Preservation leaves kindling for wildfires

To the editor:

The worst fires in U.S. history are burning in almost all of the Western states. Two were set by misguided individuals. I am sure neither of them really thought of the possible long-term consequences of their acts before setting the blazes.

These fires have burned so fiercely because of the misguided efforts to preserve the forests from loggers that would have thinned them out.

By preserving every tree, we allowed all kinds of undergrowth to accumulate. Many of the trees were infested with parasites and diseases. They were allowed to stand, and even more trees were infected. Now there is more than enough kindling to keep these fires burning and spreading uncontrollably.

Preserving nature does not mean preserving every tree and bush. To do so is to court disaster. I believe in preserving the environment, but to do so wisely. What we have now is a lot of charcoal and dead, injured and frightened animals.

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau