Contra Costa Times - n parks, along creek beds and in parkways, coast redwood trees were planted in Southern California for their shade and stunning beauty. Now, many are dying. Though arborists say their decline is a result of them being taken outside the cooler climates of central and northern California, new studies show even in those regions redwoods are showing signs of distress, raising the question: Do California’s coast redwoods — one of the state’s most iconic trees — portend worsening effects of rainfall shortages and climate change?
“They’ve been around for millions of years. But this is a pretty unprecedented event in the last four or five years,” said Ted Dawson, a UC Berkeley professor studying the effects of the drought on the redwoods in their native habitat. “Some of these trees will suffer because of that.”
While Dawson said the trees are not doomed, the redwoods in Big Sur, those near San Simeon, in the hills near the Central Valley and even in Northern California where his research teams have traveled are definitely feeling the effects of the state’s fourth year of drought, he said recently. As are California oak trees, an even more worrisome development because of the species’ drought-tolertant qualities.
“I think we will lose some trees. We will lose redwoods, and we will lose oaks, too. They are being pushed to their extremes,” said Dawson, a Cal professor of integrative biology and environmental science policy and management.
From the empirical observations of this native Californian whose life experience includes residencies throughout the entire state, one would be more inclined towards suspicion of air quality issues associated with urban and suburban sprawl. Indications of arboreal decline have
ReplyDeletebeen manifesting decades prior to the relatively recent drought events. Definition of the 'smog line' in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel ranges, for example, was blatantly evident in the 1970's. Similar degradation began to appear in the Sierra foothills with encroachment of the Sacramento/Stockton/Fresno suburban smear during the mid 1980's to present. True, the drought is exasperating conditions, but one will argue it is not the primary offender. At core is an undeniable truth pointing towards the irresponsible exploitation of precious and limited resources taxed beyond natural sustainable limits.
It may be convenient to foist blame upon nature, but to deny humanity's impact upon nature is the height of hubris.
Gee, scientists are so smart. So a tree who's natural habitat is rainforest-like micro climates of the western slopes facing the ocean which collect the moisture and precipitates it into lots of rain and clouds would actually not fare well in a drought. Really? Wow, so you figured that out. Next you'll tell me that cactus don't do well when they lose their desert climate. Wonder how much grant money was spend on this obvious study of 2+2 = 4?
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