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Articles by Tamara Schmidt
Plumas NF Wildfire Risk this Weekend and Prescribed Burning Possible Next Week
Quincy, CA, October 23, 2026 — Despite the storm this week, fire conditions remain elevated on the Plumas National Forest this weekend, especially with predictions of a north wind event in the area as soon as tonight. Precipitation amounts varied across the Forest, with some areas receiving significant rainfall and others receiving little to none.
Fire Prevention on Plumas NF as Predicted Weather Increases Fire Risk
Quincy, CA, September 11, 2026 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest ask area residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires this weekend and use extreme caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. This week saw a return of hot, dry weather, already reducing the relief from last week’s storms. Today, winds in the area are already picking up ahead of stronger winds forecasted in the coming days.
Plumas NF Shifts to Stage I Fire Restrictions
Quincy, CA, September 4, 2026 — The Plumas National Forest shifted from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions at 2 p.m. today, following precipitation received across the Forest this week. This is just in time for campers at designated sites this Labor Day weekend. The cooler, wet weather has helped reduce fire danger, but it is not a season ending event to fully lift fire restrictions on the Forest. There is warm, dry weather in the forecast that will likely increase fire danger again.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Start Today on Plumas NF
Quincy, CA, August 5, 2026 — The Plumas National Forest is moving into Stage II Fire Restrictions today, Wednesday, August 5. Hot, dry temperatures over the past few weeks are increasing the fire danger. In Stage II Fire Restrictions, campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites with a campground host, in established campfire rings. Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order.
Lightning fire, thunderstorms on Plumas National Forest
Quincy, CA, July 13, 2026 — Thunderstorms moved onto the eastside of the Plumas National Forest this afternoon, resulting in one confirmed lightning fire. More storms are expected tonight and tomorrow across the forest. This afternoon firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District responded to the Clouds Fire. The confirmed lightning fire was located near Carmen Saddle east of Nakoma Resort. The fire was quickly contained at approximately a half acre and is currently in patrol status.
Stage I Fire Restrictions Start Thursday on Plumas National Forest
Quincy, CA, July 7, 2026 — The Plumas National Forest is entering Stage I Fire Restrictions on Thursday, July 9, based on increased fire danger and fire behavior indices, combined with drying fuels. Spring brought periods of hot, dry weather, as well as warm rains which melted snowpack much faster than usual. Short bursts of cooler, wet weather have provided some relief.
Public asked to help prevent wildfires, accidents on Plumas National Forest
Quincy, CA, June 24, 2026 — With the start of summer and increased recreation use, fire officials on the Plumas National Forest ask area residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires, vehicle accidents and other incidents. Last week, firefighters responded to 27 incidents on the Forest, with 10 of those confirmed wildfires. The eight lightning fires on the Beckwourth Ranger District have now all been called out. There continue to be smoke checks that are residential pile burns out of compliance.
Lightning fires on Plumas National Forest – June 19
Quincy, CA, June 19, 2026 — Thunderstorms across the Plumas National Forest last night brought abundant lightning and some areas of heavy rain across the Forest. The heaviest lightning was observed on the Beckwourth Ranger District. The Guard Fire last night, a lightning fire located near Croker Guard Station on the Beckwourth Ranger District Since last night, firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District have responded to eight confirmed lightning fires.
Open recreation sites and cooler weather in Plumas National Forest
Quincy, CA, May 30, 2026 — After kicking off the summer recreation season Memorial Day weekend with summerlike weather, conditions this week returned to cold, wet and even snowy on the Plumas National Forest and aren’t expected to warm until after the weekend. Spanish Creek Campground Sign With the return to spring weather, Forest visitors should be prepared for changing conditions, cooler temperatures and the possibility of thunderstorms.
Clusia genomes shed light on the evolution and diversity of crassulacean acid metabolism physiotypes
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Abstract More than 200 years ago, Alexander von Humboldt described a tree of the genus Clusia for its ability to perform crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). This drought-adaptive metabolism allows plants to maintain photosynthesis under water limitation by temporally separating CO₂ uptake and fixation. The diversity of CAM physiotypes has fueled a debate about evolutionary constraints and the feasibility of engineering CAM into C₃ crops.
