Wildfires plague the forested areas of Guam every dry season despite the island's humid climate. Most fires are man-caused with 80% resulting from arson. Poachers often start fires to attract deer to the new growth. Invasive grass species that rely on fire as part of their natural life cycle grow in many regularly burned areas. Grasslands and "barrens" have replaced previously forested areas leading to greater soil erosion. During the rainy season sediment is carried by the heavy rains into the Fena Lake Reservoir and Ugum River, leading to water quality problems for southern Guam. Eroded silt also destroys the marine life in reefs around the island. Soil stabilization efforts by volunteers and forestry workers (planting trees) have had little success in preserving natural habitats. COUNT 3
QSN1 What plagues the Guam dry season? ANS1 Wildfires QSN2 What are the cause of the majority of the fires in the area? ANS2 man QSN3 What causes water quality problems in Guam? ANS3 sediment is carried by the heavy rains into the Fena Lake Reservoir and Ugum River