Last updated: January 19, 2021
Place
Bolinas Ridge and Climate Change
Al Greening NPS
Over the past decade, oak and tanoak trees have been increasingly infected and killed by Sudden Oak Death, a disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Phytophthora thrives in California’s moist coastal fog zone at places in the park like Bolinas Ridge.
Scientists are uncertain if climate change will increase or impede the spread of Sudden Oak Death, but most fear that many types of forest diseases will become more prevalent as temperatures and drought stress increase, killing more trees and leading to a reduction in wildlife habitat and increased fuel for wildfires. Hotter and drier summer conditions also contribute to increased frequency and intensity of wildfires and a longer fire season at Golden Gate. Golden Gate is working with neighboring community partners to reduce conditions conducive to wildfires.
Scientists are uncertain if climate change will increase or impede the spread of Sudden Oak Death, but most fear that many types of forest diseases will become more prevalent as temperatures and drought stress increase, killing more trees and leading to a reduction in wildlife habitat and increased fuel for wildfires. Hotter and drier summer conditions also contribute to increased frequency and intensity of wildfires and a longer fire season at Golden Gate. Golden Gate is working with neighboring community partners to reduce conditions conducive to wildfires.