By Hannes Kramml, Johannes Herpell, Clara Priemer, Florian Schindler, Andreas Berger, Maximilian Kellner, Stefan Plott, Tamara Schmidt, Leila Afjehi-Sadat, Palak Chaturvedi, Arindam Ghatak, Martin Brenner, Iro Pierides, Fabio Trevisan, Oleg Simakov, Werner Huber, Ovidiu Paun, Susann Wicke, Gert Bachmann, Wolfram Weckwerth, Zoe Wessely, Ágnes Dohovits, Peter Kerpan, Lena Fragner, Eva M. Temsch, Menriti Ibrahim, Felix Fromwald, Anke Bellaire, Ulrich Lüttge, Hanna Weiss-Schneeweiss
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Nature
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Pile Burning Starting Today on Plumas National Forest
Firefighters on the Beckwourth and Feather River Ranger Districts were successful in treating their planned acreage today. On the Beckwourth Ranger District, approximately 50 acres of machine piles were successfully ignited. Smoke dispersal was good, not very visible in the area due to cloud cover and winds were pushing it towards Lake Davis.
Howells Fire Response Monday Night and Fire Prevention
QUINCY, Calif., September 30, 2025 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger District responded to a fire in the Feather River Canyon near Belden last night. The Howells Fire was reported last night after 8 p.m. between Howells Road and the Feather River. Firefighters from the Plumas National Forest, Quincy Fire Department and cover resources assigned to the Plumas National Forest responded. The fire was contained before midnight at approximately a quarter acre.
Lightning Fires on Plumas National Forest
The Plumas National Forest is actively taking lightning today from thunderstorms passing over the area and firefighters are continuing their response to lightning fires that started 10 days ago. The greatest risk for lightning is today, with potential for dry lightning as storms are expected to move over the area quickly with little to no rain. Through the rest of the week the chance of thunderstorms decreases, with a substantial cool down this weekend and increased winds.
Firefighters responding to lightning fires on Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, Calif., August 25, 2025 — This morning firefighters on the Plumas National Forest are continuing to respond to lightning fires as they are discovered in the area following thunderstorm activity that started Saturday. So far there have been nine confirmed lightning fires across the Beckwourth and Mount Hough Ranger Districts. The largest is approximately 1.6 acres. All but four of the fires are contained and all the fires are staffed. No communities or structures are threatened.
Plumas National Forest enters Stage II Fire Restrictions Friday
QUINCY, Calif., August 13, 2025 — The Plumas National Forest is moving into Stage II Fire Restrictions this Friday, August 15. Hot, dry temperatures over the past few weeks are increasing the fire danger. Storms in mid-July provided some relief, but fuels have continued to dry. In Stage II Fire Restrictions, campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites with a campground host, in established campfire rings. Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order.
Lightning fire update and fire prevention on Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, Calif., July 30, 2025 — For the past week, areas across the Plumas National Forest have had regular afternoon and evening thunderstorm activity with abundant lightning, with the most strikes occurring last Thursday and Friday. These storms have generally been wet, with moderate to heavy precipitation. While the precipitation with these storms is welcome, it increases the amount of time for holdover lightning fires to become visible.
Help prevent wildfires on Plumas National Forest this July 4th Weekend
QUINCY, Calif., July 2, 2025 — The 4th of July holiday weekend is always busy in the local communities and at recreation sites in and around the Plumas National Forest, whether it is attending a special event or camping and enjoying one of the scenic areas or lakes. The public is asked to help make sure the fun isn’t interrupted with human-caused wildfires.
Firefighters need public to prevent wildfires on Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, Calif., June 19, 2025 — With a dry cold front moving into the area, gusty winds and another human caused wildfire today, firefighters on the Plumas National Forest are asking area residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires. Early this afternoon, firefighters responded to the Stampfli Fire in Indian Valley. Structures were threatened. The fire is human caused and under investigation.
Weekend Fire Activity and Lightning Fires on Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, Calif., June 9, 2025 — This weekend firefighters on the Plumas National Forest responded to human-caused and lightning fires across the Forest. The Davis Fire, discovered Friday morning, was contained and controlled by Friday evening at less than 1 acre. This fire resulted from one of 14 lightning strikes on the Beckwourth Ranger District from a storm Thursday night. Predicted lightning Friday and Saturday was less than expected.
