Dying trees in Southwest set stage for erosion, water loss in Colorado River
In addition to the increased fire risk, the results of which we have currently witnessed in Colorado, the loss of drought-resistant trees is setting the stage for more problems in the near future. Even though the evidence is stark, it's too bad many of the West's citizens choose not to see it or understand it. Mostly those of the Republican persuasion, sad to say.
"Pinyon pine and juniper are naturally drought-resistant, so when these tree species die from lack of water, it means something pretty serious is happening," said Wendy Peterman, an OSU doctoral student and soil scientist with the Conservation Biology Institute. "They are the last bastion, the last trees standing and in some cases the only thing still holding soils in place."
"These areas could ultimately turn from forests to grasslands, and in the meantime people are getting pretty desperate about these soil erosion issues," she said. "And anything that further reduces flows in the Colorado River is also a significant concern."
Recent drought in Arizona and New Mexico is causing decline of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis Engelm.) across 12 000 km2 of the Southwest (Breshears et. al 2005).
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