How Truth Metastasized Into A Lie – The Fire Suppression Fallacy (Part II)
As the Cal Fire and the US Forest Service continue to brainwash most journalists and the public into believing Nature is sick and needs immediate “treatment” by logging and clearing habitat, George Wuerthner, renowned ecologist and author of dozens of books on the environment, has been a needed voice of reason.
George and I spent a couple days talking about the fire suppression myth, how many in the scientific, environmental, and land management communities have chosen to ignore science in favor of folklore to promote prescribed burning, and the beauty of intact chaparral habitat (or as a many foresters view it, the “demon brush”). The contribution below is George’s analysis of the current paradigm that is based on the premise that Nature can not survive without our interference (i.e. management).
Photo: George Wuerthner in the chaparral with ceanothus (C. tomentosus) blooming in the background during one of the best times to explore Nature – in the rain.
“Chainsaw Medicine” is Not the Answer
By George Wuerthner
Foresters and other proponents of logging assert that our forests are “unhealthy” and require active management to fix them.
However, it is a self-serving perspective. In reality our forests ecosystems are exceptionally healthy. They are adjusting to the ongoing drought and higher temperatures that are stressing trees and causing mortality in some not adapted to current climatic conditions.
The ongoing drought across the West is the most severe in 1,200 years. Extreme drought drives all other mortality factors. Climate factors make some trees more vulnerable to insects or disease and contribute to large wildfires.
I can absolutely assert that if the climate were to suddenly turn cold and moist, we would see large wildfire ending.
Read MoreHow did Nature ever survive without us?
This is a question those who eagerly manipulate wildlands need to ask themselves, be they from environmental management organizations like California State Parks and the Nature Conservancy, or fire agencies like Cal Fire and the US Forest Service, all of which encourage the clearance of habitat under the guise of “ecological restoration” supported by a plethora of misconceptions, especially concerning fire.
The new video below is being shared by us to encourage those who are willing to rally their courage and challenge their organization’s human-centric view of Nature and to help fight for the right of native plants and animals to be left alone.
The video focuses on chaparral, a particular target of those who fail to understand the role dense shrubbery plays, including dense forest understories, in supporting California’s rich biodiversity. It was created by an inspiring young man who has been tirelessly championing Nature for the past few years through his fabulous YouTube channel, Jack 4 the Planet.
Enjoy Jack’s new video, California Chaparral – Underappreciated Yet Incredibly Important, by clicking on the image below.