Schulman Grove Visitor Center Destroyed by Fire

Published on Sep 6, 2008 - 6:55:44 AM

By: Nancy Upham, Inyo National Forest

Sept. 4, 2008 - Today the Schulman Grove Visitor Center, located in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest of the Inyo National Forest, burned to the ground. A world wide audience has visited the popular visitor center located at 10,000 feet high up in the White Mountains, to learn about the oldest living trees on earth.

The well loved log cabin visitor center housed interpretive exhibits and a small theater where the film Living History: The Ancient Bristlecone Pines, was shown to information seeking visitors. Books, maps, art work, and other items were offered for sale by the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association.

The fire was first reported at 8:00 am this morning, and crews and equipment from the Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department and the Forest Service were dispatched to the fire. By the time the crews arrived the building had been completely destroyed. Agents from the State Fire Marshalls Office, Inyo County, and the Forest Service are investigating the cause of the fire at this time.

Even though the Visitor Center is gone, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is open for the public to visit and explore. The Methuselah Trail is temporarily closed, but the Discovery Trail remains open.

For more information about the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest please call the White Mountain Ranger Station at 760-873-2500. For more information about the fire or the investigation please call Nancy Upham at 760-873-2427.

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