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Tassajara Fire Information

Re-opening the Gates to TassajaraWe are delighted to be able to reopen our summer guest season following the forest fire that swept through and around Tassajara in July.  We have done our best to clean and repair Tassajara as much as is possible at this time, and are rededicated to offering the tranquility, hospitality and spiritual nourishment for which Tassajara is known.

If you are interested in the efforts to protect Tassajara, we have posted the latest installment of David Zimmerman's detailed account: The Day the Fire Arrived. We've added photos from Mako Voelkel's Flickr album and a map of Tassajara to support the story with visual references.

For those of you considering coming to Tassajara this summer, please be aware of the following:

Fire is still a Presence in the Forest:  According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Basin Complex Fire, which started on June 21, was declared 100% contained as of 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, after having burned 162,818 acres. However, there are areas within the containment lines that are still burning, particularly around Miller’s Canyon which is approximately 10 miles north of Tassajara, (closer to Jamesburg).  You may also notice some smoldering, particularly stumps and logs as well as occasional trees on fire within already burned out areas. While the Forest Service does not consider these a serious threat to the safety of people traveling along Tassajara road, everyone is advised to be attentive, and not to venture off road.
 
Road to TassajaraRoad Condition: All voluntary evacuations and road closures have been lifted by the Monterey County Sheriff's Department. Residents and visitors traveling through the area should continue to use caution though, as fire equipment and personnel may still be in the area. While the Tassajara road itself is in very good condition as the County has graded it, drivers still need to watch for fallen rock and other debris. While unlikely, there may still be occasional "spars" or burning trees/stumps near the road. And to visually prepare you, know that the mountains look fairly barren from the Mira Observatory on the ridge all the way down the road until you reach Tassajara, which is an island of green.

Air Quality: The air quality in the valley has been steadily improving and is generally very good at this time. However, occasionally the winds will shift smoke from the areas of the forest still burning toward Tassajara.  At these times there can be a more noticeable smoky haze, especially in the mornings and evenings when the inversion layer settles in the valley.  People with asthma or other lung conditions should be aware of this and take whatever precautions they feel necessary for them to feel comfortable. People with asthma or other lung conditions should be aware of this and take whatever precautions they feel necessary for them to feel comfortable. The smoke will likely dissipate within the next week or so.

Wilderness and Hiking: While the Los Padres Forest is still closed to public entry, hiking is permitted on the Tassajara property per the USFS District Ranger. While the terrain around Tassajara is mostly burnt, a number of oak and other trees and bushes still flourish near the lower elevations, especially near creek beds. Many trees have been “stressed” by the fire and have prematurely turned brown. The trails on the Tassajara property are safe for hiking as long as one takes some precautions due to occasional falling rocks and scree. These include the Overlook, Suzuki Roshi Memorial/Hogback, Narrows trails and the lower portion of the Church Creek trail. The Horse Pasture and Tony trails are closed to public entry as they are extremely unsafe due to landslides and scree, and so we strongly recommend not venturing on these trails. As shade is greatly reduced due to the lack of foliage, guests are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. We also recommend wearing sturdy, ankle-supporting shoes, using a walking stick and carry drinking water. Please be conscientious about not disturbing the ash on the ground as it creates a protective sealant for the wilderness' regeneration. Before venturing on a hike, please check in with the Stone Office before and after returning from any hikes, including to the Narrows.

Donate Now

(8/6/2008, 7:15 AM PDT)

Please read our great big Thank You to everyone who has supported Tassajara and continues to support Tassajara.

(7/17/2008, 7:15 AM PDT)

The Tassjara Five

“…It still amazes us—Abbot Steve Stücky, Mako Voelkel, Graham Ross, Colin Gipson, and myself—to recall the speed in which the fire descended and converged on Tassajara simultaneously from four sides: from Flag rock to the northeast, with 30- to 40-foot flames; from Hawk mountain to the northwest, rushing down right above the hill cabins with 10- to 15-foot flames; over the Hogback and Suzuki Roshi Memorial trail to the west, and from the south via the Overlook ridge, its progress cloaked by the canopy of trees above us. It was difficult to determine which head of fire would reach us first, so we split up…”

-- from Tassajara Director David Zimmerman’s account of the Tassajara Fire

Robert Thomas, President

 

On behalf of everyone in the Zen Center sangha, I would like to express our deep and heartfelt appreciation to the five Zen monks who saved Tassajara, forever to be known as the “Tassajara Five.” Your spontaneous and personal decision to turn back toward the fire in the face of evacuation orders will live on as a decisive moment of courage, clarity and truth for all of us to witness and learn from, and for future generations to be inspired by. A deep bow to each of you.

 

 

 

Fire behind ZendoI would also like to express our sincere gratitude to each and every person in the Zen Center sangha. During this time of crisis, all around us we have seen Zen students from Tassajara, Green Gulch Farm, and City Center, as well as members of the wider sangha, pulling together to support each other with their cool minds, ready bodies and strong practice. I myself have witnessed and heard many stories of people responding with great care and kindness; each person in their own way, standing up courageously to do whatever is necessary in the face of a very challenging situation.

Lastly, I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has so thoughtfully sent in notes and emails wishing for the safety and well-being of the Zen Center community and Tassajara, and in particular, those of you who have responded so generously with donations. I also want to acknowledge and thank the many people who have shared various perspectives and contributed to a lively discussion on the Sitting with Fire blog.

We are sincerely grateful to everyone for their support during this time of uncertainty.

View more of Mako Voelkel's photos of the fire at Tassajara. View a compiled and edited album of Shundo David Haye's photos of fire preparations.

I hope that while you view these amazing pictures and contemplate the current state of Tassajara that you will consider doing whatever you can to support Tassajara and the Zen Center at this time.

Robert Thomas
President of San Francisco Zen Center

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Here are some photos of some of the people who helped to prepare Tassajara in the days preceding the fire. These include the Fenner Canyon Inmate Strike Teams, Indiana crew and, of course, the residents of Tassajara. Some of Tassajara residents who left in the first wave of resident evacautions are not pictured here. And there are many who directly supported Tassajara, such as fire crews and captains that visited Tassajara, the air support, the fire commanders and all of the people who support and continue to support Tassajara from afar. We are grateful for everyone's efforts. (Click to enlarge any of these images)

Fenner Canyon Inmate Strike Team

Tassajara and Indiana Crew

Tassajara students

Previous Updates

Here is a list of past updates and fire watch maps.

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Photos

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