A new study conducted by the U.S. National Park Service, the Sierra Nevada Research Institute, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found that the California giant sequoia might be in jeopardy from the effects of drought and climate change. [1]
In an interview with the Fresno Bee, Koren Nydick, a coauthor of the study highlighted the importance of the study’s conclusions stating, “giant sequoias have this mystique that once they reach maturity, they are practically immune to the forces that kills other trees. However, during and just after the recent drought, we’ve seen a small number of sequoias die, at least in part to dry conditions. It’s an important wake-up call.”[2]
As the study shows, during multi-year droughts, when local precipitation is not enough to sustain sequoia groves, the trees are able to tap into supplies of stored subsurface water that is replenished over time. However, researchers are now convinced that climate change and the risk of frequent and more severe droughts will affect the ability of the trees to use this critical water source. As a result, sequoia groves that have stood for centuries will be unable to withstand prolonged periods of drought.[3]
Using data from Landsat, an Earth-observing satellite, researchers evaluated greenness and wetness in sequoia groves. According to the study’s conclusion, the ability for sequoias to access these water reservoirs are being hampered by an increase in other tree species that directly compete for this water.[4]
In a report by the Visalia Times-Delta, UC Merced Professor and a coauthor of the study Roger Bales, highlighted the importance of federal policy management if the trees are to be saved.[5]
“These changes suggest that while giant sequoia groves currently serve as ‘hydrologic’ refuges within the larger mixed-conifer forest, their properties may be eroding. Reducing the density of competing smaller trees through appropriate forest management may help to preserve their refuge properties.”[6]
[1] Calix, Brianna. How have drought, climate change impacted beloved giant sequoias? New study finds out. Fresno Bee, November 20, 2017. Web. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article185712108.html
[2] Calix. How have drought, climate change impacted beloved giant sequias? New study finds out. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article185712108.html
[3] Calix. How have drought, climate change impacted beloved giant sequias? New study finds out. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article185712108.html
[4] Alvarez, Jason. New Study Finds Climate Change, Drought Threaten Giant Sequoias. Sierra Sun Times, November 10, 2017. Web. http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/11848-new-study-finds-climate-change-drought-threaten-giant-sequoias
[5] Martin, Daniel. Giant Sequoias could be in danger. Visalia Times-Delta, November 24, 2017. Web. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/sports/outdoors/pathstopeaks/2017/11/24/giant-sequoias-could-danger/874951001/
[6] Marin. Giant Sequoias could be in danger. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/sports/outdoors/pathstopeaks/2017/11/24/giant-sequoias-could-danger/874951001/
Image Credit: Flickr, Laura Camp
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