Why is the West burning?

Why is the West burning? Our current drought, and 100 years of active fire suppression? A "let it burn" attitude from environmental organizations? Lawsuits?

How about all of the above! Should we just let it all burn or should we take action?

This organization believes decisive action is needed to reduce fuel loads in our overgrown forest. The natural burn cycle and the western landscape needs our help.

Link to National Geographic photo essay by Mark Thiessen

Call for State Action on National Forests Grows

Schweitzer suggests state of Montana take over management of some federal forests to reduce wildfire danger

Gov. Brian Schweitzer says that creating healthier forests, possibly by having the state take over management of some federal timberland, is the best way to combat the infestation of bark beetles in the West.

Sounds like a good idea to us.

Link to AP article.

Benefit Concert Slated

Ready to ring in the summer season? So are we!

Join us for an evening of down home fun, with Floating Glass Balls, an eclectic bluegrass band from Oregon. The band will be traveling from a performance at the Weiser Fiddle Festival in Idaho and stopping here to put on a show for Bitterroot residents.

Thursday, June 19
Darby Clubhouse, Darby, Montana
Doors open 6 p.m.
Show: 7 p.m.
Tickets: $12 Advance | $15 Door

Advance tickets available at Little Blue Joint in Darby, and the Music Box in Hamilton.

Tell your friends!

Global Warming: Chilling Report from USDA

The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity

Why should we act now to reduce fuel loads in our forest lands? Can we make a difference? We may not be able to stop global warming, but we can must take bold steps to manage our forests better before it is simply too late to do anything.

This isn't the usual global warming fodder, with vague but dire predictions. The USDA report is more frightening because it states the practical changes in farming, forestry and water that are transforming the landscape now and will do so again over the next few decades. Here are a few excerpts:

"Climate change has very likely increased the size and number of forest fires, insect outbreaks, and tree mortality in the interior West, the Southwest, and Alaska, and will continue to do so."

"Rising CO2 will very likely increase photosynthesis for forests, but this increase will likely only enhance wood production in young forests on fertile soils."

"Nitrogen deposition and warmer temperatures have very likely increased forest growth where adequate water is available and will continue to do so in the near future."

Link to USDA report Executive Summary PDF.
Link to full report by sections.