Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) seedling survival was nearly seven (6.78) times greater in heavily charred soils than in non-burned soils 34 and 35 yr after the first experimental burns in Kings Canyon National Park, California, and the first such management burns in any western national park. Tree height, especially trees growing in intensely burned areas, was found to be highly correlated with sunlight and less so with moisture. Moisture and light were important to establishment of giant sequoias but continued growth of these trees in the first four decades of life appears to be more dependent on high levels of sunlight. Surveyed vegetation and downed wood indicated that 35 yr after management burns stand structure has developed to the point where the management areas are susceptible to destructive crown fires.