Nesting Bald Eagle Closure at Wyandotte Campground
LA PORTE, Calif., June 6, 2025 — Wyandotte Campground is scheduled to open for the season June 13, but the Plumas National Forest has a closure order going into effect over part of the popular Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area site to protect a pair of nesting bald eagles. The Forest closure order is in place until July 15, when eaglets are generally fully fledged. It covers campsites one through 17 on the peninsula. Pancake Beach and the remainder of the campground will still be open.
Residents and visitors asked to use caution and prevent wildfires on Plumas National Forest as weather changes
QUINCY, Calif. — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest are asking area residents and visitors to be vigilant and help prevent wildfires, especially as the weather heats up late this week. Temperatures are forecasted to be higher than average this Friday and Saturday, with highs predicted to be in the upper 90s in the mountains and over 100 degrees at lower elevations of the Forest.
Prescribed burning planned at Paradise Lake on Plumas National Forest
MAGALIA, Calif. — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District plan to start prescribed burning operations today, Wednesday, May 7, northeast of Paradise Lake and south of Skyway and Hupp Coutolenc Road near Magalia, conditions permitting. Approximately 40 acres of pile burning and underburning is planned in the area near Green Ridge Place and Brezo Way.
Pile Burning Above Janesville This Week
Firefighters from the Plumas National Forest and CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc Unit are planning to conduct pile burning operations this week on the Beckwourth Ranger District near the top of the Janesville Grade, conditions permitting. Approximately 200 acres of piles are planned for treatment with ignitions expected to start Tuesday and continue through Friday, April 4. If conditions remain favorable and good progress is made, ignitions may continue on pile burning in the 495-acre Bootsole Project area.
Pile burning planned on Plumas National Forest this week
QUINCY, CA — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger Districts plan to start pile burning operations tomorrow near Silver Lake, conditions permitting. The goal is to treat approximately 500 acres of piles in the Silver Lake and Black Gulch area, between Bucks Lake Wilderness and the community of Meadow Valley.
Pile burning planned in Quincy, Greenville and Meadow Valley this week
QUINCY, CA — Starting tomorrow, firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger District will be working on pile burning operations near Quincy, Greenville and Meadow Valley, conditions permitting. Near Quincy, approximately 1 acre of piles will be ignited at the Mount Hough Ranger District located off California State Highway 70. Treatment also includes 1 acre of piles at Oakland Camp and 1 acre of piles at Greenville Campground. Ignitions are expected to be completed Tuesday.
Plumas National Forest Supervisor announcement the latest among several leadership changes
QUINCY, CA — Plumas National Forest employees were informed this week that Rick Hopson will be the new Forest supervisor. This is the latest of several leadership changes on the Forest over the past three months. Hopson served as the acting forest supervisor on the Plumas for the past 120 days. Next week he is briefly returning to his position as deputy director of the Ecosystems Management staff for the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region in Vallejo, California.
Pile Burning Continuing this Week on Plumas NF
QUINCY, CA — Following successful operations yesterday and today, firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts plan to continue pile burning operations tomorrow and Friday, conditions permitting. On the Mount Hough Ranger District, approximately 10 acres of piles at Boulder Creek Work Center at Antelope Lake and 17 acres of piles in the Bucks Lake area were successfully ignited Tuesday.
Pile Burning Planned Today at or Near Recreation Sites at Three Plumas NF Lakes
Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth and Mount Hough Ranger Districts plan to conduct pile burning operations starting this morning and continuing through this week, conditions permitting. On the Beckwourth Ranger District, plans are to treat approximately 18 acres of piles in Lakes Basin in and near Gold Lake Boat Launch and Campground and along the lakeshore. This will help improve conditions within the recreation site.Ignitions should be complete before the end of today.
2024 summer recreation season winds down on Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, CA — The weather on the Plumas National Forest is feeling more like fall with warm, sunny days and cooler nights and a touch of color starting to show up in the trees. This means recreation staff are beginning the process of winterizing and closing sites. On the Feather River Ranger District, Sly Reservoir and Strawberry Reservoir campgrounds are closed for maintenance and hazard tree removal. Golden Trout Campground is open until snow restricts access.
Saturday storm results in two lightning fires on Plumas National Forest Monday
QUINCY, CA — A thunderstorm that passed over the eastern side of the Plumas National Forest Saturday came with heavy rain but also more than 50 lightning strikes over the area. Yesterday two holdover lightning fires from the storm were discovered on the Beckwourth Ranger District. The largest was approximately 1 acre, located approximately a half mile northeast of the Mill Fire. Remaining dozer line from Gold Complex suppression efforts helped to quickly contain the fire.
