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Whitaker Forest Research Station Dominant Usage and Facilities
Whitaker's Forest has the oldest permanent plots (established 1915) in California. Studies on vegetation, breeding birds, and resident mammals indicate the rich natural history of the area. Currently, a study of the effects of acid deposition occupies much of the site. A decade of experiments in controlled burning altered the successional patterns on much of the forest. Plans are still being formulated for overall management of the forest.
Research or other usage of this site should recognize the dominance of the giant sequoia. Whitaker's Forest has the most advanced stands of second-growth sequoia existing in the Sierras.
Whitaker's has two areas fit for habitation/usage. The primary headquarters area has one large, three bedroom house, three one-room cabins, a bathhouse, and a team. The other area, formerly used by 4-H camps, has a bathhouse/lab and nine tent frames. Power and propane are available on the site and numerous campsites exist. Primitive roads provide access to some of the forest.
Restrictions currently prohibit the cutting of giant sequoia and disallow any animal grazing. Manipulative research is allowed pending approval by the research subcommittee.
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