The Sierra National Forest, Bass Lake Ranger District, is planning a multi-resource project known as the Source-Kinsman Project and would like the public's feedback on potential issues and concerns. This is a collaborative project with the California Deer Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

"The objectives for this project are to minimize the adverse effects of wildland fires on the landscape, improve wildlife habitat and improve and protect Native American cultural resources," said Bass Lake District Ranger David Martin.

The proposed project is located in Eastern Madera County, surrounding the community of Kinsman Flat in the Hookers Creek watershed. It is bounded by the Hogue Ranch to the north, the San Joaquin River to the south and east and Saginaw Creek to the west.

The proposed treatments connect with a Cal Fire Vegetation Management Project along the east boundary of Kinsman Flat adjacent to the California Department of Fish and Game wildlife refuge.

The total project area encompasses 8,120 acres with estimated treatment acres as follows: Brush crushing 524 acres; hand thinning and piling 108 acres; mastication 685 acres; and prescribed burning 1,895 acres for a total of 3,212 acres.

Through the use of various vegetation management tools such as thinning, mastication, prescribed fire and other mechanical means, the Source-Kinsman Project proposes to:

Reduce the potential for catastrophic wildfire by treating surface and ladder fuels;

Increase resiliency of mixed conifer and pine stands;

Allow for the reintroduction of fire as a process restoration tool;

Restore failed conifer plantations by planting conifers within specific sites;

Treat infestations of noxious weeds;

Improve and protect historical and cultural resources;

Improve wildlife habitat by restoring key components that are utilized for shelter, resting areas or food sources.

Input may be submitted via email to Burt Stalter at bstalter@fs.fed.us or by mail to 57003 Road 325, North Fork, CA, 93643 or by telephone at (559) 877-2218, ext. 3208. Include "Source Kinsman Project" on the subject line.