Lyle Lewis
@race2extinct.bsky.social
My book “Racing To Extinction” analyzes the imminent disappearance of humanity through the lens of my 30+ years as an ecologist with federal environmental agencies in the U.S.
https://race2extinct.com
https://race2extinct.com
Pinned
Since European colonization, North America has lost 9–11 billion birds.
• ~5–6 billion before 1940
• ~1–2 billion from 1940–1970
• ~2.9 billion since 1970
The quiet collapse of abundance is how the Sixth Mass Extinction is playing out: fewer wings, fewer songs.
• ~5–6 billion before 1940
• ~1–2 billion from 1940–1970
• ~2.9 billion since 1970
The quiet collapse of abundance is how the Sixth Mass Extinction is playing out: fewer wings, fewer songs.
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
The reality is if we're serious about restoring western forest ecosystems, we need to align timber mgmt practices w/what we know about the ecology of fire & forest dynamics. Plain & simple - even-aged logging & removal of large/old trees are *incompatible* w/creating more fire-resilient forests. 11/
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
The reality is if we're serious about restoring western forest ecosystems, we need to align timber mgmt practices w/what we know about the ecology of fire & forest dynamics. Plain & simple - even-aged logging & removal of large/old trees are *incompatible* w/creating more fire-resilient forests. 11/
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
“Eventually you’re not going to have any big trees on the whole forest,” said Dave Mertz, who worked as a government natural resources officer overseeing Black Hills [NF] logging until retiring in 2017. “The timber industry is pulling the strings now.” apnews.com/article/fire... /10
Climate change, logging collide -- and a forest shrinks
CUSTER CITY, S.D. (AP) — Looking down a hillside dotted with large stumps and nearly devoid of trees, a pair of retired U.S.
apnews.com
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
“Eventually you’re not going to have any big trees on the whole forest,” said Dave Mertz, who worked as a government natural resources officer overseeing Black Hills [NF] logging until retiring in 2017. “The timber industry is pulling the strings now.” apnews.com/article/fire... /10
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
In fact, most logging on both public & private land continues to focus on overstory tree removal, running contrary to what we know about how to create fire-resilient forests.Timber sales on BLM & USFS lands (here in s OR & CA) are still commonly removing large numbers of old/fire-resistant trees. /9
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
In fact, most logging on both public & private land continues to focus on overstory tree removal, running contrary to what we know about how to create fire-resilient forests.Timber sales on BLM & USFS lands (here in s OR & CA) are still commonly removing large numbers of old/fire-resistant trees. /9
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Yet in most media stories and public policy dialogs, the effects of fire suppression and timber mgmt. practices are conflated, leading to the common **misperception** that today's increased fuel loads & higher tree densities are solely the result of fire suppression. /8 capradio.org/articles/202...
Fire Suppression — And Climate Change — Is To Blame For California’s Megafires. Experts Unpack The Term.
With more than three million acres burned so far this year in California, wildfires are at top of mind. And the term “wildfire suppression” is often cited as a main reason for blazes getting so big. B...
capradio.org
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Yet in most media stories and public policy dialogs, the effects of fire suppression and timber mgmt. practices are conflated, leading to the common **misperception** that today's increased fuel loads & higher tree densities are solely the result of fire suppression. /8 capradio.org/articles/202...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
A number of peer-reviewed empirical studies have found that logging has contributed significantly more to increased tree density & higher fuel loads than changes caused by fire exclusion alone (Minnich et al.1995, Kauffman et al.2000, Odion et al.2004, Naficy et al.2010). /7 opb.org/news/article...
Study: Wildfires Burn More Severely On Private Timber Plantations Than Public Forests
New research sheds light on what drives fire severity in the Pacific Northwest.
opb.org
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
A number of peer-reviewed empirical studies have found that logging has contributed significantly more to increased tree density & higher fuel loads than changes caused by fire exclusion alone (Minnich et al.1995, Kauffman et al.2000, Odion et al.2004, Naficy et al.2010). /7 opb.org/news/article...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Compared to forests dominated by large/old trees, stands planted after logging (plantations) are very vulnerable to fire because they tend to be windier/drier/hotter (esp. under extreme weather) and exhibit higher surface & ladder fuel loads that easily carry fire. /6 capradio.org/articles/201...
