GLOBAL WARMING – Excess release of CO2 into
the atmosphere is thought to contribute to global warming. The newest buzz word in the
environmental world is “carbon sequestration.” What this refers to is that, in
the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in their
wood. Trees contain about 250 kilograms of carbon per cubic metre and their wood is nearly
50 percent carbon by weight.
However, only healthy young forests effectively sequester carbon.
"Old growth forests" have almost ceased to store any more carbon. In addition,
when the trees rot or burn, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere. So removing
older trees and ladder fuels that make forests prone to burning would be good for reducing
global warming. When a tree is harvested, the CO2 remains stored in the wood.
Recently, Dr. Bruce Lipke modeled the carbon cycle on eastern Washington
forests. His study showed that “custodial” or preservationist non-management of
forests resulted in a net emission of carbon in comparison with carbon storage in a
managed forest. One main reason for this was the increased burn rate of the custodial
forest.
California burns an average of 212,000 acres of forestland a year.
According to a conservative estimate from Winrock International, at least 1.5 million tons
of CO2 is emitted annually from California wildfires. (Dr. Tom Bonnicksen has estimated
that 190,000 tons of CO2 was released from the 3,100 acres Angora fire – 10 times the
estimate from Winrock.) There are currently more than 7.5 million acres at risk of
catastrophic fire. This supports the view that sound management of our forests is to
selectively thin older trees and to remove ladder fuels to promote a healthy younger
forest.
PARENTING CLASSES –
With significant funding from the Ford Family Foundation and partnerships among many
agencies and organizations, the Community Services Council has brought a variety of
parenting classes to areas around Siskiyou County. To date, more than 14 different
parenting classes, in either a seven or 12 week series, have been offered in Dunsmuir,
Happy Camp, McCloud, Montague, Mt. Shasta, Scott Valley, Weed and Yreka. These class
series have been attended by 115 parents. Also, 475 parents have attended one-time
workshops with topics that discussed family dynamics, child development and parenting
skills. In addition, almost 6,300 individuals have attended Family and Community Fun
Nights, which bring families together to enjoy a friendly evening together.
Class series offered are the “Parenting Now!” and “Nurturing
Parenting” programs. Parenting Now! Is a
seven week program focusing on raising children from birth to age eight. Nurturing
Parenting has a variety of programs that may run from seven up to 24 weeks. These focus on
different age groups, including teens and include active family time. Check your local
school or Family/Community Resource Center for availability in your community. |
