Yosemite's sequoias saved; but threat to parks remains

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Watching these past weeks as firefighters battled to stop wildfire from spreading into Yosemite National Park’s famous Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees was an urgent reminder of the large-scale threat climate change poses to our national parks.

Unfortunately, fires like the fast-moving Oak fire and the Washburn fire are the new reality for our parks in a warming world. National parks have been consistently understaffed and underfunded by Congress, making it impossible for preventive measures to be taken at an appropriate scale to combat climate emergencies that are now regular occurrences. As of Friday, the Forest Service plans to expedite sequoia protection. When President Joe Biden takes executive action to confront climate change, he should consider increasing funds overall to the national parks before damage happens that can’t be undone.

Before retiring, I spent 34 years working at Yosemite National Park until I was appointed superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park.

-snip-

Fires have always been a threat at Yosemite, but climate change makes it easier for them to cause much more severe damage. Fires burn hotter and faster, and the landscape is drier and more combustible. Now, fires quickly grow to what was once an unimaginable size. The challenge and threat for park staff, visitors, local businesses and economies is greater than ever, and the costs are immense.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-yosemites-sequoias-saved-but-threat-to-parks-remains/

[Bayard]

1. Sigh of relief

[electric_blue68]

2. Thank goodness! Obviously a lot more care in general is needed to protect the great parks in more...

more volatile climes!