Timber Plantations Can Make California Wildfires Worse
It’s been almost a year since the King Fire scorched almost 100,000 acres of the Sierra Nevada forest. But this wildfire season could be worse - and it’s not just the drought and high temperatures th...
capradio.org
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Compared to forests dominated by large/old trees, stands planted after logging (plantations) are very vulnerable to fire because they tend to be windier/drier/hotter (esp. under extreme weather) and exhibit higher surface & ladder fuel loads that easily carry fire. /6 capradio.org/articles/201...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Forests previously dominated by large/old, fire-resilient conifers have almost completely been replaced by younger, denser, more homogeneous stands of less fire-tolerant trees that exhibit more continuous fuels, higher rates of fire spread & are therefore vulnerable to more severe fire effects. /5
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Forests previously dominated by large/old, fire-resilient conifers have almost completely been replaced by younger, denser, more homogeneous stands of less fire-tolerant trees that exhibit more continuous fuels, higher rates of fire spread & are therefore vulnerable to more severe fire effects. /5
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
It is well-documented that logging has resulted in the widespread and dramatic loss of large/old conifers in most western forests -- these trees are far and away the most resistant to fire and historically comprised the "living foundation" of forests that were very resilient to fire effects. /4
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
It is well-documented that logging has resulted in the widespread and dramatic loss of large/old conifers in most western forests -- these trees are far and away the most resistant to fire and historically comprised the "living foundation" of forests that were very resilient to fire effects. /4
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
What they almost always fail to mention is the role that commercial logging plays in creating today's more fire-vulnerable forests. This is important because if we don’t understand the main factors contributing to undesirable fire effects, we’re unlikely to choose the best policy path forward. /3
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
What they almost always fail to mention is the role that commercial logging plays in creating today's more fire-vulnerable forests. This is important because if we don’t understand the main factors contributing to undesirable fire effects, we’re unlikely to choose the best policy path forward. /3
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
There’s something inaccurate and grossly misleading about a lot of media coverage on western forests & wildfires. Many articles mention the end of Indigenous mgmt, fire suppression & climate change as factors responsible for the recent massive uptick in fires -- all true, but... /2
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
There’s something inaccurate and grossly misleading about a lot of media coverage on western forests & wildfires. Many articles mention the end of Indigenous mgmt, fire suppression & climate change as factors responsible for the recent massive uptick in fires -- all true, but... /2
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Given publication of another study showing that conventional forestry is a major contributor to the 'wildfire crisis' in the West, here's a thread that breaks down this issue & explains why changing forestry practices is so central to addressing our current dilemma.🧵🌏 www.latimes.com/environment/...
Private land used for logging is more prone to severe fire than public lands. A new study shows why
New research explains why forests planted for logging purposes fuel devastating wildfires more often than untouched land.
www.latimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Given publication of another study showing that conventional forestry is a major contributor to the 'wildfire crisis' in the West, here's a thread that breaks down this issue & explains why changing forestry practices is so central to addressing our current dilemma.🧵🌏 www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Advocacy in support of 'wild horses' in the West has become so strong that even in sensitive areas like the scenic Mono Basin, agencies are now more inclined (or forced) to let entire landscapes be chronically degraded by overgrazing. Another example where science-based mgmt has been steamrolled. 🌍
Magnificent story from @lilaseidman.bsky.social about a plan to limit environmental damage caused by wild horses in California's Eastern Sierra — and the fascinating pushback, including from some local tribes: www.latimes.com/environment/...
Majestic wild horses are trampling Mono Lake’s otherworldly landscape. The feds plan a roundup
Federal officials plan to round up wild horses roaming the Eastern Sierra, citing hazards and damage. But local tribes and others seek a different outcome.
www.latimes.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Advocacy in support of 'wild horses' in the West has become so strong that even in sensitive areas like the scenic Mono Basin, agencies are now more inclined (or forced) to let entire landscapes be chronically degraded by overgrazing. Another example where science-based mgmt has been steamrolled. 🌍
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Latest government stats show a continued decline in many bird species across the UK 🪶🧪
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
Wild bird populations in the UK and England, 1970 to 2024
www.gov.uk
September 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Latest government stats show a continued decline in many bird species across the UK 🪶🧪
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
“Experts confirm planet could recover if humans achieved emotional comfort.”
