Persistent droughts continue to wreak havoc on California. The largest private landowner in the state closed the forest to the public due to wildfires. Sierra Pacific, one of the largest timber producers in the US, owns 1.8 million hectares of land in 17 states in the Golden State.
“These are severe drought conditions and wildfires – we have closed our forest lands for public access and recreation,” said Andrea Howell, spokeswoman for Sierra Pacific Industries. “We know our first defense is to put out wildfires, but we know we need to help protect our forest resources and public safety.”
This is the fourth time in five years that the company has closed its doors. A.D. In the summer of 2019 alone, the weather and water experts feel safe enough for passengers, hunters, suitcases and horsemen to cross wooden lands.
The company’s half a million hectares of timber in Oregon and Washington remain open because the land is not experiencing severe drought.
According to climate researchers, the Golden State is in the throes of a 22-year-old drought. According to a study published in the journal Nature, The years 20-20-20 were the 22nd dryest years in modern South American history.
“Despite some late spring rains, California is experiencing the worst drought in 1,200 years,” says Howell. “We are reviewing the situation regularly, but we expect the closure to be in place until the fall.
When the weather changed in previous years, it continued to close from winter to October and November. SPI scientists monitor tree fires, tree moisture levels, groundwater levels, nighttime humidity, and long-distance weather forecasts.
Long-term climate models indicate that drought will continue at least until August.
Although landslides may be in danger. Meteorologists say the dry season will continue into winter, which is often considered rainy and snowy.
La Nina, a semi-permanent climate design, shows signs of sticking for a third winter. The winter of La Nina is typically the dry southwest of the US.
A recent US drought report showed that California is at 97 percent severe, 60 percent severe, and 12 percent unique.
Last year, Dixie Fire blackened 63,000 hectares of forest land. SPI land accounts for 7% of all land lost to wildfires over a three-month period. Workers were able to collect old timber, but most of the young trees were destroyed. The blaze affected more than 600 homes and 700 other buildings.
SPI also works with the US Forest Service and CAL FIRE to reduce damage and reduce wildfires. Just over the past three years, the company has cut down trees to create 1,500 miles of oil spills on their property.
“We recognize that our common forests in California are overcrowded and fires are occurring. They give you access. ”
CAL FIRE He was able to stop at one of those breaks during the deadly Camp Fire in 2018. Those firefighters were able to save the city of Sterling and the communities around Lake Paradise. The worst wildfire in California history has killed 85 people.
The SPI 100-year plan includes planting the collected land with small trees that can be larger, healthier and more fire resistant.
Haul, who is still producing sustainable wood from sustainable forests, spoke about future fire prevention efforts.
As a tree species, the SPI forest grows 60 to 80 years. Workers cut down trees in an average of 17 acres. They replant the seedlings in one to two years. This leaves most of the forest open for recreation.
