young California nutmeg trees can be found in scattered shady places within this grove. Young white fir, incense cedar, sugar pine and ponderosa pine can be found lightly scattered in many areas of the Grove.

Reforestation

Sequoias planted after the 1987 Case Fire can be found in the brushy lower portion of the grove. Ponderosa pine has been planted along the western side of the unit below the 5400-foot elevation level and the same for the very upper portion of the unit at 6000 feet elevation. These trees appear to be healthy and in competition with each other due to close spacing.

Salt Creek Ridge Grove Reports
Photo Gallery
Fire Regeneration Photos