What are the greatest threats to long-term sustainability of giant sequoias and their ecosystems?
There is evidence suggesting that inaction is currently the most significant threat to giant sequoias, the groves, and their ecosystems. Historically unprecedented fuel loads in most of the groves increases the chances of catastrophic wildfire. High-intensity wildfire is increasingly likely to preempt future management options. In August 1987, a lightning-ignited wildfire swept into the Redwood Mountain Grove (Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park). The fire intensity caused scorching or burning of the crowns of large pines, firs, and even monarch giant sequoias, killing the trees. The fire was successfully contained when it burned into an area where fuel reduction by prescribed burning had been completed. Many other agents may affect the groves. Annosus root rot can weaken giant sequoia resistance to windthrow. Air pollution (ozone) effects on giant sequoia seedlings and ponderosa and Jeffrey pines are of increasing concern, especially in the southern part of the rang
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