Burnt Israel forest faces long recovery — experts focus 12/08/2010

Burnt Israel forest faces long recovery — experts

focus

12/08/2010

HAIFA — Scorched and blackened areas of Israel’s Mount Carmel forest, razed by the flames of the country’s worst-ever fire, will take decades to return to their once-lush glory, experts say.

The blaze, which began on Dec. 2 and raged for four days, consumed at least 12,000 acres (4,800 hectares) of forest in an area sometimes dubbed “little Switzerland,” destroying an estimated five million trees.

The Jewish National Fund (JNF), a state-supported Zionist organization which manages much of Israel’s land, has encouraged Israelis to join efforts to replant the area during a tree festival in January.

JNF chairman Efi Stenzler said the day-long Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat — the “New Year of the Trees” when people traditionally go planting — would be extended for a full week and dedicated to “regreening” the Carmel.

But experts say most of the hard work regenerating the forest will happen naturally, although it is likely to take decades.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20101208com5.html