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SciAm: Are Western Forests Doomed to Burn Away?

“Ultimately, global warming may eliminate the iconic ponderosa pine forests. Blazing fires could burn down existing stands, opening room for colonization by faster-growing prairie grasses or other plants. And a changing climate may prove more amenable to grassland than forest.” Burnt Mesa, up near Los Alamos, has burned over twice at least now. What’s growing back are low bushes, a scrubby sort of pine that doesn’t get much above 10 or 12 feet tall.

Net-net, if you want to see the majestic forests of the West, do it now. Immediately. Ten years from now, they’ll be gone. Noone gives a damn about them at the moment.

07/01/12 • 03:33 PM • Environmental • Nature • Santa Fe Local • Travel • No Comments

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