Brush fire Channel Islands National Park Facts: • Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found in Channel Islands National Park (145 of which are found nowhere else in the world) • Seventeen animals and fourteen plants that occur in the park are on the federal list of threatened and endangered species • The park, totaling approximately 250,000 acres, is ½ land and ½ marine water • Created in 1980 because of its outstanding natural and cultural resources • Designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 • Recognized for its genetic diversity and importance for research • The largest and most diverse island is Santa Cruz Island, with an area of 96 square miles (approximately one-fifth the size of the City of Los Angeles) • The park receives 30,000 visitors and an additional 60,000 people visit its waters every year Please contact the Channel Islands National Park for more information at (805) 658-5730, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/chis.

Fire Ecology

Fire is a rare event in the Channel Islands National Park. Understanding the historical role of fire in the island ecosystem and the effects of vegetation changes in recent years is critical for park management to understand current fire ecology and possible impacts on both public safety and native biodiversity.

Current Research
Fire ecology studies in the park focus on fire-related factors that drive landscape level vegetation patterns. The park's geographic fire database provides the foundation for most fire projects. The use of prescribed fire to control exotic grasses and facilitate the restoration of native grasses, shrubs, and oaks may be considered for restoration efforts.

Research Opportunities
Opportunities to study fire ecology issues related to Channel Islands National Park include:

Researchers in Channel Islands National Park have access to an extensive geographic information system (GIS) database that includes land use, demographic, jurisdictional, political, and natural and cultural resource data.

The National Park Service looks forward to working with researchers to explore novel opportunities and facilitate future studies in the Channel Islands National Park through the CMRLC. Please contact Channel Islands National Park for more information at (805) 658-5730, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/chis.