Gaian Corporation
We are the World…And More!
Notice of Early Retirement
Dear Doug L. Lodgepole:
In the decade following the corporate consolidation transferring our Fort Collins branch, from CF&S (Critters, Forests, and Streams), to BF&D (Beetle, Fire, and Drought), we have seen a severe reduction in extreme cold winter temperatures that forces us to again reshuffle our boreal forest practice at Gaian Corporation and specifically here in Colorado. This year’s tree layoff, we envision, will be far larger than the second biggest downsizing, which as you remember, was only last year. Understand this change in the biome was not taken lightly. BF&D offices from New Mexico to the Yukon Territories and from the Front Range in Colorado to the Pacific Ocean are responding to the same forest devastation issues.
In essence, we are seeing a shift in our practice from forest maker to forest breaker. That said we must also state there is no C-3, C-4, or CAM conspiracy against trees. On the other hand, even you, Doug, must admit relations between grasses and the Lodgepoles has never been very cordial. We have noted in your HR file comments that the Lodgepole Pine was once considered the conifer with the widest range of environmental tolerance and that Lodgepole Pines have been only a portion of the trees that are part of the 50 million acre giveback–after being ravaged by beetles and other pests–in the last decade. (That’s more than 8 percent of forested area in the lower 48 states.) We also note your comment that fire has taken an additional 2 percent of all forest acreage and that some 1.7 million acres of forest has died from drought and other weather-related events, but we see this data as inconsequential to our decision process. Attempts by management to help you adapt or mutate appear to be too little and too late; for that, we are sorry. So while we must agree with you that the forest wreckage of the last decade was not just in the LodgePole Pine, Doug, you must admit the Lodgepole Pines are the poster child of forest downsizing for America.
Therefore, the conclusion of the heated discussions these last few weeks in which we covered over 105 square miles remains the same. The decadal timeframe has become old-school and we cannot buck that trend. Relocation over the next ten years is no longer an option. Poor species performance, an inability to adapt to our changing environment, heat and water issues, as well as intolerance to inputs from your younger co-workers– specifically the larvae–has prompted the reaffirmation of our decision.
Specifically, with your 200 years of service, we think rather than a layoff, it is time for you to consider parting ways with our Colorado branch and taking early retirement. Doug, the failure to deliver healthy trees is the result of a changing climate and not a management problem, but that does not alter our plans to foster early retirement for most Lodgepole Pines here in the lower 48. Next, we note your desire to stay in the US and we have checked with the Montana office, per your suggestion, but they are seeing the same two generations of beetles per year as us. These days the larvae we hire just out of school prove their wiggle within months; trees are effectively dead in 9 months. A decade ago, we thought that an impossible target and that an increased bug-growing season due to anthropogenic forcing of the radiative balance was absurd. In that same discussion, a decade ago, you said tree resistance was easy–water–enough to produce your defense system of resin. But as we have seen again this year, there has not been enough water to support your plan. And yes, we are aware the Homo sapiens fostered this worldwide climate issue that has led to the meltdown of Arctic and Oceanic hedge funds–leading to a decrease in available water and an increase in winter temperatures–that when summed works against most trees. In today’s fast-paced climate, this is old news.
Regarding your comment on the cyclic nature of the forests, we know freezing temperatures kill a large number of larvae during the winter, but those temperatures must be below zero (Fahrenheit) and sustained for at least five days. Or, baring that, the temperatures must remain below 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) for weeks. Without this cold to kill the larvae, many become Mountain Pine Beetles, which represent a significant growth path for the BF&D division. And, as stated in the beginning of this memo, extreme winter low temperatures are becoming less and less so. Add to this, the hot market for sustainability, the new feedstock for the bugs, and we are looking at significant change in our local biome year over year. If we at BF&D do not respond to the pace of new global inputs, we might be considered as foolish as Homo sapiens.
In any case, problems with the forests are a harbinger of the disaster that awaits innumerable species. Securing a safe outpost early has its advantages and it has been mentioned there could be a bright future for Lodgepole Pines in other parts of the continent; specifically, you might consider higher elevations and higher latitudes. You once said the tundra was out of the question, but might you reconsider relocating there? We believe Lodgepoles can make a contribution working with stunted start-ups given their vast experience in development. Also, trees above 9,000 feet have not evolved to deal with the beetles and therefore have few defenses, giving Lodgepole Pines an upper hand in the highly competitive Alpine environment. All told, by pulling up root and moving someplace else you have an opportunity to change the market perception of the Lodgepole Pine from dead-end species to valued member of the growing Alpine ecosystem.
Regardless, should you decide to remain here in the Colorado area, we will be forced to terminate you due to a lack of future. Please do not take any of this personally. All over the planet, researchers declare our forests in transition, and in many cases waning. This is just the beginning: These are, after all, the Good Old Days.
Best,
R.Wendelin – HR – BF&D LLC
CC: Homo sapiens
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