Communities in and around Plumas National Forest affected by wildfires, smoke
QUINCY, CA — The past week has been stressful for many of the communities in and around the Plumas National Forest as wildfire activity increases on and near the Forest. For the past two years, due to cooler, wetter summers and considerable snowpack, the Plumas National Forest saw a substantial reduction in wildfires following more than three years of devastating large wildfires. During the 2022 and 2023 fire seasons, most fires were less than an acre and none exceeded 100 acres.
Plumas National Forest issues Stage II Fire Restrictions
QUINCY, CA — The Plumas National Forest is moving into Stage II Fire Restrictions today, Friday, July 12. Continued hot, dry temperatures have increased the fire danger in recent weeks. This weekend the forecast includes continued heat advisories and excessive heat warnings in the area, as well as an increased risk of strong, gusty winds which can rapidly spread fire.
Plumas NF Indian Creek Headwaters Area and Road Closure in Incident Area
Quincy, Calif., June 26, 2024 — For the protection of natural, Tribal and cultural resources, concerns about fire danger, public health and sanitation, and upholding permitted special uses, the Plumas National Forest has issued a Forest Order prohibiting anyone from being in any portion of the Indian Creek Headwaters Area and Road Closure Order on the Mount Hough Ranger District.
Plumas National Forest enters Stage I Fire Restrictions Monday
QUINCY, CA — The Plumas National Forest is entering Stage I Fire Restrictions on Monday, June 24, based on data confirming the Energy Release Component (ERC) is above the 60th percentile and increasing, combined with drying fuels. This is six weeks earlier than last year, when Stage I Fire Restrictions went into effect August 4. Despite a slightly above average snowpack, recent periods of unseasonably hot temperatures melted snowpack faster than expected.
Noncommercial Group Use Incident on Plumas National Forest
Quincy, Calif., June 18, 2024 — An Unauthorized Noncommercial Group Use Incident, the Rainbow Family Gathering, is occurring on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger District approximately 5 miles north of Antelope Lake Recreation Area in Plumas County. The incident peaks with the Fourth of July holiday, and participants are already arriving in the area. The highest concentration of visitors on the Forest for this event is expected during the first week of July.
2024 Artist in the Lookout Applications Being Accepted Now
QUINCY, Calif. – The Plumas National Forest and Plumas Arts are excited to partner together on the 8th annual collaboration to select and showcase artists for the 2024 Artist in Residence program at the Black Mountain Lookout. The Artist in Residenceprogram provides a unique opportunity for artists to spend three nights at Black Mountain Lookout to draw upon the breathtaking landscapes of the Plumas National Forest for inspiration.
Public asked to use caution and patience during spring recreation season
QUINCY, CA — While the weather may be improving, spring in the Sierra Nevada is unpredictable at best, dangerous at worst. And bouts of warm, sunny days can make it seem like winter is over even when there is still snow in the forecast. The intersection of winter and summer recreation is causing challenges and some conflict for Plumas National Forest Recreation Staff and area residents and visitors eager to get outside.
Pile Burning Today Near Challenge
February 27, 2024 – Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District are planning to treat approximately 250 acres of hand piles along Dry Creek Road off Oregon Hill Road this week near the community of Challenge. Conditions permitting, ignitions are expected to start this morning and continue through this week. Predicted storms later in the week may limit pile burning operations.
Plumas National Forest Seeks Recreation Concessionaire
QUINCY, CA — The Plumas National Forest recently started the process for solicitation of proposals for a concession special use permit for recreation facilities on the Beckwourth and Mount Hough ranger districts with the publication of a prospectus. This includes 40 campgrounds, group campgrounds, boat launches, and day use sites located at Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, Lakes Basin and Antelope Lake recreation areas and Feather River Canyon.
Fall prescribed burning season on the Plumas National Forest may start this week
QUINCY, CA — Plumas National Forest firefighters are preparing to start fall prescribed burning as soon as this week, conditions permitting. Plans are for a mix of underburning and pile burning projects on each of the ranger districts as weather and fuel conditions allow. Projects firefighters hope to have accomplishment on include: Beckwourth Ranger District – Big Hill Underburn in the Sloat and Cromberg area; Lakes Basin Piles; Frenchman Lake Piles.
