(Aozotorp) wrote in message ...
http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0731/p03s01-usgn.html

Headline:

from the July 31, 2003 edition

A fiery test in land of glaciers and grizzlies

Despite one of the worst fire seasons in the park in 50 years, it's been a
benign summer in the West.


"Benign" meaning it hasn't been as bad as two of the last 4 years?
Only about 2 million acres?!?! The bulk of the fire season is still
ahead and massive fires are probable in the coming 2 months. Here on
the Sequoia, where I've been working, we've had a very unusual period
of humid weather with thunderstorms. For a few days it felt like I was
back in the South with 98 degree temps and light rain.

Tens of thousands of homes are still at risk and old growth stands,
complete with endangered species, continue to be unmanaged and subject
to intense fire storms. The public has to realize that no matter how
many engines, 20 man handcrews, helicopters and airtankers you throw
at a fire storm, it cannot be stopped head-on.

Those of you who do own properties in the woods still have time to
reduce fire dangers and intensities on your lands. As far as our
National Forests are concerned, lawmakers have gone on vacation and
will not act on this year's fire season until September when it may be
too late to save homes, lives, property, resources and wildlife. Don't
forget about other USFS funds that are supposed to go for essential
services. Those funds will be diverted if we get the massive fires
that are expected. Now is the time to write your Congressmen and let
them know that you lace a high priority on forest health and
protection instead of "fiddling" while our forests burn.

Larry, salvaging dead and dying timber