forest fire
A wildfire tore through Oregon's Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks and Bridge of the Gods in early September. (Genna Martin/seattlepi.com)

Close your eyes. Picture your ideal forest. Maybe you’re strolling noiselessly on a soft leaf-littered path in dark peaceful woods scented by plentiful evergreens – trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. Shrubs carpet the floor. Young spindly trees, dwarfed by older evergreens, reach skyward in search of sun rays. 

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