I’m not familiar with this program–I know that early clearcutting in the western US led to massive conflagrations similar to what we’re experiencing today. But is there somewhere I can read more about this?
The issue with logging as a solution to forest management is that the most effective fire suppression is by the removal of smaller trees, shrubs, and other low vegetation, while logging is usually interested in the harvest of the largest, oldest trees. The large old trees actually suppress the growth of smaller, more flammable fuels, so once they’re gone, the fire danger increases rapidly in subsequent years. Even if they did remove underbrush, if there’s nothing to prevent its regrowth, it won’t reduce fuels for long.
I’m not familiar with this program–I know that early clearcutting in the western US led to massive conflagrations similar to what we’re experiencing today. But is there somewhere I can read more about this?
The issue with logging as a solution to forest management is that the most effective fire suppression is by the removal of smaller trees, shrubs, and other low vegetation, while logging is usually interested in the harvest of the largest, oldest trees. The large old trees actually suppress the growth of smaller, more flammable fuels, so once they’re gone, the fire danger increases rapidly in subsequent years. Even if they did remove underbrush, if there’s nothing to prevent its regrowth, it won’t reduce fuels for long.