I posted a few days ago about an experience I had on the Bonneville-Shoreline Trail (BST). Last October, the “Range Fire” burned thousands of acres of land both inside and outside of the mouth of Provo Canyon in Utah.
In the previous post, I discussed how I saw people ignoring the signs that certain hiking and biking trails were closed for habitat restoration. In support of the need to care for the trails and related land, I thought I would share some positive photos I took this morning, that highlight the fact that the restoration is happening.
The photo above shows a ring of burnt out shrub oaks (I think that is what they are called) with new growth coming from the roots underground. My read on that is that the trees are alive and fighting back!
The photos above are not exceptions, but examples of a pervasive rebirth of the trees. This is clearly shown in the photo below. Almost all of the green you see in the photo at sunrise is from the regrowth. When I look at this photo, I am encouraged. Like I mentioned in the previous post, it is going to take some time. It is good to know that the process is clearly underway.
The good new is that two things can happen at once in this area. The restoration process can be respected and managed appropriately by all AND people like me can respectfully and carefully continue to use the designated areas for our outdoor recreation, as a evidenced in the photos below.
I am not a canyon ecologist, nor do I play one on tv, however, I am pleased with the indicators that I am seeing in the canyon that let me know restoration and ecological health is on its way back.
I hope you will join me in respecting the process and the areas that are temporarily closed. If we do, we will be able to enjoy ALL that the canyon has to offer.
The Umenum 