1 . Big Basin Redwoods State Park is recovering after a natural disaster—fires heavily dam aged California’s oldest protected natural area. Lightning storms caused more than 650 fires in Northern California. But during a guided visit recently, life was reappearing on blackened red wood trees. Small flowers stood out on the burned land.
The big park usually has about 1 million visitors a year. But one year ago, many parts of the park burned for 24 hours. More than 100 structures were sabotaged , including the main part of the historic park, shelters, picnic tables and more. Many bridges were gone, too. In some places, roots are still smoking, leaving dangerous underground areas. Repair experts have been trying to identify materials and waste that need to be removed. In many ways, the park does not look much different than it did soon after fires.
Most of the ancient redwoods have survived. Astonishingly, the trees are about 2, 000 years old and among the tallest living things on Earth. The next 8 to 10 months will be spent cleaning up the park. It will be up to a year before the public can safely use the paths beyond a small coastal area.
Environmentalists have urged quick action because state officials are currently providing funds for wildfire recovery efforts and new building projects. This change provides a rare chance to get more money for public lands.
Barth is the director of Sempervirens Fund. That group started an effort in 1900 to protect 15. 5 square kilometers of redwood forest that is now in the center of Big Basin. “When Big Basin was set up, it was a sign of hope for the state park’s system, " she said. Barth added, “In this fire and rebirth, you have an opportunity again. ”Redwoods are naturally fire resistant(防火的). In old growth forests, most trees have burn marks dating back to hundreds of years.
1. What does the author feel about the recovery of the park?| A．Doubtful. | B．Anxious. | C．Curious. | D．Hopeful. |
| A．Destroyed. | B．Ignored. | C．Protected. | D．Rebuilt. |
| A．They have a short history. | B．They are amazingly tall. |
| C．Few of them have survived. | D．Most of them have no burn marks. |
| A．It was for funds. | B．It was effortless. |
| C．It was praiseworthy. | D．It was against nature. |
