Is this marvelous tree in danger, you likely would think of forest fire as the major threat. This great tree reaches heights of 145 feet and the ripe old age of 300. You will note that most giant Ponderosa’s have old scars from historic fires. These trees are relatively fire proof. Shade tolerant Grand Fir trees are replacing Ponderosa Pine in the local McCall forest. The change has created heavy ground vegetation which provides a “fire ladder” greatly increasing the probability that destructive, high intensity fires will reach the tree tops according to the National Forest Service. In a meadow in Ponderosa State Park forest management practice has removed the Grand Fir trees under 22 inches in diameter and a prescribed fire was set. This effort will protect the forest and save some habitat for the Ponderosa.
If you are a baby boomer the first thing Ponderosa that may enter your mind is Bonanza. The initial show aired in 1959 and for 14 years the fictitious Cartwright family; Pa, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe were a part of the fabric of America. For three successive seasons the show was the number one rated show on the air, 1965-1967. The original scenes were filmed near Incline Village and Lake Tahoe and the huge ranch stretched from Carson City to the Lake. The tree thrives in many western States, Canada, and Eastern Europe. Montana knows a great symbol when it sees one—it is their State tree.
I do not have the answer to who or how we promote healthier forests in our country. It does seem we can manage this resource much better than we have in the past few years. There is some good evidence that “fire benefits the ecosystem and improves wildlife habitat, while it reduces years of dangerous accumulated fuels.” When you realize the Idaho Pioneer fire this year is still burning and has consumed 188,404 acres at a cost of near $100 million seems like a challenge worth our attention. I am all for putting a colony on Mars but seems like we should understand our own environment a bit better before we start on a new planet.
“Earth first, we will log the rest of the planets later” is a humorous; tongue in cheek quote I have heard for years. Before you get too upset with me, I would not think it is humorous if it had not come from a source that worked at good stewardship of our forest lands. We have made some progress—I do feel Robert Swan is correct when he says, “the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Mike