The study site is in the Six Rivers National Forest , California.
Fire is a natural part forest ecosystems.
Together, fire and succession work in concert to maintain forest ecosystems. Modern humans have changed this balance by suppressing fire through out the 20th century. These burns are low intensity ground fires that consume dead fuels close to the forest floor while leaving mature trees alive and healthy. However, whether or not these prescribed fires harm salamanders is unknown. This habitat provides the cool and moist conditions necessary for their survival.