The Hayman burn site demonstrates the cycle of growth and rebirth that is an inherent part of the natural world. In this picture, dead monolithic aspens stand watch over their younger counterparts, as the sun sets in Pike National Forest. We were lucky enough to travel to this location at the southern tip of the Hayman burn on a day when the Aspen's were poppin' and the sun was shining bright between the clouds. The ground was trecherous with deadfall, and thick with Kinickinik and young aspen saplings.

The Hayman fire itself could have been much worse for the Population of Colorado, and serves as a reminder that our current Forset Service policies must always account for the Forces of Nature. The forest fighters who worked to battle the blaze caused by a broken heart certainly helped to save most of the homes along the Front Range of Colorado from potential anhilation. As a resident of the region at the time, I'd like to publicly thank all of those who worked on the fire lines those seven years ago.

This photograph demonstrates the ironic nature of our Universe. The aftermath of the fire, which was so dangerous all those years ago, is now fueling the growth of these new trees. When we step into the middle of the natural cycle, the system shifts, and what can bring a new life to one organism is deadly to another.

Of course, The only reason that this field of Aspen's still exists is because the trees had an adapted trait to fire itself. While the fire killed the trunks, it spared the roots, and it was these massive root systems that began the slow process of rebuilding the forest. Temoporally speaking, the fire has hardly even fazed these trees. Unlike most all animals, which had to divert themselvs away from the heat in order to survive.

Man, likewise has adapted to today's threat of Forest Fires. We call them Smoke Jumpers, and unlike the trees, which have developed survival traits no doubt through evolution, we must rely on external personalities to protect us from such threats.

Once again, Thanks to all those out there who work hard to keep us surface dwellers safe. Without you, we would have all burned up long ago.