San Dimas Experimental Forest

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The Future of San Dimas (under construction)

[Photo]: Helitorch igniting Lodi Canyon

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Lodi Canyon ignition, USFS photo

Operating objectives of the SDEF are as follows:

  • Provide a safe and healthful environment for science and natural-resource education in a vitally important Mediterranean-type ecosystem of southern California.
  • Conduct long-term environmental monitoring both for detection of long-term ecosystem trends and as support to short-term research projects (see SDEF long-term monitoring element of this plan).
  • Provide a diversity of age classes in native vegetation for ecosystem research.
  • Minimize impacts of wildfire on research sites and facilities.
  • Restrict vegetation manipulations or disturbance that result in loss of biodiversity of native species or encourage establishment or spread of non-native species.
  • Minimize direct human impacts on scientific facilities, research, and natural resources.
  • Maintain in good condition the historic facilities at Tanbark Flats.
  • Maintain current road and trail access to experimental watersheds and sites in Bell, Volfe, San Dimas, and Fern canyons.
  • Promote scientific and educational uses of the SDEF and its monitoring database consistent with its operating objectives and management direction.
  • Maintain public assess, via the SDEF web site, to research and monitoring data, management plans, and research conclusions.