A.C. EGGLER 1957 JAN.24 JOURNUL BIG BASIN STATE PARK MGR. THE STORY OF THE REDWOODS Big Basin Redwoods State Park contains many outstanding specimens of Coast Red- woods, Sequoia sempervirens. Redwoods are internationally famous for their size, their beauty and their economic importance. Coast Redwood grows naturally within a narrow coastal belt about 40 miles wide, from Curry County, Oregon in the north, to the northern boundary of San Luis Obispo County, California in the south. Its range is within the coastal fog belt. Redwood trees grow to cathedral-like stature while competing with each other for light. Their lofty growth produces a cool, shady climate beneath their crowns where a variety of shade-loving plants grow. Ample moisture for most months of the year produces a lux- uriant undergrowth and a deep layer of humus from rotting material. Roots of the redwood must have this thick covering of decayed material for vigorous growth. The greatest forests of Coast Redwood are found in the northern part of its range, such as at Dyererville where the world's tallest known tree, 364 feet high, is located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The Sierra Redwood, Sequoia gigantea, also known as Giant Sequoia and Big Tree, is closely related, and occurs in 75 groves in the Sierra Nevada. It is thicker in girth but does not grow as tall nor in massed forests as does the coastal species. Fossilized sections of redwood trees have been found in many sec- tions of Europe and Asia, as well as in North America. This indicates Sequoia trees once occupied a much greater range. Hurried visitors to Big Basin can secure an excellent view of the best of the redwoods by using the short, half-mile Redwood Trail which starts at the Campfire Center, follows Opal Creek, and ends near the Administration building. Discovery of the Coast Redwoods is credited to the Portola Expedi- tion in 1769, at Pajaro River near Watsonville. At that time, approximately 1,500,000 acres of the coastal region supported redwood forests. About 500,000 acres of virgin Coast Redwoods remain, of which 66,000 acres are preserved in State Parks. Big Basin Plants number approximately 350 species, representing half of the plant families found on the West Coast. Increased human use of the park has unfortunately decreased the quantity of wildflowers. The showy tiger lily, formerly abundant, now is rare in the park. Wildlife at Big Basin includes black-tailed deer, gray fox, bobcat, coyote, opossum, spotted skunk, and small rodents. Raccoons are the common nightly food robbers of the camps. No bears are of recent record, although grizzly bears formerly roamed through this region. Bird life is abundant due to the variety of habitats found through- out the park. Prominent birds are the Steller jay, California wood- pecker, Oregon juncu, chestnut-backed chickadee, hermit thrush, brown creeper, California thrasher and water ouzel. You may identify what you see by visiting the State Park Exhibit in the museum. Geology. Big Basin, a bowl-like depression in the Santa Cruz Mountains, was formed millions of years ago by the uplifting of its circular rim, and the eroding of its center by stream action. Fossil fish scales and sea shells found in the sedimentary rock of the valleys indicate that this region was formerly under the sea. BIG BASIN-BIRTHPLACE OF STATE PARKS Big Basin was not the first State Park to be set aside in California; however, it is the oldest established state park in California still operated as such. In 1864 Congress granted the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the State of California for park purposes, but these were returned to the federal government after the creation of Yosemite National Park. In 1887 the State Legislature provided for the purchase of 24 acres at Coloma and for the creation of a monument to James W. Marshall, whose discovery of gold in 1848 precipitated the California Gold Rush. As an outgrowth of this popular interest in historic and scenic areas, the State Legislature in 1902 allocated funds to purchase 3,800 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains for park purposes, now known as Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Subsequent acquisitions expanded the park to 10,000 acres. The Sempervirens Club, Save- the-Redwoods League, Sierra Club and individual conservationists were instrumental in securing legislation to preserve these trees. They were successful, also, in having the California Legislature in 1927 provide for the establishment of the State Park System. This out- standing system of parks is being expanded to preserve additional examples of the State's outstanding scenic and historic areas, and to meet the outdoor recreational needs of the State's rapidly increasing population. Some interesting features of the redwoods are due in part to the hazards which have left their marks on the old giants. In September, 1904, a fire swept much of the Big Basin park area. For a period of 14 months one large tree burned within its heartwood producing the chimney tree, which is located on the Redwood Trail. During the winter of 1952 heavy rains caused an entire area in the vicinity of Gazos Creek to slide downhill. This caused trees to stand at odd angles, and the resulting grove is called "The Creep- ing Forest." The people of California can take special pride in the Big Basin" Redwoods State Park—it exemplifies the impetus given to the state park movement throughout the United States. PARK ADMINISTRATION The State Park System was established in 1927, and today includes over 140 units, comprising more than 560,000 acres with a developed valuation of 48 million dollars. These units include: 1. Outstanding examples of the State's matchless and varied scenery. 2. Historic places and buildings associated with the colorful history of California. 3. Beaches and inland areas important for their recreational value. The State Park System is administered by the State Park Commission through the Chief of the Division of Beaches and Parks with a staff located in Sacramento. Field units are supervised by six District Park Superintendents who under their direction park rangers, historical monument curators and other employees. SERVICES AND FACILITIES Camping is available in over 260 sites, with a small charge for use of facilities. Camping units include space for one or two, wood stove, table, and food locker; water, laundry, sanitary facilities, and hot showers are nearby. House trailers are permitted in the park, but no electric, water, or sewer connections are available. Charges are the same as for camping. Camping Limits are established an- nually in accordance with demands of the summer season and shall not exceed 30 days in any calendar year. Picnicking facilities have been provided. The small charge covers use of table, stove, water and sanitary facilities. Fuel is sold at 25 cents per bundle; processed logs at 10 cents each. The gathering of wood for fuel is prohibited. Lodge and Cabins, dining room, coffee shop, curio shop, store, and gas station are operated during the summer season by a con- cessionaire. For information, write to Big Basin Lodge, Big Basin, California. A Post Office is in operation for the summer season. Address: Big Basin, California. Fishing in shallow creeks is possible, though not considered ex- cellent. Hiking: Over fifty miles of trails offers an opportunity for a hiker of any age to enjoy the natural beauty of stately, shaded redwood groves, moss and fern-laden stream banks and waterfalls, and vistas from chaparral covered mountains. Ask for a trail map. Horses are not available within the park and are not permitted on the trails. Educational Activities are carried out during the summer through a naturalist program which is designed to increase the enjoyment of visitors by acquainting them with the natural aspects of the park. Participation in the naturalist program will provide a more intimate appreciation of the natural features and, therefore, may increase one's enjoyment of the park. Evening Campfire Programs are held in the Campfire Center, and include community singing. Informative talks are presented by Park Naturalists. A schedule of activities is posted in prominent places. State Park Exhibit: Many of your questions about redwood forests, wildlife, and historical background may be answered by a visit to the free Nature Exhibit located next to the curio shop. Your stay at Big Basin can be made more enjoyable after observ- ing these displays. BIG BASIN Redwoods State Park STATE OF CALIFORNIA - DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF BEACHES AND PARKS P. O. BOX 2390 SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA