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The Jefferson Exchange

Better redwood than dead: research shows surprising tree resilience in fire

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A consistent argument in favor of preserving old-growth forests is that the big old trees are more able to survive fires. Recent research on redwoods burned in the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires shows that not only did many big trees survive, even some thought to have died actually lived.

The study focused on the burn area in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Northern Arizona University researchers George Koch and Drew Peltier led the research; they join us to discuss some remarkable findings about the longevity and resilience of old-growth redwoods.

Link: George mentioned access to the camera in the canopy at Big Basin... here it is.

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The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily talk show focused on news and interests across our region of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Angela Decker is the senior producer, Charlie Zimmermann is the assistant producer, and Geoffrey Riley hosts the show.