Water issues and other challenges continue at Plumas National Forest recreation sites
QUINCY, CA — Water issues are continuing to affect recreation sites on the Plumas National Forest. At Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area, the water system for Little Beaver, Running Deer and Red Feather campgrounds on the east side of the reservoir failed yesterday. Water is being trucked in for this weekend to keep sites open. Anyone recreating at the sites is asked to help conserve water, make sure faucets and spigots are completely turned off and not to run water more than necessary.
Challenges still remain at high elevation recreation sites on the Plumas NF
QUINCY, CA — With the July Fourth holiday weekend upon us, Plumas National Forest recreation staff and concessionaires are still working to open sites at high elevation recreation areas following a winter with historic snowpack. However other recreation sites are open and are great alternatives. While some sites at high elevation will be able to at least partially open, others will remain closed until at least mid-July.
Opening dates postponed again for several Plumas National Forest recreation sites due to snow and preseason work
QUINCY, CA — Estimated opening dates for several popular high-elevation recreation sites on the Plumas National Forest are being shifted to June 29 and June 30, with some sites still not expected to open until mid-July. Estimated opening dates are still tentative and will depend on the amount of damage from winter storms and snow loads.
Several Plumas NF Recreation Sites Still Closed Due to Snow and Preseason Work
QUINCY, CA — Even though Memorial Day is the unofficial start to the summer recreation season, conditions remain cooler and wetter than average, so several popular sites are still closed until recreation staff can access the sites to complete necessary work to be able to open. Many recreation sites at Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Bucks Lake and Lakes Basin recreation areas are still inaccessible.
Prescribed burning today near Forbestown and Challenge
OROVILLE, CA — Plumas National Forest firefighters are preparing to start prescribed burning in the Challenge area on the Feather River Ranger District as early as today, Wednesday, May 31, conditions permitting. Overall, approximately 152 acres are planned on three units for treatment between tomorrow and June 4. Ignitions may take up to four days and smoke may be visible for another two to five days.
Despite warm weather, snow delays opening of Plumas National Forest recreation sites
QUINCY, CA — While temperatures are becoming more spring and summer like in towns and lower elevations, snow continues to be a challenge affecting recreation sites opening on the Plumas National Forest. This week, nearly 800 reservations for Plumas National Forest sites on Recreation.gov were canceled due to delays opening for the season. Sites that would normally open in early to mid-May are projected to open a few weeks behind schedule.
Claremont Project signed as part of Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscape protecting Quincy and nearby communities
QUINCY, CA — Plumas National Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton signed the Claremont Forest Resiliency Project (Claremont Project) Decision Notice last Friday, the first within the Community Protection and Wildfire Crisis Strategy Landscape identified on the Plumas in January. The project is for fuel reduction on 30,180 acres of National Forest System Lands on the Mount Hough Ranger District in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) around Quincy, Meadow Valley and other nearby communities.
Plumas National Forest offers training for on-call firefighters, sign-ups this Saturday in Oroville
OROVILLE, CA — The Plumas National Forest will be holding training for on-call firefighters for the 2023 season in Oroville. Training will be held during weekends in April and May. Sign-ups to apply for the on-call crews and training will be Saturday, April 1 starting at 10 a.m. at the Feather River Ranger District office located at 875 Mitchell Ave. in Oroville. Applicants can get information on what is needed for sign-up and what to expect by calling 530-532-7438.
Caution urged in the Plumas National Forest as winter storms continue and flood risk grows
QUINCY, CA — As the pattern of winter storms continues and forecasts are indicating rain on snow, Plumas National Forest leadership is asking area residents and visitors to use caution in the forest. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the west side of the Forest from 10 a.m. today through 10 a.m. Sunday and for eastern Plumas County from 4 p.m. today through 11 a.m. Sunday.
Recreation company ends operations, Plumas National Forest working on solutions for 2023 season
QUINCY, CA — Plumas National Forest leadership and recreation staff are working on solutions for the 2023 summer season following a decision by Outdoors in Plumas to immediately close their special use permit. The recreation concessionaire notified the forest regarding this decision in mid-February and has taken steps to closeout operations on the Plumas. The Outdoors in Plumas website cites high costs of doing business in California and the long-term impacts of the Dixie Fire.
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