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[Biomes - Living Worlds] :: Impact :: Chaparral :: Burning / Destruction of Chaparral
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Endangered and Extinct Animals |
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The California chaparral has its share of problems, some of which have spurred fiery debates amongst scientists. When the first Native Americans settled in the California chaparral, they would set fire to the land to clear areas to drive their game. When the Spaniards, and later the Americans, settled in these regions, they burned chaparral lands severely. Farmers continuously burned the chaparral so that grass for their herd could grow. After too much burning occurred, seeds and roots under the soil got too hot and were destroyed. Some areas of the chaparral could not regenerate after such frequent burning. City populations since then have continuously grown until, today, millions live in areas of chaparral. These people live in areas of high fire danger during the dry summer months. For many years forestry officials, public-safety authorities, land managers, and scientists have fought over the best way to prevent fires in the chaparral, where millions live. |