This website provides support for a 2019 report analyzing questions raised by the pubic debate about wildfire, forest and deer management in California. A summary of the questions and results obtained are listed below. Questions are linked to pages showing statistical support for the data analysis, available also under the "Results of 2019 Report" tab above. The data used in the report is available for download using the above tab "Data for 2019 Report." Graphics for the data are provided to show trends. Based on availability of data, two data sets are used: one ranging from 1932 to 2016, another with more detail on wildfire and information on timber production from 1978 to 2016. Research cited in the report and other available research is listed with links or the full research under the "Research" tab above. An archive of data for California deer is collected under the "Deer Data" tab.
Questions about California forests, wildfire, and deer
How has wildfire changed in California? Timberland wildfire in CalFires jurisdiction from 1932 to 2016 show a wide variation in the number of acres burned each year, but no change the average number of acres burned. Data for 1987 to 2016 for all California Wildfire an increase in the number of acres burned, an increase in the average fire size, and a decline in the number of fires. Details.
How has climate change related to wildfire? The average annual temperature in California has rose by about 2 degrees from 1932 to 2016, with most of the increase coming since 1980's. Climate variables including annual temperature, precipitation, and drought were not correlated to the number of timber acres burned in Cal Fire jurisdiction. Details
How has timber production in California related to wildfire? Timber removed from California lands has declined significantly since the 1960's. This decline was strongly correlated with increased fire size using data from 1978 to 2016. Details ??????
How has wildfire related to California deer? There was no correlation between timberland wildfire acres burned from 1932 to 2016 or for total wildfire acres burned for 1987 to 2016 Details
How has climate data related to California deer? Increased temperatures, less precipitation, and drought are correlated to the decline of deer harvests for 1978 to 2016. Details
How has timber production related to California deer? The decline in board feet of lumber removed from California lands is the most significant variable associated with the decline of deer harvests in California, explaining 66 percent of the annual variation in a two year moving average of the buck harvest from 1978 to 2016. Adding a drought index produces the an equation that explains 75 percent of the variation. Details