Beyond Burnout: Charting a Path to Regenesis [Phase 1]
Two years ago, I wrote an essay for our website titled, God Almighty, This is Hard to Watch.” I described
Last year, Evergreen Magazine commissioned a series of graphs that help to illustrate just how dire the situation in the west is becoming. The graphs are constructed using Forest Service/FIA data quantifying gross growth, mortality and net growth in our western national forests. Mortality is very high in all western national forests, principally stemming from a lack of active management. Thinning and prescribed fire are time tested and proven techniques for increasing growth and natural resiliency in forests. Much of what is dying could be utilized and in a more perfect world the figures for mortality and net growth should be reversed on each graph. As you view these images, bear in mind losses from forest fires far exceed the monetary value of the trees.
If you would like to purchase magazine quality copies of our Western Fire Graphs in bulk – for events or wide distribution – we are happy to assist you.
Contact Jim Petersen jim@evergreenmagazine.com
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