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Fire & Fuels
The Klamath Forest Alliance recognized early on that logging was the primary cause of the huge wildfires that blew up in logging slash in the Salmon River Drainage. We fought hard to stop large salvage sales such as Dillon Creek, the Big Bar and many other fires, because logging far out in the forest does little for wildfire prevention, and damages watersheds. The California Department of Fire and KFA agrees that clearing a defensible space around your home and community is the best defense for protection.
Salvage Logging Logging in post-fire watersheds almost always damages the ecosystem, as soils are compacted and plant growth delayed by ground disturbance. Because of the loss of forest cover, there is an increased risk that soils will end up in salmon bearing streams, from either logging or the use of roads. Timber companies damage natural regeneration, leave behind the less profitable small diameter trees, limbs and branches, and instead remove the least flammable and most profitable portion of the forest - the big trees.
The Klamath Forest Alliance recognized early on that logging was the primary cause of the huge wildfires that blew up in logging slash in the Salmon River Drainage. We fought hard to stop large salvage sales such as Dillon Creek, the Big Bar and many other fires, because logging far out in the forest does little for wildfire prevention, and damages watersheds. The California Department of Fire and KFA agrees that clearing a defensible space around your home and community is the best defense for protection.
Salvage Logging Logging in post-fire watersheds almost always damages the ecosystem, as soils are compacted and plant growth delayed by ground disturbance. Because of the loss of forest cover, there is an increased risk that soils will end up in salmon bearing streams, from either logging or the use of roads. Timber companies damage natural regeneration, leave behind the less profitable small diameter trees, limbs and branches, and instead remove the least flammable and most profitable portion of the forest - the big trees.
Wildfire Restoration
Thinning forests from below, while leaving ample canopy, removing the small diameter ladder fuels, and the reintroduction of fire, can reduce the chance that wildfire will make it into the crown canopy of forests. Keeping the overstory of trees intact, provides a natural shaded fuelbreak, and retains moisture and cool temperatures. Thinning in problem areas such as plantations and removing logging slash is a much better alternative than logging ancient forests and roadless areas.
Community Fire Protection
Wildfire is a natural process, a force that has shaped the Klamath Mountains for eons, and should not be viewed as the enemy. Huge wildfires are rarely stopped by man, but by nature with drops in humidity and the coming fall rains. In fact, fire suppression tactics such as backburning often result in a large percentage of high severity fire. Logging for wildfire prevention far out in the forest is not effective, but clearing brush and trees around homes and structures, is effective. KFA has been a supporter and contributor to local efforts to develop fire safe strategies in the Salmon River and Klamath River drainages.
Thinning forests from below, while leaving ample canopy, removing the small diameter ladder fuels, and the reintroduction of fire, can reduce the chance that wildfire will make it into the crown canopy of forests. Keeping the overstory of trees intact, provides a natural shaded fuelbreak, and retains moisture and cool temperatures. Thinning in problem areas such as plantations and removing logging slash is a much better alternative than logging ancient forests and roadless areas.
Community Fire Protection
Wildfire is a natural process, a force that has shaped the Klamath Mountains for eons, and should not be viewed as the enemy. Huge wildfires are rarely stopped by man, but by nature with drops in humidity and the coming fall rains. In fact, fire suppression tactics such as backburning often result in a large percentage of high severity fire. Logging for wildfire prevention far out in the forest is not effective, but clearing brush and trees around homes and structures, is effective. KFA has been a supporter and contributor to local efforts to develop fire safe strategies in the Salmon River and Klamath River drainages.