Redwood Trees in California State Park Shows Signs of Life Following Wildfires
Big Basin State Park celebrated as the humongous California Redwood trees in the area start to recover, following a tragic wildfire that engulfed the forests. Clusters of chartreuse shoots were reported to bud on the blackened redwood branches and trunks. They were discovered during a backcountry guided tour earlier this week, Associated Press reported
Santa Cruz noted that the wildfires have ravaged not only the humongous California redwood trees, but also the "almost total loss" of historic building campgrounds, and visitor amenities of the Big Basin Redwood State Park. Associated Press highlighted that a lightning siege has caused more than 650 wildfires in Northern California.
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California Redwood Trees Recovering
Experts noted that the resilience Redwood trees have shown may imply hope to every Californian amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"While this [wildfires] is a difficult and heartbreaking situation to be in, it does allow us to think about doing things differently," said Sam Hodder, president of Save the Redwoods League.
Apart from the buds that sprouted on the Redwood's branches and trunks, bright yellow bush poppies, white violets, and star lilies also were seen in the scorched landscape. Meanwhile, new Knobcone pine trees that have popped their cones and dropped their seeds were reported to be sprouting.
Authorities also noted that signs of wildlife like lizards, skinks, and salamanders are going back into the creeks.
Joanne Kerbavaz expressed her thoughts saying that nature is finding a way in restoring the life of the forest. Kerbavaz is state park's current senior environmental scientist. Big Basin Redwood State Park was reported to be closed following the immense destruction of the forest and park infrastructure because of the wildfire.
Efforts in identifying toxins, hazards, and wastes to be removed were launched in August of the previous year. Associated Press confirmed that most of the ancient redwoods in the forest have survived the fire.
Big Basin Wildfire
In the previous year, the Big Basin in California burned to some degree in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The fire started on August 17, 2020 and was contained 100 percent on September 22, 2020.
About 86,509 acres were burned and about 1490 were destroyed. Meanwhile, about 140 structures were damaged by the fire. The wildfire burned areas in Southern San Mateo County and Northern Santa Cruz County.
The said wildfire has destroyed about 100 of Big Basin's structures such as historic park headquarters, picnic tables, tent cabins, and viewing platforms. Dozens of bridges were also destroyed, and logs are littered over the forest's floor.
In last's year's interview of CBS SF Bay Area with Kerbavaz, the scientist noted that flames are not necessarily a bad thing because "redwood can re-sprout" and make the lives on top of the trees diverse.
Meanwhile, conservationists and advocates support the wide-open planning process of the Big Basin. The next eight to 10 months will be used to clean the park haul out the charred vehicles. Associated Press noted that it will take a year before the public will be able to see the California Redwood trees in person and have safe access on trails beyond a small coastal area of Rancho Del Oso.
READ MORE: Wild Spring Winter Storms In California Knocked Down The Famous Hallowed 'Drive-Thru' Sequoia Tree
WATCH: Big Basin Wildfire: Before and After - from DeerLakor
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