Sap runs are getting earlier and less predictable.
That can leave deep snow packs on the ground. Snow reflects sunlight and keeps air temperatures cold longer in the spring. But once snow melts, the darker soil warms up fast, making for a short, intense breakup.
Dulce Ben-East holds a refractometer, which can be used to measure sugar content of sap. “You want to see high sugar, some trees will give us 1.5%. This time of year average is about 1%,” she said. Warmer temperatures are leading to less sugary sap, she said. They struck a few years ago, killing scores of trees throughout Kahiltna Birchworks’ property. Then, winter winds brought the dead trees crashing down onto the network of tubing that brings the sap to a central collection site.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As Alaska warms, birch tree tappers in Talkeetna wrestle with erratic season - Alaska Public MediaAs Alaska warms, sap runs are getting earlier and less predictable, said Dulce Ben-East, an owner of the longest running birch syrup producer in the state. “I really think of it as climate chaos,” she said. “It seems to get more chaotic every year.”
Read more »
Calling Alaska ‘under attack’ by Biden, Alaska House votes millions for lawsuitsThe proposal advances to the Alaska Senate, where lawmakers appear more skeptical.
Read more »
Wildfire burning near KwethlukThe initial report by the division estimated the size of the fire at 650 acres. Division of Forestry spokesperson Tim Mowry said in an interview on Sunday that the fire had grown to approximately 1,200 acres.
Read more »
See the beautiful, ecologically priceless trees Italy is protecting foreverDotted across Italy, 22,000 ancient trees have gained federal protection, making them cornerstones of cultural history.
Read more »
33 Details From '00s Movies That Are As Smart As They Are SubtleLegally Blonde crew members hid in trees and dropped painted fall leaves behind Elle.
Read more »