An aerial survey of California trees by the U.S. Forest Service last month found a drastic increase in tree mortality. Since 2014, the number of dead trees jumped from an estimated 3.3 million to about 27.6 million. Scientists say the die-off is caused by the drought and the rising numbers of bark beetles, who destroy the trees’ ability to absorb food and water. We’ll discuss the die-off and how it relates to an increased risk of forest fires.
Drought and Bark Beetle Blamed for Dramatic Increase in California Tree Deaths
An aerial survey of California trees by the U.S. Forest Service last month found a drastic increase in tree mortality. Since 2014, the number of dead trees jumped from an estimated 3.3 million to about 27.6 million. Scientists say the die-off is caused by the drought and the rising numbers of bark beetles, who destroy the trees' ability to absorb food and water. We'll discuss the die-off and how it relates to an increased risk of forest fires.
23:28
(Craig Miller/KQED)
Guests:
Jeff Moore, aerial survey program manager of the Pacific Southwest region, U.S. Forest Service