What is forest biomass? Why is its increase such a problem?
Forest biomass refers to plant material, including trees and other vegetation, which grows in the forest. The increase in biomass in the Sierra Nevada, due largely to a century of fire suppression, has caused a susceptibility to insect infestations, diseases of overcrowded forests, and increased risks of catastrophic fires. The Sierra Nevada biomass is projected to increase at a rate of about 1% per year, and the campaign will remove only about 0.25% per year. Even with the new campaign, the increase in biomass is still a serious concern.
