From: R Fisher (ghotier@texas.net)
Date: Sat Jun 08 2002 - 13:28:11 CDT
Greetings All,
I've been thinking about the situation at Philmont with the drought and fires and all.
And though it is unfortunate for those planning to trek through the closed sections, it
will be a remarkable experience for those who trek there in the future.
I recall the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth that accompanied the Yellowstone
fires in 1986, but by the next summer nature had already begun the healing/regeneration
process and the wildflowers were spectacular. The landscape has recovered, and except
for the few remaining blackened skeletons of trees, and meadows where there once were
forests, it is hard to know that a fire ever occurred. Devastating fires have occurred
in that ecosystem about every 400 to 500 years. Today the Yellowstone ecosystem is
continually being studied as a living laboratory of how nature works.
The same opportunities will be available for Philmont. And while it can be depressing
to hike through a charcoal forest, don't people today enjoy the hike across Wilson's
Mesa because of the spectacular vistas - due to a forest fire? Fires are an essential
part of the environment - particularly those, like the ones at Philmont, that are caused
naturally. They are as much a part of the wilderness as the wildlife and weather.
I am glad that the fires occurred before the backcountry was occupied, and sincerely
hope that we have seen the end of the 2002 fire season - at least in northern New
Mexico. And yes, I am praying for rain too.
Happy Trails,
Roy Fisher
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