Big Sur Land Trust’s stewardship team is participating in the CAL FIRE-supported Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (Cal-TREX) in June, which includes other land managers, tribal partners, agencies, and researchers. The training will be hosted by the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association (CCPBA), which empowers the public to build a culture of good fire, and helps private landowners conduct prescribed burns in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties. Prescribed burns will be open for the public to observe on various days throughout the training, most likely June 4 through June 9. Please see the CCPBA webpage for updates on upcoming burns.

Patrick Riparetti, Big Sur Land Trust’s director of stewardship says, “We are excited to be part of this expert training as it provides a gateway to unlocking the immense potential of prescribed fire as a practical land management tool. Its significance extends even further as this experience serves as a catalyst for building a strong stewardship network while enriching our cultural connections. It’s also a platform where we come together to build resilience for our environment and nourish the shared values that bind us as stewards of the land.”

One of the prescribed fire training courses will be located at Williams Canyon in The Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel Valley on June 7, 8, or 9. Because prescribed burns are dependent on weather conditions, the date of the burn is subject to change with little notice. Check this site for information that will be updated by the Santa Lucia Conservancy as new information becomes available. Patrick says, “We are looking forward to training on similar terrain to Big Sur Land Trust’s Mitteldorf Preserve. An onsite incident command team will be monitoring weather conditions, measuring fuel moisture levels, and ensuring containment, along with many other safety considerations, continuously throughout the burn.” 

Click here to learn more about the training, or find links to upcoming training burns and their locations.