Let a Dozen Tree Varieties Bloom in Replantings after Megafires
Because there are now vast burned-out areas, begin replanting these areas (thinly!) with trees or other plants that are better adapted to dryer and warmer climates than the present species. By some accounts, this is already starting to happen in some burned-out areas. However, foresters could help speed the process. Furthermore, tree replantings should be an assortment of species native to the local area and nearby areas. This would allow nature (rather than people) to pick winners and losers based on changing climate in future decades. In cases of large burns, it would also reduce the tremendous advantage of trees whose seeds are spread widely by birds versus those that are only spread by squirrels. Finally, forests with an assortment of tree types are more productive in drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.