some other guy wrote:
(Larry Harrell) wrote in message

It has been proven that giant sequoia's and coastal redwood's do great and
start to reproduce AFTER a fire. Not only does the fire pop the cones but
it lays down the all important ash which stimulates growth. But I know you
know all that Larry.

Apparently you don't know "all that". 8^) But you do know a lot
more than some.

Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods do NOT have serotinous cones (cones
which "pop open" after a fire). GS seeds need mineral soil to
germinate and survive. Redwoods have an easier time at reproducing
from seed, though.

You are right about ash being a very important component in our
forests. Wood ash has nearly all the important macro-nutrients, as
well as a wide variety of micro-nutrients. Wood ash is also beneficial
in adjusting the pH of the forest soils, compensating for the acidic
pine needles which helps control competing vegetation under pines.

Larry eco-forestry rules!

Check your silvics books:

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/si.../giganteum.htm

"Giant sequoias have serotinous cones which, at maturity, may remain
attached to the stems without opening to release seeds. For 20 years
or more, cones may retain viable seeds and continue to photosynthesize
and grow, their peduncles producing annual rings that can be used to
determine cone age (16,36)."

But if you read further you will come across discussion of other
vectors of dispersal, namely the critters.

As far as seedling development goes, Larry is bang on:

"Seed dormancy is not evident in giant sequoia, so surviving seeds
germinate as soon as conditions are favorable (17). Germination is
epigeal. The most significant requirement for germination is an
adequate supply of moisture and protection of the seed from
desiccation. This is best provided by moist, friable mineral soil that
covers the seed to a depth of 1 cm (0.4 in), and that is partially
shaded to reduce surface drying."

Bang on again with the redwoods:

"Redwood cones dry readily under conditions of low humidity and
quickly release their seeds with slight shaking."

I'm told that Vol.1 of the Silvics of North America is out of print...
any idea where I might track one down?

Scott forestry is mind-boggling