A new report released by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy shows that many Sierra Nevada forests are in critical condition and that natural benefits that these forests provide, such as clean air and water, are at risk from large, intense fire. Sierra watersheds are the origin of over 60% of the state’s developed water supply, and store significant amounts of carbon. According to the report, the current drought and a changing climate are rapidly intensifying the situation in the Sierra.

The State of Sierra Nevada Forests Report compiles current science and research that tells the story of a region of great value to the state in extreme danger. According to the report, Sierra communities and forests are faced with unprecedented fire danger due to current forest conditions, and numerous other values such as air quality, water supply, wildlife habitat, tourism and recreation, and carbon storage are at risk. In order to protect these values, the report highlights the urgent need for an increase in the pace and scale of ecological forest restoration in the Sierra.

“The health of many of our Sierra forests is not good and getting worse,” commented Jim Branham, Executive Officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. “Failing to understand the urgency of the situation and act appropriately will have devastating consequences to California’s environment and economy.”

The 25 million-acre Sierra Nevada Region encompasses one-quarter of the state, and all or part of 22 counties. In addition to serving as California’s primary watershed and storing vast amounts of carbon, Sierra forests provide clean air, provide habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, and are a world-renowned tourist destination.

The report cites research that indicates that the size and severity of wildfires has been increasing, and with that comes increased post-fire erosion in Sierra streams and reservoirs, increased greenhouse gas emissions, higher levels of air pollution from smoke, loss of recreational opportunities, loss of critical habitat, and negative impacts to local economies. Impacts in the forested watersheds of the Sierra Nevada affect virtually all Californians.

From the Sierra Sun Times: https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/885-sierra-nevada-conservancy-report-states-sierra-nevada-forest-health-in-rapid-decline-and-drought-is-adding-fuel-to-the-fire