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Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2013 8:35 pm
by maverick
This interesting site below was sent to me by a fellow photographer that shows
changes in the Tuolumne area by using photo's all the way back to 1900. Make
sure you check out the map too.
Over 80 photographs from circa-1900 and circa-1985 were compared to those taken in
2008 to add an additional quarter century to previous change detection studies
completed in the region. Photograph triplets showed evidence of1) increased density
of Krummholz stands, 2) increased density of sub-alpine forest stands at the tree
line, 3) invasion of individual trees into meadows, 4) reduced instances of forest
clearings and increased forest density, and 5) growth of trees on domes and rocky
slopes. Evidence of upslope movement of the tree line was visible, confirming current
knowledge of tree line systems in the American West, but contrary to previous studies
conducted in this specific area.
http://www.ridgelinephotography.com/YosemiteAbout.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:13 am
by LMBSGV
Thanks for posting this. My wife and I have noticed the increase in trees on the meadow and how that's changed being there. We used to go to this one large rock slab with our infant/toddler son from 1984 to 1987 to sit and watch the sunset. Now that slab is surrounded by trees. The Tuolumne River Plan suggested getting rid of some of the encroaching trees. Hopefully, the park service will be able to use this site as a guide.
Re: Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:20 am
by rlown
LMBSGV wrote:Thanks for posting this. My wife and I have noticed the increase in trees on the meadow and how that's changed being there. We used to go to this one large rock slab with our infant/toddler son from 1984 to 1987 to sit and watch the sunset. Now that slab is surrounded by trees. The Tuolumne River Plan suggested getting rid of some of the encroaching trees. Hopefully, the park service will be able to use this site as a guide.
It's odd that the TRP would consider removing healthy trees, even if they are moving up slope. Nature does evolve and adapt. We should as well.
Re: Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 12:16 pm
by maverick
Rlown wrote:
Nature does evolve and adapt. We should as well.
Nice dream, but unfortunately a lot of humans are just to self involved, egotistical, and
motiviated by their love of money (greed) to adapt and make changes for the good
of all man kind or nature.
Re: Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 12:21 pm
by rlown
my point was more to "what i remember when i was 16", as an example. I know inherently that the mountains change almost every year. I accept that. I don't try and roll the clock back and make it look the same as 30ish years back.
That concept of "roll the clock back" isn't scientific but selfish, esp from a NPS perspective. It is what it is, and it'll move around.
I do want my fish back still.
that was not caused by nature.
Re: Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 1:38 pm
by LMBSGV
The reason they are considering removing trees is that the newer trees are not nature evolving and adapting. The pine encroachment occurred due to humans changing the drainage patterns in the meadow and other human caused factors. See pages 8-63, 8-64. and Appendix H-14-15 of the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Draft Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. This is all way too long to quote in an internet post.
Re: Tuolumne Then and Now
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:04 pm
by RoguePhotonic
Pretty cool site. I've always enjoyed looking at these types of photos to compare changes over time.