1 Degree Warmer Causes All This?

        Drought, the Pine Beetle, Wildfires, and Reduced Snow Pack

Researchers have released the findings of a 50 year old study that claims trees throughout Western North America, from Canada down, are dying at a rate of two times the rate of 30 years ago. The reason? A ONE DEGREE rise of the average temerature in the West. ONE DEGREE! I've heard lots of talk about global warming over the past several years, and the talk is sometimes something like this: (in the midst of a sub zero Colorado day) "Global warming? You can't tell it by me!" Who feels  the difference of one degree? Not me, and probably not you. But according to these reports, the forest does.

But now, we're hearing that a mere one degree increase in overall temperature is what is causing the ice melt in the artic, reduced snow pack overall, longer drought seasons, increased wildfires, less habitat for fish and wildlife, and less moisture in the trees that make them more susceptible to Pine Beetle kill. (For photos and more information about the Pine Beetle, see "What's Bugging You?" ) The researchers say that trees of many varieties, ages, sizes and at all elevations are dying at an alarming rate.

These dead trees have become a massive wildfire threat. Such a fire has the potential to threaten not only homes and popular vacation destinations, but also the power grid. One source states that three major transmission lines feed into the Western grid, passing through beetle kill forests. Transmission towers could be destroyed, cutting power to millions of people.

This past fall season, I took a trip up to the Rocky Mountain National Park. We drove through Estes Park, and over the Continental Divide, dropping down into Grand County.

What I saw there, was shocking and devastating. It appeared to me that a good 80%, (by my estimation only), of the forest in Grand County was destroyed by beetle kill.

So what of solutions?

It is estimated that 200 million dollars is needed to clear dead trees from critical locations. The federal government has proposed 26 million, and Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado is asking the state for 5 million to put towards Pine Beetle mitigation. This money would be used to thin overcrowded forests, create fire breaks, and remove beetle infested trees. Nowhere near the 200 million needed, and not likely to get there any time soon in this down economy. New regulations are being considered, including reducing residential development near forested areas, where fire risk is so high. 

I feel badly for the folks living in beetle infested areas. One has to wonder what this is doing to property values, (economy aside).  I looked out over the mountain sides, and shot photos of what I was seeing with a heavy heart, knowing this could be what my area looks like in a few years. Our green forests are turning to rust and gray at an alarming rate.

Photos taken by Debi Boucher, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission.  Memories DVDs Photo Slideshow DVD and Web Presentations, "Real Estate Showcase", to assist with marketing and advertising endeavors. More affordable, more interesting, and more captivating than a virtual tour! Memories DVDS "Bringing Your Memories To Life"