Ric Bailey

“Wild, natural forests do much more than sequester carbon as a critical aspect of combating climate change. America’s publicly-owned forests contain the greatest concentrations of intact biodiversity. The stronger the biodiversity, the greater the resilience to climate change. Present plans for logging to reduce wildfire risk involve projects that will reduce carbon storage, fracture biodiversity, and can actually increase wildfire intensity. Logging leaves flammable slash on the ground, reduces the overstory shade that prevents drying of ground fuels, and facilitates increased wind intensity. Home-hardening and creating defensible space around homes while protecting the intact public forests that remain are the keys to allowing forests to perform their natural role in regulating climate, while protecting communities from wildfires.”