Comment Log Display

The Malibu Coalition for Slow Growth  urges the CARB to consider
and adopt a new way of thinking acting about air quality and not
just look at the natural environment as wildfire fuel which has to
be destroyed because of its carbon footprint.  A broader
prospective is needed.

Although vastly different in its management, It is our forests and
coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitat which provide us with
oxygen and much needed clean air. They remove carbon dioxide from
the environment,  For example,coastal sage scrub and chaparral
which is the habitat of the Santa Monica Mountains have been
recognized as the 'Lungs of Los Angeles'.
  
Our conifer forests and coastal sage scrub and chaparral require
different management methods since this habitat differs from
forests. If not recognized by the CARB, CalFire's plan for massive
vegetation removal and prescribed burning, will cause the rich
native scrub habitat to convert to flammable weeds which will also
burn without offering any public safety benefit.

Conifer forests and coastal sage scrub/ chaparral have to be looked
at differently, they are not the same. If not considered
separately, it will lead to erroneous management practices over
large parts of the state for carbon sequestration, climate
resilience, and wildfire management. CARB should look at the
current science, provide a separate category for these shrublands
and consult with recognized outside experts on appropriate
management strategies. After scientifically, sound scenarios are
recirculated, a focus on conservation and restoration, carbon
sequestration, and climate resilience will be appropriate.
 
Thank you for considering our thoughts on this important subject.