[pct-l] drought and its consequences along the PCT - A few thoughts

[rmoak at fallingwater.com (Ron Moak)]

Steve writes >> Curious side-point...Forest Service always gets blamed for
their past practices but the biggest fires this country have had,  burned
before any land management agency was formed.  In Oregon, the biggest fires
in its recorded history were before statehood, let alone a land management
agency. <<

Yes, there have been significant fires in the past. But large fires tended
to be isolated and occurred infrequently. Today's rash of large fires can be
directly related to forest management practices of the last 50 years. While
these practices came about through good intentions, the results are the
opposite of what was intended.

Today's large expanse of endless green forest is a relatively new phenomenon
of the last century. Historically most western fires were lightening caused
and tended to be small covering a few acres at a time. This resulted in a
patch work forest containing lots of small burns. 

The patchwork forest with frequent small fires keeps helps reduce the
potential of large fires, reduces the build up of fuel loads, helps keep any
fires that do form smaller and provides a better environment of animals.
These fires open the forest canopy and provide open areas where forage can
grow for wildlife.

While clear cutting can and does simulate some of the effects of natural
fires, it does an incomplete job. 

Many believe the forest service roll is the biological management of the
forest. However, like most institutions, it's highly susceptible to
political pressure. Pressure from us to control fires to maintain that
pristine forest look, pressure from industry to cut timber, pressure from
Congress to provide funds, these are just a few among a great many other
pressures.

Unfortunately many of the Forest Service actions have greatly contributed to
the greater size and frequency of forest fires. However, what maybe of even
greater concern is the nexus of the current forest situation and the
potential effects of global warming. While the exact effects of global
warming will vary widely from location to location, given the right
circumstance the effects could be devastating. 

This winter we're seeing an unprecedented reduction in snow fall in the
Pacific Nothwest, if this trend continues and is combined with hot dry
summers and excess fuel loads, we may find ourselves in the "Perfect Storm"
of fire. The results of which will make the fires of the last few years seem
puny in comparison. 

Let's hope for all of our sakes this scenario doesn't come true. 

Fallingwater