The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service is kicking off efforts to ensure the long-term survival of giant sequoias from the threat of wildfire by putting in place emergency fuels reduction treatments.

The agency initiated the efforts under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to fast-track the emergency fuels treatments, a recent USDA press release said. 

“Without urgent action, wildfires could eliminate countless more iconic giant sequoias,” Randy Moore, Forest Service chief, said in the release. “We can and must do more to protect giant sequoias using all the tools and flexibilities available to us. This emergency action to reduce fuels before a wildfire occurs will protect unburned giant sequoia groves from the risks of high-severity wildfires.”

The emergency fuel treatments cover an estimated 13,377 acres and protect 12 groves of giant sequoias by getting rid of surface and ladder fuels that threaten the trees, the release said. Efforts can include cutting small trees by hand, using borate on green stumps and clearing duff from the ground at the bases of the giant trees. 

NEPA requires environmental studies, and many of the planned treatments have already started; the release said. Two components of the environmental evaluation are expected to be completed by April of next year, and another will be finished by November 2023.