Benefits to fireproofing forests

Benefits to fireproofing forests

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
In a discussion with Oregon-based NRCS public affairs officer Tracy Robillard I learned of a project in which private landowners are trying to a certain extent limit the chance of wildfires burning up their private forests. But there are other benefits to their prevention efforts. "When you do these types of forest health projects, you are reducing the risk of a catastrophic wildfire but there are also many other benefits. Wildlife habitat is enhanced for deer, elk and a variety of wildlife. You are also improving the health of your soil and trees because when you have a large, overstocked forest, those trees are having to compete with one another to get the water, sunlight and nutrients that they need to thrive. So when you can thin out and keep only your healthy trees, they don't have to compete as much. They will grow taller and stronger and eventually it is going to be a more marketable timber harvest.
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