2,000-Year-Old Redwood Trees Endure Despite Wildfire At California's Oldest State Park

Aug 29, 2020

Since a lightning strike set off the CZU Lightning Complex fire on August 16 of this year, the fire has claimed hundreds of trees at California oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek. The park is home to some of the oldest and most majestic Redwood trees, with some being up to 2,000 years old. That makes these fires a tragedy for local Northern California wildlife.

Despite the destruction, however, there remains hope given that many strong redwoods survived this ongoing disaster. As scientists will know, redwoods are quite resilient organisms.

It is a relief that a significant number of redwoods have survived the recent spate of forest fires, according to The Daily Mail. The forest will keep standing, and it will keep growing. Big Basin Redwood Park can renew itself just like it has done before, though we can't forget that these fires certainly have terrible consequences.

A notable redwood survivor of many previous fires is Mother of the Forest. The tree, which stands at an impressive 329 feet, survived the most recent CZU Lightning Complex fire, according to The Daily Mail. Additionally, fallen pieces of redwood and other trees have significant biological importance. Their decomposition frees up nutrients to nurture the development of new redwoods and other plants, according to Trees For Life.

After the recent ravaging fires, Big Basin Redwoods Park has closed again, days after being reopened, according to The Daily Mail. With logs and pieces of trees blocking the roads, the park is now a no-go zone. Some of the fallen logs are still burning, therefore making accessibility difficult. From observations made from previous fires, the forest will sprout afresh in the winter rains. As nature takes its course, it will be time to focus on rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure. The roads and paths also need to be cleared to allow access.

According to The New York Times, a combination of climate change, fire suppression, and dry lightning strikes are responsible for the recent uptick in California fires — among other factors. As of August 28, the recent CZU Lightning Complex fire, responsible for burning much of Big Basin, has burned over 80,000 acres in the Santa Cruz and San Mateo areas and is 27 percent contained, according to Capital Public Radio in Sacramento. The LNU Lightning Complex fire in California has burned over 372,000 acres and is about 35 percent contained, according to the same source. Meanwhile, the local news source also reports that the SCU fire has ravaged more than 374,000 acres and is 40 percent contained.

Did you know about the fires ravaging the Big Basin Redwoods State Park? What about that redwoods are so resilient to fire? Let us know down below, then be sure to pass on the story of these magnificent and resilient trees to everyone you know!