Big Basin Speaks

On August 16, 2020, a rare, dry lightning storm that produced over 11,000 bolts of lightning, ignited hundreds of fires across California. Some of these initially separate, scattered fires, began to merge and grow after a rapid change in wind conditions, and these mounting fires became known as the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.
Of the areas touched by these devastating wildfires, was Big Basin Redwoods State Park, a place dearly loved by so many across the world for its lush beauty and impressive old growth forest.
So many of our own California State Parks staff were affected by these wildfires, from the emotional toll of sudden evacuations and employee homes lost, to the physical tolls of working these fires tirelessly alongside CAL FIRE and other agencies.
Today, Sept. 20, 2021, marks the anniversary of full containment of these fires, which allowed for meaningful recovery efforts to begin within Big Basin. The team of California State Parks staff that created this film wanted to lend a feeling of hope to all those who have despaired at the hands of these fires by giving an artistic glimpse into the mind and heart of Big Basin itself.
Inspired by the accounts of friends, neighbors, coworkers, and the natural and cultural resources that called the park home, Big Basin Speaks was created by Sarinah Simons, Portia Halbert, Elizabeth Hammack and Ashley Weil.
To learn more about how State Parks and its partners are Reimagining Big Basin, visit www.ReimaginingBigBasin.org.