Rim Fire- an example of being out of balance.
brianlux
Posts: 42,055
Reading about the near future effects of the Rim Fire that still rages in and around Yosemite National Park, I'm struck once again with how far out of balance with nature we humans live. The fire is causing much concern over how it will affect the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir which supplies water for 2.8 million people. The string of conditions on which million of live depend is exemplified by this situation:
-Human influence which is undoubtedly related to the size of the Rim Fire- the fact that we've suppressed natural smaller cleansing fires for over 100 years and the consequences of human influence on a changing climate.
-The fact that millions of people rely on water and energy, the source of which is many miles away.
-The fact that we are consuming large amounts of resources to fight the fire and preserve a reservoir which supplies life giving water to the millions of people (all of us) who already over-consume these resources.
-The actions we will take including creating artificial ditching and the spraying costly hydro-mulch across steep canyon walls to protect steep slopes from erosion in order to protect those water supplies.
The Rim fire provides just one relatively minute example of how out of balance with nature we live our lives. The way we live in relation to nature has a domino effect on both our lives and on natural cycles as a whole. Yet to think of how to realign our lives with nature is a bit overwhelming. Where do we begin?
The article that led me to this line of thinking follows:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/0 ... 89119.html
-Human influence which is undoubtedly related to the size of the Rim Fire- the fact that we've suppressed natural smaller cleansing fires for over 100 years and the consequences of human influence on a changing climate.
-The fact that millions of people rely on water and energy, the source of which is many miles away.
-The fact that we are consuming large amounts of resources to fight the fire and preserve a reservoir which supplies life giving water to the millions of people (all of us) who already over-consume these resources.
-The actions we will take including creating artificial ditching and the spraying costly hydro-mulch across steep canyon walls to protect steep slopes from erosion in order to protect those water supplies.
The Rim fire provides just one relatively minute example of how out of balance with nature we live our lives. The way we live in relation to nature has a domino effect on both our lives and on natural cycles as a whole. Yet to think of how to realign our lives with nature is a bit overwhelming. Where do we begin?
The article that led me to this line of thinking follows:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/0 ... 89119.html
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.
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No one has even mentioned the displacement of the wildlife,or the lack there of now.And
will the Hydro-Mulch really stop the steep terrain from eroding and sliding towards the Hetch Hetchy.
I don't know what the landscape is like over there, But looks pretty mountainous around the Reservoir.
Maybe they'll start to think a little bit harder about the effect's it would have on us,if the Nuclear power plants
on our Ocean fronts and water way's,and Fault lines were to be damaged. I'd sure like preventative measures done now
instead of the aftermath,with all of the Scientist's scratching their heads in wonder of what to do then. I don't know.
Just saying!
I know I'll get some flack for these negative sounding posts- maybe deservedly so- but don't worry, I'll balance it out somewhere, somehow.
John Muir and the Sierra Club fought bitterly and unsuccessfully to prevent the damn being built and losing the beautiful valley of Hetch Hetchy. The positive that came out of that experience was the modern environmental movement.
Good point- the displacement and death of wildlife comes to my mind nearly every time I think and read about the Rim Fire. We hear about the loss of cattle in articles in the LA and SF papers, but rarely is there mention of wildlife deaths and major loss of habitat. The only positive thing I can say about this is that fire eventually creates new habitat for wildlife- especially when burned areas are left to revive through natural cycles. Aye, but there's the rub.
It is said the valley that the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir fills matched the beauty of the main Yosemite park valley. What a terrible loss. :(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hetch ... Valley.jpg
No Flack at all,Everyone's opinion counts.This is where awakening's begin.
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I was even more afraid it would appear to be yet another gun thread.
:wave:
How did they come up with the Pot Farmer conclusion? "Legalization?"
Did you know that there have been fires set by unemployed Firemen in the past. "Budget Cuts?"
I'm not trying to stir the pot,But Really, The damage is done.
One thing for sure- they're not releasing any convincing or verifiable evidence about the cause. I heard one person state the opinion that it was terrorism (I think they meant "sabotage" but most people don't understand the difference).
Also, sadly, it is a fact that some fires- usually small fires- have been started by fire fighters but in this case, doubtful. (I don't know anyone who has done this but I know some people very well who are fire fighters and have heard stories.)
And you're right- in any case, the damage is done- and there is a lot of damage. :(
Yeah, bummer- the Morgan Fire. 800 acres/10% containment. Not near as bad (nor likely to be) as the 253,332 acre Rim fire- but a bummer none-the-less.
Not convinced of any conspiracy theories at this point. Most likely human stupidity. Living here in the arid Sierra foothills this time of year always gets my nerves a bit on edge. Not to mention trying to breathe!
Where about's do you live Brian?
Thanks, I'll check it out!
Yes, another good example of living out of balance with nature.
Water is a major issue in the works in many parts of the country. We've been lowering water tables, draining aquifers for years. They even have a term for it: "Groundwater depletion". We don't hear much about it in the general media although here's a recent article regarding the High Plains/Ogallala Aquifer:
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/huge-aqu ... 8C11009320
Climate scientists also talk about how changing weather patterns will affect rainfall- more than normal in some places, less in others.
We (or at least or kids) will be very busy re-arranging our lives to adapt to the changes we've wrought on this planet. The question is, will we follow the wisdom of natural cycles and process and allow the balance of nature to restore homeostasis?