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
A Calmer Way Forward
A brief moment of calm
open.substack.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
“Experts confirm planet could recover if humans achieved emotional comfort.”
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/lylel/p/...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
When Trump delisted wolves in his first term, 200 were killed in just 72 hours.
December 25, 2025 at 11:04 PM
When Trump delisted wolves in his first term, 200 were killed in just 72 hours.
The best Christmas decorations are the ones that don’t need to be taken down: Golden-crowned kinglet, high-elevation forest.
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Merry Christmas! 🎄
December 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The best Christmas decorations are the ones that don’t need to be taken down: Golden-crowned kinglet, high-elevation forest.
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
Switzerland and Austria pride themselves re how clean their streets are compared to other European countries.
They are just better at hiding bad things. They do not produce less bad things. On the contrary.
They are just better at hiding bad things. They do not produce less bad things. On the contrary.
We treat littering like a character flaw. That framing was engineered.
If litter is your fault, no one asks why everything is designed to be thrown away.
www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sin...
If litter is your fault, no one asks why everything is designed to be thrown away.
www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sin...
How Corporations Convinced America that Litter is Our Fault
The "Keep America Beautiful" campaign urged Americans to pick up their trash—so that companies could keep producing it.
www.currentaffairs.org
December 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Switzerland and Austria pride themselves re how clean their streets are compared to other European countries.
They are just better at hiding bad things. They do not produce less bad things. On the contrary.
They are just better at hiding bad things. They do not produce less bad things. On the contrary.
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
When my son was three we were at a park. He saw a man eating lunch, and dropping his trash on the ground.
My kid saw it, ran over, picked it up handed it back saying,"You dropped this and littering makes mother earth cry."
The guy sheepishly walked away clutching his trash.
My kid saw it, ran over, picked it up handed it back saying,"You dropped this and littering makes mother earth cry."
The guy sheepishly walked away clutching his trash.
December 24, 2025 at 1:34 PM
When my son was three we were at a park. He saw a man eating lunch, and dropping his trash on the ground.
My kid saw it, ran over, picked it up handed it back saying,"You dropped this and littering makes mother earth cry."
The guy sheepishly walked away clutching his trash.
My kid saw it, ran over, picked it up handed it back saying,"You dropped this and littering makes mother earth cry."
The guy sheepishly walked away clutching his trash.
We treat littering like a character flaw. That framing was engineered.
If litter is your fault, no one asks why everything is designed to be thrown away.
www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sin...
If litter is your fault, no one asks why everything is designed to be thrown away.
www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sin...
How Corporations Convinced America that Litter is Our Fault
The "Keep America Beautiful" campaign urged Americans to pick up their trash—so that companies could keep producing it.
www.currentaffairs.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:13 PM
We treat littering like a character flaw. That framing was engineered.
If litter is your fault, no one asks why everything is designed to be thrown away.
www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sin...
If litter is your fault, no one asks why everything is designed to be thrown away.
www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sin...
When rivers turn orange and glaciers destabilize entire watersheds, it’s tempting to call it “rapid change.”
Ecologically speaking, it’s debt coming due.
apple.news/AdhN6h9q8She...
Ecologically speaking, it’s debt coming due.
apple.news/AdhN6h9q8She...
Orange rivers and melting glaciers: federal report shows rapid change in the Arctic — NPR
This year's Arctic Report Card from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finds that the northernmost part of the Earth is warming faster than the global average, leading to melting glac...
apple.news
December 24, 2025 at 12:45 PM
When rivers turn orange and glaciers destabilize entire watersheds, it’s tempting to call it “rapid change.”
Ecologically speaking, it’s debt coming due.
apple.news/AdhN6h9q8She...
Ecologically speaking, it’s debt coming due.
apple.news/AdhN6h9q8She...
