The eyes, ears, and voice of the forest…

About

History

All through 2025, we have been heartened by stunning sights within the remote sequoia groves, including groves that recently experienced wildfires – Freeman Creek, Redwood Mountain, Packsaddle, McIntyre and Wheel Groves. Young giant sequoias are thriving in the heart of the burned areas. Mature giants, over 6 feet in diameter and fully charred, are sprouting new leaves from their tops. An abundance of wildlife including gray foxes, bears, and even rare fishers and Sierra Nevada red foxes are living in these forests. Woodpeckers, including the rare black-backed woodpecker are feasting on beetle larvae in snags. Large patches of forests, supporting veritable carpets of conifer seedlings interspersed with wildflowers, continue to be cause for celebration.

burnt giant Sequoia tree - photo by Craig S (2)

In 2026, we continue exploring groves and work to protect them. Luckily, we began documenting wildlife in the groves before the logging began, so we have a way to compare life before and after. We will begin remote camera research, working to explore the most remote groves that remain intact, undisturbed... We will search for the extraordinary moments, and bring them to all who wish to witness them.

Our Team

SFK is run by a group that has been around since the early 2000s.

Craig Swolgaard - Interim Chairperson
Maya Khosla - Treasurer and Board Member
Kim Dicso - Secretary and Board Member
Aaron Agnew - Board Member
Kaia Colestock - Board Member
Ali Sheehey - Board Member
Ara Marderosian - previous chairperson that retired in 2025.

Our Work

Education
Action alerts and updates (via mail or e-mail or telephone)
Website
Summary of current protection activities
Review of current issues
Scientific summaries
Information on key legislative, agency, legal actions
Outreach to forest users who live outside the Sequoia area
Media articles, commentary
Presence at local events
In-school education programs
Hands-on monitoring programs for school kids

Monitoring and Surveying

One of the primary goals of the SFK is to act as the eyes and ears of the Sequoia National Forest and National Monument. A long-standing impediment to effective forest conservation efforts has been a lack of quality information about forest health, wildlife status, ecosystems, habitat values, water quality, use impacts, and industry compliance with existing regulatory rules and mitigation requirements.

Through monitoring and survey programs, SFK seeks to increase the available pool of data on these types of issues. Such data can be used to ensure that decisionmakers and the public are more fully informed about the potential effects of activities proposed in the Sequoia area. Detailed data can be submitted in administrative proceedings such as timber sale processes, rulemakings, permit hearings and legal proceedings. Data can be used to inform legislators about the inadequacies of existing legislation. Data can also be shared with working scientists, scholars and students to highlight the benefits of quality information and the need for further study.

Our team provides boots on the ground in intact sequoia and surrounding forests that are fully functioning. We evaluate the most high quality forest habitat where we can place remote camera placement. These cameras serve as eyes and ears for periods of 3 to 6 months with audio and video. We compile that data and made available to anyone interested in exploring the forest and determining how we can keep these forests alive.

Enforcement of Existing Laws
& Regulations

Public resource agencies often lack the will, the resources, or the ability to protect the resources of which they are stewards. SFK acts to enforce existing laws and regulations when public agencies fail to do so.

Enforcement Activities

Monitor regulatory actions and proposals
Review logging proposals, land use plans, timber sales, water quality permits, etc., for compliance with state and federal laws
Submit written comments to appropriate agencies on plans, sales, decisions, permits not in compliance with state and federal laws and attend hearings
Submit administrative appeals of plans, sale decisions, etc.
Conduct litigation where administrative forums are unsuccessful in achieving appropriate compliance with laws and protections for resources at issue
Monitor and respond to pending legislation and lively discussions about Sequoia Forests
Maintain working relationships with science experts