Nov. 21, 2025 6:30 AM PT
To the editor: I used to be saddened to study that California State Parks is being accused of placing “crops over folks” by legal professionals representing victims of the Palisades fireplace (“Palisades fire victims claim a state park official restricted efforts to fight earlier blaze,” Nov. 19). This accusation establishes a false dichotomy of selecting to care about crops or folks.
Crops and folks share the Southern California surroundings, helping one another as a part of an interdependent system. Crops present clear air, aesthetic worth, meals and different advantages for folks. Many non-native, invasive crops present simply ignitable gasoline for fires, whereas native species keep vital moisture content material all through the dry season. Individuals assist native crops by eradicating invasive species. Caring for native plant communities ought to be included as a key a part of fireplace security.
I’m a plant ecologist who research how plant communities reply to international change impacts like more and more frequent fires. As a Southern California resident, I’ve additionally been immediately impacted by wildfires. Native crops in well-maintained gasoline modification zones could be an essential a part of fireplace discount by slowing the unfold of embers as they transfer towards properties. Native oak timber have fire-resistant bark and promote cooler and extra moist microclimates. Individuals and crops can work in partnership to advertise a wholesome relationship with wildfire.
Sarah Kimball, Costa Mesa
