Sequoias: Why these giants of the tree world, under threat of wildfires, are so special


(CNN) – The tallest trees on earth, with their huge, sloping ceilings, rise to the top and are easily weighed down.

These trees have a limited range, however: they are found only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.

This threatened another California wildfire.

Learn more about these amazing and long-lived giants below.

Which giant sequoia are in danger of wildfires?

Mariposa Grove giant Sekoya is popular with Yosemite visitors.

Mariposa Grove giant Sekoya is popular with Yosemite visitors.

Detroit Photography Co./ Congress Library

Authorities say a fire broke out at the famous Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park. But the park and ground firefighters did their best to protect the trees.

“We are convinced that the removal of the hazards and the burning of our orders, combined with the temporary spraying system in place, will provide the best protection for those giant securities,” said park ranger Nancy Filipe. He spoke to CNN on Monday.

Giant Sequoia lives in three bushes in Yosemite National Park. Mariposa Grove, just south of the park, is easily accessible.

In 1864, Mariposa Grove, home to more than 500 mature Sequoia giants, was protected for “public use, resort, and recreation.” According to a law signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Grove’s idea of ​​a national park is symbolic. Land around Grove and the valley became the National Park in 1890.

Is Sequoia only found in Yosemite?

No, their natural habitat in Cyrus, California, extends beyond the boundaries of Yosemite (and they grow successfully outside of the state).

Currently, not all Sequoia Groves are in danger of wildfires.

Why a specific area for these trees?

The trees reach the skies of Sekoya and King Canyon National Parks.

The trees reach the skies of Sekoya and King Canyon National Parks.

Dmitry Vinogradov / Adobe Stock

The median zone of 5,000 to 8,000 feet (1,524 to 2,438 meters) creates unique, essential conditions.

• Moderate temperatures in winter and summer
• Deep snow bag
• “Rich Fire History”

Is Fire a Friend or an Enemy to the Great Sequoia?

Both are.

“The giant sequoia are compatible with natural fires – how they reproduce, by releasing seeds from cones,” said Base Pratt, director general of the National Wildlife Federation of California. In an email interview with CNN Travel on Monday afternoon.

“Their branches are high on the trunk, and their sponge shell protects them from heat. But the unfamiliarity is the new fire system caused by climate change.”

How is the fire doing more damage?

Pratt, who lives on the edge of Yosemite and looked at the chimney, said: “It is not only a long period of fire, but also recurrent fires and more intense fires that burn at unbearable temperatures.” Fire.

“According to the National Park Service, the rate of fires has risen sharply, with more than 85 percent of Sequoia Grove acres in Sierra Nevada burned by wildfires between 2015 and 2021, just over a quarter of a century ago.”

What is so special about sequoias?

Sequoia is not just a spectacle.  They do an invisible but important job of capturing carbon in the atmosphere.

Sequoia is not just a spectacle. They do an invisible but important job of capturing carbon in the atmosphere.

Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images

For one thing, the giant Sequoia may be over 3,000 years old.

At the age of 3,266, the most famous specimen is in the National Basin Grove of Giant Sequoia National Monument, according to the National Park Service. The monument is a four-hour drive south of Yosemite.

Of the other two species of tree in the world, only the giant Sequoia – Bristlecon pine and Allerce trees can live longer.
The giant squirrels have more than 100 feet (30.5 m) of land.
According to Sekoya Solutions, which promotes the benefits of planting, they are huge in carbon footprint. “Sequoia is a marvel of carbon emissions and has been locked up for thousands of years,” the website said.

Are sequoias and redwoods a tree?

A man stands next to a huge stump in the Sekoya and King Canyon National Parks.  Scientists say the trees are at risk of declining snowfall and warming.

A man stands next to a huge stump in the Sekoya and King Canyon National Parks. Scientists say the trees are at risk of declining snowfall and warming.

Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images

They are not. The giant Sequoia and Redwood are closely related but not the same tree. The National Park Service explains the two differences:

Residence Sequoia is located at an altitude of 4,000 to 8,000 feet (1,220 to 2,440 m) in central California at a distance of 250 miles (402 km). Redwood grows along the 450-mile (725 km) belt on the northern California coast near the Pacific Ocean.

Shape and size; “The giant Sequoia has a huge trunk with the largest and smallest taper in the world. Redwood is the tallest tree in the world and has a thin trunk.”

What are the emotional and physical effects of this threat?

“My first memories of visiting Yosemite 30 years ago were skiing in Mariposa Grove.

“It’s unfortunate for me that this shrub could be threatened by human activity. I could see the smoke billowing from my backyard, and I could see the smoke, and it was hard to know if the trees were in danger.”

“It is very sad to see those majestic trees burned down in Sekoya National Park last year, and I do not want to repeat that experience.

Visitors will be able to see the giant Sequoia in Yosemite National Park when high-resolution conditions allow. (kulliprashant / Moment RF / Getty Images)

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