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| (http://www.prweb.com/releases/leukemia/san-francisco/prweb9377001.htm) |
During the Reagan administration, about half of all redwoods were cut and today, only 2% of privately owned and 2% federal trees are remaining in U.S. When Kent purchased land of Muir Woods, he and John Muir - one of the most outstanding figures in naturalist and conservationist in late 80’s who devoted his life to conserve nature and to establish park system - had same goal: to preserve the forest. Even though many redwood trees are gone now, those remaining trees are being well preserved and protected in Muir Woods Monument, Redwood National and State Parks, and some California and Oregon State Parks. Basically, almost all activities such as picnic, lodging, camping, and fishing are prohibited in Muir Woods except biking route and 1.5 miles of wheelchair accessible paved hiking trails. [3]
Redwood trees in Muir Woods are adapted to fire, which helps trees thrive
in the long run. In order to be germinated, redwood seeds need to get into the soil after it is cleared from bacteria
and fungi by burning. Also, fire
leaves lots of nutrients that are necessary for tree growth and helps animals
to find food. Now, the National Park Service puts fire regularly to promote the
forest’s health but before 19th century, there used to be naturally
occurring fire every 20-50 years. [2]
