DeBenedetti Slide Collection, 1972-1976

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Summary

Creators:
Steven DeBenedetti
Abstract:
Extent:
1 binder of 25 slide sleeves
Language:
Preferred citation:

DeBenedetti Slide Collection. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Background

Scope and content:

The DeBenedetti slide collection is comprised of Technicolor and Kodachrome color slide photographs from 1972-1976. The photographic subjects include meadow scenery, trailworkers, and subalpine mountain landscapes. Points of interest include Big Arroyo, Little Bearpaw Meadow, Spring Lake, Glacier Pass, Precipice Lake, Baxter Creek, Dragon Peak.

Biographical / historical:

Steven DeBenedetti earned his masters degree at UC Berkeley in the early 1970s and was hired in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park as a biological technician in 1975. In his position at SEKI, he managed a meadows restoration survey project that focused on the impacts of grazing and trampling by stock usage. In 1983, he moved on to become the first natural resources specialist at Pinnacles National Monument. In 1968, the first formal science research program was established in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. Bruce Kilgore was hired as the first Research Scientist, and in 1973, Dave Parsons was hired as a Research Biologist. Among the first research projects in the park, back country visitor impact, foothill wildfire ecology, and meadow restoration took priority. The slides in this collection were created in conjunction with the meadow restoration project and focused on the impacts of stock usage in alpine meadows. These studies provided the basis for implementing a grazing management plan that included opening dates and limits on animal number for different meadow types. The work provided the basis for the meadow monitoring program that the park continues to support.

Acquisition information:
Steven DeBenedetti’s widow, Jolene Wright/DeBenedetti, mailed the boxed slides to Sequoia Kings Canyon Park and delivered to David Graber. Graber gave the collection to the Sequoia Kings Canyon Museum and Archive before 2013. Documentation of the original boxes were captured by the processing archivist before the individual slides were placed into archival sleeves.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research by appointment.

Terms of access:

Many collections are former federal government records and are in the public domain. Other collections are from private sources; copyright has been transferred to the NPS on most. Some collections have publication restrictions. Researchers are required to properly credit all materials used. The researcher assumes responsibility for acquiring copyright permissions when needed.

Preferred citation:

DeBenedetti Slide Collection. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Location of this collection:
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271, US
Contact:
(559) 565-3133
Website