Summer 2002

The New Pioneers Hope Rises From The Ashes In Southwestern Forests

In This Issue

What's causing these fires?

The immediate causes of the Southwest's wildfires vary: lightning strikes, careless campers and arson. But there are underlying factors- reasons why these fires are so large and so much more ferocious than any for which evidence exists in natural history-that add up to real problems for communities, firefighters and the nation.

Can this get any worse?

Yes, the West's wildfire situation can get worse. In fact, it will get worse, probably much worse.

Isn't logging to blame?

When logging slash is not properly disposed of it can be a fire hazard.

What if we do nothing?

If we do nothing, most of the Southwest's forests will be lost to fire.

Are there good forest fires?

Yes there are good forest fires. In fact, foresters often "prescribe" fire to dispose of accumulated debris, enrich the soil by speeding nutrient recycling or retard the growth of shrubs or grasses that would otherwise crowd out recently planted seedlings.

What happened to the Southwest's Timber Industry?

The Southwest's timber industry is long gone, a victim of its near total dependence on national forest timber sale programs that were phased out in the 1990s.

What can we make from smaller trees?

"Almost anything" is the quick answer to the question.

How much industry is needed?

Of all the questions confronting restoration forestry's proponents this one is the most difficult to answer.

Saving Forestry's Rubic's Cube

It is hard to believe that the Southwest's tumbledown forests once fit Edward Beale's idyllic description, but they did.

The New Pioneers

It has been a god-awful fire season in the Southwest. Just ask Bob Hennkens.

Closing Thoughts: Society's Felt Necessities

The skies have cleared over northern Arizona and New Mexico, marking the end of the worst Southwest forest fire season in anyone's memory.

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"We must always consider the environment and people together, as though they are one, because the
human need to use natural resources is fundamental to our continued presence on earth."