When fire is used to restore meadows in the Sierra, water flows -- Read and share our stories!
Photo by iStockphoto.com/Nate1117 |
Ron Goode couldn’t light the campfire. It was just before six o’clock in the morning and his knees creaked as he moved around a pile of smoking and sputtering logs, trying to reposition them for maximum airflow. Goode is a large man with a gruff voice and kind face that looks as if it’s been shaped in clay. “Damn,” he said, falling back into his chair and looking out over the fire pit. His view was partially blocked by an oak tree that had fallen during a winter storm, but beyond, the furry Sierra Nevada foothills were silhouetted against the dim dawn sky. Although the elevation was only about 2,000 feet, there was no question we were in the mountains. Laying in our tents the night before, we fell asleep to a chorus of Sierran treefrogs, interrupted occasionally by the chuckling of a screech-owl and the distant howls of a pack of coyotes. And the cold. At one point, the temperature dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Goode finally gave up on sleep after he woke shivering for something like the sixth time to find that three of his four blankets had fallen off. He pulled himself out of his tent to seek warmth from a more ancient source. |
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| David Benjamin Sherry’s Besieged National Monuments: The landscape photographer talks color, identity, and at-risk spaces. Invasive Grassfires Are Not Just a Western Problem: A new study shows many species of invasive grasses are increasing wildfire. Coal Ash Comeback: It’s headed back to drinking water and playgrounds—thanks to Trump’s EPA. November/December Issue of Sierra: The latest issue is now online! [New Episode] The Overstory: In episode 8, Rewilding Patagonia, we take you to the far reaches of Chilean Patagonia, where US philanthropist Kris Tompkins has overseen the largest act of wildlands philanthropy in history. We also offer a new segment in which we hear directly from frontline activists who provide us with tips and hints about effective environmental advocacy. And speaking of advice, welcome our new sustainable living advice columnist, Ms. Green—aka Jessian Choy. Doria Robinson, a resident of Richmond, California joins us to chat about living in the shadow of a giant Chevron oil refinery. |
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