Logging, planting could thwart powerline fires

In this coauthored opinion piece, Russ Sapp and Bob Zybach argue that catastrophic powerline fires are driven less by ignition sources than by accumulated fuels near transmission corridors. Drawing on personal experience in logging, forestry, and rural power governance, they propose a practical solution: remove tall trees within striking distance of powerlines and replace them with lower-growing, productive vegetation to reduce wildfire risk, protect communities, and support local economies.