We recently received copies of reports on the 2012 wildfires in the Riudoso, New Mexico, which were prepared at the request of Congressman Pearce. These reports were very interesting and point out many of the problems we are having with an increase in catastrophic wildfires throughout the western states. Limited management and treatment in our forests has resulted in significant buildup of fuels and major insect infestations. Lose of property and lives are resulting from these events. Elected officials are requesting investigations into many of these events and demanding stronger suppression actions to attempt to reduce the size and intensity of future wildfires. The short range solution will necessitate a much more aggressive approach to initial suppression efforts however, the real solution is to be found in changing forest management practices and principles. A new paradigm that focuses on forest health, vigor and diversity, with the resources being the by-product of proper management, must be implemented, and soon. Many scientists are talking about eco-systems, which I prefer to call communities. Eco-systems tend to vary depending on the requirements of a particular species. For me community expresses a more easily defined unit in which all things are connected and where many interactions and relationships are constantly at work. By managing these individual communities we can begin to create the diversity of the forest mosaic which is critical in reducing the risk of future catastrophic events. We can not bomb proof our forests but we can reduce the size and occurrence of future unacceptable events. "Trees of Life - Our Forests in Peril " helps define solutions for the future to prolonging human life on this planet!
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