Description
From the text (p.24) ... '..., the term 'catastrophic wildfire' is not scientifically credible; rather, it is a term based upon misinformation, as well as cultural fears and misconceptions about fire. There is a major deficiency of wildland fire -- including high-intensity fire -- and large snags in conifer forests. Yet forest management is still bent upon suppressing fire, reducing snag densities, and eliminating post-fire habitat, which is greatly worsening the current deficits. If this management pattern continues, it could threaten populations of numerous native wildlife species, many of which are already rare and/or declining.... (p.25) The emerging forest ecology paradigm, in contrast, does not require these costly and destructive programs. It recognizes that wildland fire is doing important and beneficial ecological work in our forests. Moreover, within the forest ecology paradign, policies are focused on ensuring that rural human communities adapt to wildland fire so that homes are protected. Both our forests and our communities will be healthier for the change.'