STONE

groves. Evidence from recent wild res indicates the program has been successful. Areas treated with prescribed re burned less intensely, mature sequoias did not die and sequoia seedlings have since sprouted. Clearly, sequoias need re to survive.

e challenge is avoiding catastrophic wild re, a challenge made di cult by today’s dense groves. According to Alexis Bernal, a researcher with the University of California at Berkeley, Sierra Nevada forests typically held about 20 sequoias per acre before 1860. Since then, re suppression has allowed the growth of as many as 120 to 160 trees per acre.

Bernal advocates extensive logging before re can resume its natural role. Emergency logging by government agencies has already begun in forests with sequoia groves, including clearcuts along roadways in Yosemite National Park.

Not everyone agrees that logging is the answer. Forest ecologist Chad Hanson,with the John Muir Project, calls Bernal’s approach an excuse to continue commercial logging of public lands. He believes sequoia deaths have been far lowerthan ocial estimates and that new trees can sprout even after severe res.

Unfortunately, Congress has gotten involved. Kevin McCarthy, RCalifornia, introduced the Save Our Sequoias Act in 2022 in the House. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, later introduced the act in the Senate. e bill would expedite mechanical “fuel treatments” by bypassing environmental laws.

We’re just lucky that record snowfall in the Sierra Madre threw a wet blanket on the initiative by reducing re risk, as the bill has yet to be reintroduced in the current legislative session.

While the unprecedented threat to these priceless trees might be a rare instance in which “mechanical treatment” is justi ed, chipping away at environmental protections has rarely, if ever, proven bene cial for the environment— especially when politicians try to call the shots.

Giant sequoias need all the help they can get, but that help needs to be informed by good science.

Joe Stone is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonpro t dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is the editor of Forest News, the publication of Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics.

Meet our new Executive Director

Hello! My name is Beth Schneider and I am honored to have joined the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce sta as the new Executive Director.

As a Colorado native, I have had the privilege of living in several areas of the front range but I truly found my home when my family and I moved to Conifer in 2017, I love this community and all that makes it unique. Before joining the Chamber team, I worked in residential real estate sales and transaction management for 13 years and I am a co-founder of The Sam Schneider Legacy Fund with CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, mountain biking, hiking, gardening and soaking up the wildlife and beauty that Conifer has to o er.

I am extremely impressed by the hard work that the sta , board members, and ambassadors have put into keeping the Chamber running and making my leadership transition as smooth as possible. Their knowledge and support are invaluable in getting me started in this position and I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the Chamber of Commerce. Rest assured, I am committed to helping the Chamber grow and thrive for years to come.

10th Annual Elevation Celebration

The 10th Annual Elevation Celebration is on July 29 and 30. The festival includes live music performances by local musicians, a craft fair featuring unique and handmade items from local artists, a wide range of food and drink options, and fun activities for children such as face painting and games. Elevation Celebration is also an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to connect with the community, network with other local businesses, and promote their brand through sponsorship and vendor opportunities.You can get involved by being a business sponsor, a volunteer, having a vendor www.goconifer.com booth, or simply by coming and enjoying this fantastic community event. Visit our website for more information 10th Annual Elevation Celebration Summer Festival in Conifer, Colorado.

• New o ce location 12424 Big Timber Drive, Unit 5, Conifer, CO 80433

Take advantage of the many opportunities and business services the Chamber o ers. If you have any membership questions, or would like to find out more about becoming a member, do not hesitate to contact me at (303) 838-5711 director@goconifer.com

Thank you for your continued support and thank you for shopping local!

Beth Schneider, Executive Director