A century of fire suppression and other human-induced changes have created large acreages of young, densely stocked trees which are highly susceptible to insects, disease, and periodic drought, and are more flammable. Extensive areas of trees killed during the recent drought are evident in the Lake Tahoe basin and throughout the Sierra Nevada. In some areas there also has been a fuel ladder buildup composed of young trees and shrubs that threaten the large trees in our remaining older forests. Firefighter safety is severely jeopardized by large numbers of snags and heavy fuels accumulations. Loss of lives, property and natural resources is increasing as a result of high intensify fires that spread into communities and areas where structures are interspersed among heavy fuels.
Fires are larger, more severe, and more difficult and expensive to control.
Although not all forests are unhealthy, we clearly have a highly significant problem in many areas. In locations where the risk of stand-replacing fires or other damage is unacceptably high, innovative measures such as the following are needed to restore forest health. Reduce fuel ladders and fuel accumulation to protect larger older trees from crown fires. Thin overstocked stands to reduce overcrowded conditions, thus improving resistance to insect attacks, disease, drought and spread of catastrophic fire. Salvage dead and dying merchantable trees to reduce fuel buildup and recover economic benefits for communities, consumers and taxpayers.