A Washington Post investigation retraced the fire’s path, revealing that nonnative invasive grasses were key to creating the fast-moving, uncontrollable blaze.
This story documents how the invasive grasses allowed the fire to grow.
As I understand it, the issue is that huge sugar cane plantations have just been left empty.
Sugar cane used to be native, then it was used for plantations, then it was removed, then invasive plants took over the empty space more quickly than any native plants.
Yeah, we have the same systems in place here in subtropical Aus; same species, same degraded and cleared ecosystems. Even looks slightly similar.
When I think Hawaii I imagine tropical ecosystems but I understand some islands are naturally drier. What was there prior to the degradation is of interest and as I work in regeneration/reclamation, of interest again as to how these systems can be recreated.
As I understand it, the issue is that huge sugar cane plantations have just been left empty.
Sugar cane used to be native, then it was used for plantations, then it was removed, then invasive plants took over the empty space more quickly than any native plants.
Yeah, we have the same systems in place here in subtropical Aus; same species, same degraded and cleared ecosystems. Even looks slightly similar.
When I think Hawaii I imagine tropical ecosystems but I understand some islands are naturally drier. What was there prior to the degradation is of interest and as I work in regeneration/reclamation, of interest again as to how these systems can be recreated.