Talking Trees: An Inquiry into the History of Land Use in the Los Padres National Forest

Abstract

THE REASON FOR CREATING national forests in Southern California was, and always has been, for watershed protection. At a glance, we can see several water storage reservoirs strategically placed in every major drainage in Los Padres National Forest. Such reservoirs provide water to populated centers adjacent to national forest lands. Without this source of water the semi-arid environment of this region could not support the great numbers of people that have migrated here. But when we talk about watershed, we are also taking about fire management. The two are so intertwined they are inseparable. If large conflagrations cannot be controlled, it is foolish to think in terms of watershed management. Denuded watersheds bring more silt into the reservoirs than water, thus defeating the original purpose behind their construction. The goal of fire prevention and control is to keep the vegeta-