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Ecosystem takes a hit

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The fire took a toll on the park’s ecosystem. Many old growth sycamore and oak trees were burned and native chaparral throughout the park was scorched.

Rangers plan to reforest parts of the park, but the challenge will be to keep out the nonnative and invasive species, such as the yellow mustard grass and Indian tree tobacco. ‘Overnight, the park has changed dramatically,’ said William Ramirez, park ranger for 19 years. ‘Areas that had trees and had chaparral are gone.’

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Ramirez said he worries about what is going to happen when it starts raining. ‘When the rains come, erosion is going to create havoc in the park,’ he said. ‘A lot of mud is going to come down onto the roadways.’ (LAT photo)

-Anna Gorman

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