Massive Fire in California Threatens Biodiverse National Preserve
The Impact on Joshua Trees
A massive fire is currently raging through the desert in California and southern Nevada, causing significant damage to a biodiverse national preserve and its iconic Joshua trees.CNN
The York Fire, which has become the largest fire in California this year, has already burned more than 82,000 acres. It started in the New York Mountains of California’s Mojave National Preserve and has now spread across state lines into Nevada. One of the major concerns is the threat to the groves of Joshua trees, a distinctive plant species found in the Mojave Desert, which can live for over 150 years.CNN
These trees, which are unique to the Desert Southwest and far northwestern Mexico, are already being impacted by the flames. Some have fallen victim to the fire and burned completely. The Mojave National Preserve, known as the “crown jewel” of Southern California’s deserts, is home to one of the densest Joshua tree forests in the burn area.CNN
Threats to Biodiversity
The Mojave National Preserve is a significant hotspot for biodiversity, making the fire’s impact even more devastating. According to Cody Hanford, the executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, the fire is dramatically affecting the vegetation landscape, potentially leading to the loss of millions of Joshua trees.CNN
It is still unclear how many Joshua trees and other plant and animal species have been lost due to the blaze. Surveying the damage will only be possible once the fire is extinguished. The Mojave Preserve rangers plan to conduct surveys from the air and ground to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the fire.CNN
Challenges of Fire Suppression
When the fire initially started, extreme conditions such as fire whirls and 20-foot flames made it dangerous and difficult to control. However, recent rain showers have aided firefighters in making progress. As of now, the fire is 30% contained. However, the damage caused by the fire will have long-lasting effects on the landscape.CNN
According to Laura Cunningham, the California director of the Western Watersheds Project, it will take a lifetime to restore the mature Joshua trees that have been lost. Some trees may survive if the flames were not too hot, but the overall impact is devastating.CNN
Increasing Frequency of Fires
The Mojave National Preserve has experienced an increase in the frequency of fires over the past decade. This can be attributed to wet winters and the presence of invasive grasses. The loss of Joshua trees in burned areas makes it difficult for reproduction and could result in the loss of essential resources and cultural artifacts in the preserve.CNN
In 2020, a wildfire destroyed a significant portion of Joshua tree woodland in California’s Cima Dome, burning approximately 1.3 million Joshua trees. The impact of fires in these areas is severe and long-lasting.CNN
National Efforts to Combat Fires
Firefighters are currently working tirelessly to contain the York Fire in the Mojave National Preserve. However, they are among the 11,000 wildland firefighters and personnel deployed across the country to combat the 67 active large fires in 11 states. The hot and dry conditions in the US have resulted in over 1.1 million acres being burned this year.CNN
Although recent rain showers have aided firefighting efforts, rain poses a unique challenge in the Mojave Desert. Desert tortoises, which are federally listed as a threatened species, become active during wet summer days. Fire crews are being cautious to protect these tortoises and their burrows while suppressing the fire.CNN
Fortunately, most desert wildlife can move to safety when a fire approaches, minimizing the impact on their habitats. The Mojave National Preserve anticipates minimal damage to critical tortoise habitat and a limited number of affected individuals in the fire area.CNN
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-02 23:16:00
Read More Latest News
