Lightning Sparks Change

Lightning Sparks Change. . , Lightning Sparks Change..., You are standing in the Sugarloaf Fire. Are your feet hot?, August 1, 2009, the Hat Creek Valley was blasted by more than 800 bolts of lightning. The fury ignited 47 wildfires, scorching 9,356 acres. After the fire, the burned trees along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail were cut to increase safety, help the forest become re-established, and protect the trail from future devastating fires., A Fiery Past , Historically, fires burned through these forests every 10-15 years. Fire helped keep the forest floor clear of woody debris and created openings for plants and animals., For the past century, fires have been suppressed causing a build-up of forest debris. This creates "ladders" to the treetops leading to devastating fires., Today, treatments have been developed to mimic natural disturbance. Prescribed burning forest thinning and brush control are all methods used. Slash piles, frequently seen along trails and roadways, are created from hand thinning treatments., A Forested Future , Seed sources are destroyed when scorching fires reach the tree tops. It takes many years for the trees to grow back. Invasive plants often move in first, changing the landscape. To help the forest resist invasive weeds and get trees reestablished, the land is cleared of debris and new seedlings are planted.