Giant sequoia  (Sequoiadendron giganteum)

Giant sequoia forests were massively logged from the time they were first discovered in the mid 1800s until the 1950s (1). The resistant nature of the wood made it a favourable timber and it was used to make a wide variety of items from fence posts to patio furniture (2). Roughly 34% of the original range of the giant sequoia was lost to timber extraction (4). Ironically, a further threat to sequoia groves came from fire prevention strategies imposed by forest managers; this strategy prevented sequoias from regenerating successfully, whist allowing competitor species to proliferate (4).

The giant sequoia is now recognised as a national treasure and as much as 90% of the population is protected (1). The best-known groves are found in Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (3); attracting tourists from far and wide to view these magnificent trees. The National Parks Service now practices controlled burning as part of its management strategy, although further research is needed into the natural cycle of disturbance in order to better understand these processes (4). Giant sequoias have a vital role within the Sierra Nevada ecosystem and their majesty has also provided an aesthetic and cultural role within society; thus making their future survival extremely important (6).