It is with sadness that we share news of the passing of Wayne Harrison. Many people know of Wayne through his work as an Environmental Scientist at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, where he worked for over 35 years. He was one of the founders of the CA State Park’s prescribed burn program, and was instrumental in creating a robust fire program at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. He was passionate about using fire in the landscape to bring health to the forest and protect the Big Trees. His leadership and mentoring have guided many to careers in this profession.
A celebration of Wayne’s life is planned for Saturday, July 27 at 2:00 PM at Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Jack Knight Hall.
As a lasting contribution to the fire ecology and management community, Wayne Harrison’s family is partnering with the Association for Fire Ecology to fulfill his wish of creating a student scholarship to support fire ecology research and management activities. For those of you wishing to make a donation in honor of Wayne, please click here
Also, as we expect the park to be very busy the day of the Celebration of Life (July 27 at 2 PM), we ask that everyone carpool and allow plenty of time to park and walk to Jack Knight Hall. Carpooling is encouraged as well. When you enter the park, please stop at the entrance station and inform the staff that you will be attending Wayne’s service.