National Geographic: As the Rim Fire rages in and around Yosemite National Park, biologists have taken steps to protect two groves of giant sequoia trees. One tree expert suspects, however, that the measures have more to do with public relations than with sound forest policy.
The Rim Fire has burned for nine days, razing 134,000 acres, which makes it one of the biggest blazes in California's history. The flames have largely been confined to Yosemite's remote northwestern section, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from...