Reposted by Lyle Lewis
“ the UK can only grow food
for 21 million people & there are 66
million of us living here so the
majority of our food is grown in other
parts of the world using other people's
land & water. so I'm wondering if buying beans can be a cause of habitat loss & animal suffering “ youtu.be/CM0C9doEZY8?...
for 21 million people & there are 66
million of us living here so the
majority of our food is grown in other
parts of the world using other people's
land & water. so I'm wondering if buying beans can be a cause of habitat loss & animal suffering “ youtu.be/CM0C9doEZY8?...
Space to Live
YouTube video by Space to Live
youtu.be
December 22, 2025 at 4:42 AM
“ the UK can only grow food
for 21 million people & there are 66
million of us living here so the
majority of our food is grown in other
parts of the world using other people's
land & water. so I'm wondering if buying beans can be a cause of habitat loss & animal suffering “ youtu.be/CM0C9doEZY8?...
for 21 million people & there are 66
million of us living here so the
majority of our food is grown in other
parts of the world using other people's
land & water. so I'm wondering if buying beans can be a cause of habitat loss & animal suffering “ youtu.be/CM0C9doEZY8?...
Ordering old coal plants to stay online is institutional inertia pretending to be realism.
apple.news/AQ6P7GZTVTaW...
apple.news/AQ6P7GZTVTaW...
Trump’s energy secretary orders a Washington state coal plant to remain open — Ars Technica
Chris Wright declared an energy “emergency” in the Pacific Northwest.
apple.news
December 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Ordering old coal plants to stay online is institutional inertia pretending to be realism.
apple.news/AQ6P7GZTVTaW...
apple.news/AQ6P7GZTVTaW...
When demand exceeds supply, solutions stop existing.
The Colorado River isn’t facing a management problem. It’s facing a biophysical one.
We can negotiate scarcity, but we can’t negotiate water that isn’t there.
apple.news/A7WBOTvnyQQm...
The Colorado River isn’t facing a management problem. It’s facing a biophysical one.
We can negotiate scarcity, but we can’t negotiate water that isn’t there.
apple.news/A7WBOTvnyQQm...
The Colorado River is on the verge of crisis. No one has a solution. — The Washington Post
The Colorado River faces a crisis as seven states struggle to agree on water-sharing rules.
apple.news
December 23, 2025 at 12:31 AM
When demand exceeds supply, solutions stop existing.
The Colorado River isn’t facing a management problem. It’s facing a biophysical one.
We can negotiate scarcity, but we can’t negotiate water that isn’t there.
apple.news/A7WBOTvnyQQm...
The Colorado River isn’t facing a management problem. It’s facing a biophysical one.
We can negotiate scarcity, but we can’t negotiate water that isn’t there.
apple.news/A7WBOTvnyQQm...
Large infrastructure rarely fails suddenly. It fails quietly, slowly, and then all at once….long after the decision-makers have moved on.
apple.news/AhS6E-LJgSda...
apple.news/AhS6E-LJgSda...
Few have seen this dam deep in the mountains — but many believe it could kill them — The Washington Post
Climate change threatens to push the world’s infrastructure to a breaking point.
apple.news
December 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Large infrastructure rarely fails suddenly. It fails quietly, slowly, and then all at once….long after the decision-makers have moved on.
apple.news/AhS6E-LJgSda...
apple.news/AhS6E-LJgSda...
When environmental law is framed as “trapping us in the past,” what’s really being said is that ecological limits are inconvenient to growth.
NEPA doesn’t stop damage. It slows it enough to be seen. That’s what bothers people.
apple.news/AtPFVjg7kRk2...
NEPA doesn’t stop damage. It slows it enough to be seen. That’s what bothers people.
apple.news/AtPFVjg7kRk2...
Opinion | The law that is trapping America in the past — The Washington Post
NEPA’s review process delays desperately needed infrastructure projects for years.
apple.news
December 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM
When environmental law is framed as “trapping us in the past,” what’s really being said is that ecological limits are inconvenient to growth.
NEPA doesn’t stop damage. It slows it enough to be seen. That’s what bothers people.
apple.news/AtPFVjg7kRk2...
NEPA doesn’t stop damage. It slows it enough to be seen. That’s what bothers people.
apple.news/AtPFVjg7kRk2...