Peninsula senior achieves ten year goal, despite fire
Courtesy of Jacob Schneiderman
For almost ten years, Senior Jacob Schneiderman had dreamed of climbing the Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. In August of 2013, Schneiderman finally achieved his goal, despite the ongoing forest rim fire.
“The fire had just started when my family had gotten there. At the time, it was still barely under control,” Schneiderman said.
As of September 6th, the Yosemite National Forest Rim Fire had claimed more than 200,000 acres of the beautiful park. It was still only 80 percent contained, and was predicted to completely diminish by mid-September.
Environmental Science AP and biology teacher Ben Smith said that there are advantages to forest fires. Reduction of fuel load, dispersal of seeds and healthier trees can all result from a forest fire.
“Reduction of a fuel load can lead to safer conditions,” Smith said. “With far less fuel, property can be saved and fires can be managed.”
However, a fire as large as Yosemite’s differs from periodic healthy fires, as it was significantly more dangerous. Beginning in 1955, the U.S. Forest Service’s policy was to let the fires burn to decrease the amount of vegetation built up. Pressure from the public to put out fires grew, and putting out fires sooner became popular. The policy was never changed, but when fires near cabins or other structures, the fire must be extinguished.
From Schneiderman’s perspective, the fire allows the park to start anew and replenish its environment.
“After finally climbing [Half Dome] and seeing how awe-inspiring the park truly is, you remember it,” Schneiderman said. “While being a highlight of my entire year, it was also an almost spiritual moment hearing the wind and seeing the how untouched it is.”
Yosemite National Park is a part of nature that many Peninsula Panthers get to experience. Averaging at about 200,000 recorded visitors per month, Yosemite is frequently visited by many Peninsula students.
“Yosemite is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever vacationed. The huge Granite Mountains and the surrounding nature, with no cell phone service, is something of dreams,” Schneiderman said.
