Will logging more in healthy forests reduce wildfire risk?

Date: 2024

Location: a:2:{s:64:"wpcf-fields-checkboxes-option-ea0ac532f89efd2aeeb67a061e838645-1";a:1:{i:0;s:25:"Continent - North America";}s:64:"wpcf-fields-checkboxes-option-fb256e59537c0f1d168c4285a2667dd8-1";a:1:{i:0;s:16:"Country - Canada";}}a:2:{s:64:"wpcf-fields-checkboxes-option-ea0ac532f89efd2aeeb67a061e838645-1";a:1:{i:0;s:25:"Continent - North America";}s:64:"wpcf-fields-checkboxes-option-fb256e59537c0f1d168c4285a2667dd8-1";a:1:{i:0;s:16:"Country - Canada";}}

Language: English

Type of resource: Webpage

Topics: Forest fire

Given the unprecedented wildfires dominating headlines, including the recent tragedy in Jasper, Alberta, it’s tempting to believe we should attack the problem by charging into Canada’s forests with a phalanx of heavy machinery to “take down” the apparent enemy: old forests. However, decades of clearcut logging, conifer planting, and extensive fire suppression have more likely exacerbated wildfire risk to communities than diminished it. A fundamental rethink of our relationship to forests and wildfires is needed.