MR. EDITOR:
After forest fires, the hillsides are left unprotected. Then the rains come, and the ash, sediments, and loose soil can turn into flash floods that threaten inhabited areas. The damage does not end when the fire is extinguished.
In light of the flash flood in Las Condes, it is necessary to look beyond urban planning responsibilities. While the Urban Tree Law remains pending, one must ask: what post-fire restoration policy do we have, what species are used, and where are they planted according to the natural routes of water?
Reforestation cannot be reduced to an isolated action by a single authority. A technical strategy is required, one that anticipates the rainy season, identifies slopes, ravines, and runoff channels; incorporates pioneering and resilient species capable of providing early ground cover; and includes monitoring, protection, and initial irrigation when appropriate.
Among the alternatives are the hawthorn, which can contribute to the recovery of degraded soils, and native species of the genus Baccharis, selected according to the conditions of each territory. It is not just about planting trees or shrubs, but about combining early cover with progressive restoration, also considering erosion control measures.
If we keep debating who is responsible without resolving what to plant, where to do it, and how to ensure the survival of the species, we will repeat the same risks. Chile nee…
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CONAF donates 100 native trees to reforest San Carlos de Apoquindo Natural Park CommentsTO THE EDITOR:After forest fires, the hillsides are left unprotected. Then the rains arrive, and the ash, sediments, and loose soil can turn into debris flows that threaten inhabited areas. The damage does not end when the fire is extinguished. In light of the debris flow in Las Condes, it is necessary to look beyond urban planning responsibilities. While the Urban Tree Law remains pending, one must ask: what post-fire restoration policy do we have, what species are used, and where are they planted according to the natural routes of water?Reforestation cannot be reduced to an isolated action by a single authority. A technical strategy is required, prepared ahead of the rainy season, that identifies slopes, ravines, and runoff channels; incorporates pioneer and resilient species capable of providing early ground cover; and includes monitoring, protection, and initial irrigation when appropriate. Among the alternatives are the hawthorn (espino), which can contribute to the recovery of degraded soils, and native species of the Baccharis genus, selected according to the conditions of each territory. It is not just about planting trees or shrubs, but about combining early cover with progressive restoration, also considering erosion control measures. If we keep arguing about who is responsible without resolving what to plant, where to plant it, and how to ensure the survival of the species, we will repeat the same risks. Chile needs post-fire plans that follow the paths of water and protect communities before the next rain. Jadille MussaFaculty member of the School of Engineering and Architecture, Central UniversityMore on:Forest firesReforestationSpeciesPlanting