I just read this article about Bush's efforts to change logging rules to allow loggers to clear kindling and saplings, supposedly in order to prevent the intensity of forest fires.
Although the environmental lobbyists are critical of Bush's motives, I'm not so sure it's a bad idea. It says in the article that the forests are growing too dense, with the consequence that forest fires burn for longer, and at higher temperatures. This means the ground is more sterile and takes longer to regenerate. It's well known that the forests in Australia were better off before Europeans got there, that the regular fires started by the aboriginies were more in tune with the ecosystem than the current management.
So what do you guys think? Is Bush doing the right thing? Is it for the right reason, and does it really matter as long as the forests are healthier?
Posted by Ritten (Member # 417) on :
They are a wee bit cluttered, but then again, having strolled through Bernd's forests, they are a complete mess.
You might say that they are quite natural...
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
Hmmm... this is a pretty difficult question. On one hand, trying to tone down the forest fires is probably a good idea. But I don't like the method -- because clearing away the brush and saplings basically removes the next generation of forest.
I've got a better idea -- why don't we just raze every single forest in America, and pave over everything? We'll never have to worry about forest fires again!
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Trees cause most of our pollution anyway. Oxygen is nasty, corrosive stuff.
Posted by Omega (Member # 91) on :
This is true.
I'd say it's good. Those saplings aren't going to be the "next generation", because the current one won't go away until it burns down, taking the saplings with it.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
That's perfect for the planet where trees are immortal. Sign me up for the rocket flight, unless that Timberlake has stolen my seat again.
Posted by Shik (Member # 343) on :
quote:Originally posted by MinutiaeMan: I've got a better idea -- why don't we just raze every single forest in America, and pave over everything? We'll never have to worry about forest fires again!