
Giant sequoias are some of the largest, longest-lived, and most iconic trees on Earth. Their breathtaking stature directly inspired the creation of the National Park Service and draws millions each year to the groves dotting California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Sequoias are highly adapted to fire, depending on frequent, low-intensity burns to clear the forest floor and create patches of exposed soil for their seeds to germinate and grow. Since the early 1900s however, a unilateral policy of fire suppression has led to unprecedented amounts of dead vegetation piling up unabated in our forests, ready for a spark to send it all up in flames. In 2020-21, fires raged through Sequoia National Park and Monument, engulfing grove after grove of sequoias that had not seen fire in over a century. Nearly 20% of the entire giant sequoia population was lost in just two years. The consequences of past mismanagement combined with the inexorable effects of climate change present an imminent existential threat to this incredible species once thought to be impervious to all onslaughts save old age. In this short documentary film, the people that have dedicated their work to sequoias describe the risks and obstacles they face, their hopes, and what we need to do to protect these awe-inspiring trees for future generations.
- Runtime11 minutes
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorGrayson Schaffer
Giant sequoias are some of the largest, longest-lived, and most iconic trees on Earth. Their breathtaking stature directly inspired the creation of the National Park Service and draws millions each year to the groves dotting California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Sequoias are highly adapted to fire, depending on frequent, low-intensity burns to clear the forest floor and create patches of exposed soil for their seeds to germinate and grow. Since the early 1900s however, a unilateral policy of fire suppression has led to unprecedented amounts of dead vegetation piling up unabated in our forests, ready for a spark to send it all up in flames. In 2020-21, fires raged through Sequoia National Park and Monument, engulfing grove after grove of sequoias that had not seen fire in over a century. Nearly 20% of the entire giant sequoia population was lost in just two years. The consequences of past mismanagement combined with the inexorable effects of climate change present an imminent existential threat to this incredible species once thought to be impervious to all onslaughts save old age. In this short documentary film, the people that have dedicated their work to sequoias describe the risks and obstacles they face, their hopes, and what we need to do to protect these awe-inspiring trees for future generations.
- Runtime11 minutes
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorGrayson Schaffer