The Big Give
BIG FIRE. BIG TREES. BIGGER HEARTS.
The KNP Complex Fire Recovery Fund for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
In the fall of 2021, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks—and surrounding areas—experienced a devastating wildfire called the KNP Complex Fire.
On September 9, 2021, lightning strikes from an evening thunderstorm kindled localized fires that would merge into one massive fire. It wasn’t until December 16 that authorities were able to declare what became the KNP Complex 100% contained. In total, the fire burned 88,000 acres and 16 Giant Sequoia groves. The National Park Service estimates that between 1,300 and 2,300 Giant Sequoias more than 4 feet in diameter were either killed outright or injured severely enough that they will die in the next several years. Those sequoias are known as ‘monarchs’ and are the oldest and biggest of the giant sequoias to exist.
What now?
Immediately after the fire started, Sequoia Parks Conservancy launched the KNP Complex Recovery Fund to raise money for repair and renewal in the wake of the fire. As the fire raged, park-lovers, stewards, grantors, and conservationists raised over $600,000, 60% of the fund’s $1 million goal.
Sequoia Parks Conservancy has now started a fundraising campaign to complete the $1 million goal.
Donations during The Big Give will be restricted to the KNP Complex Fire Recovery Fund. Funds will support efforts to rebuild trails, protect sequoia groves and meadows, safeguard cultural and historical features, reestablish access to Crystal Cave, restore wildlife habitat, and more.
Other Ways to Help
You can help us spread the word and support the recovery by starting a fundraiser on social media, creating a crowdfunding campaign, or reaching out to your family and friends. We truly appreciate all the support that you can bring to this challenge.
For help setting up a fundraiser or other questions, please email us at giving@sequoiaparks.org.
We also welcome best-use donations, which will be applied to the area of greatest need.
National Park Service KNP Complex Fire Resource Page: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/knp-complex-fire.htm
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