Forests show signs of ‘burn’ after Melissa

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa – a Category 5 system that ravaged sections of Jamaica – Jamaica’s forests tell a story of both devastation and endurance. Across several parishes, trees have taken on a scorched appearance – leaves browned, curled, and stripped away – leaving landscapes that resemble the aftermath of a wildfire.

Chief executive officer of the Forestry Department of Jamaica (FDJ), and Conservator of Forests, Ainsley Henry, explained that this widespread browning was caused by the hurricane’s extreme winds.

“The maximum sustained wind speeds recorded 185MPH/297.7KMH with gusts of up to 252MPH/405.6KMH, at those speeds the leaves of the plants would actually be ‘burnt’ by the wind,” Henry told The Gleaner.

“By way of information, at these speeds, wind would also result in burns from dehydration and friction on the human skin. Further, due to the proximity to the coast, it is also likely that damage due to salt spray (airborne seawater) would also be a factor as to why the leaves which were not blown off plants would look burned,” Henry explained.

He added that the browning was “entirely a consequence of the hurricane” ,caused by direct wind damage to leaves and, in some cases, root damage resulting in water stress within the plants.

As the Government’s lead agency for sustainable forest management, the Forestry Department has begun assessments of Jamaica’s forests, with further evaluations planned in the coming months.

According to Henry, the 2024 Land Use and Land Cover Change Classification (based on 2023 data) showed forest cover had risen to 47 per cent, up from 40 per cent in 2013.

The department now plans a rapid assessment to gauge Hurricane Melissa’s impact and guide recovery efforts.

Recovery through reforestation

Now more than ever, the FDJ needs all hands on deck for tree planting efforts.

“We will, of course, be calling on all Jamaicans to support this effort. This event has given even greater impetus to Phase Two of the National Tree Planting Initiative announced by Minister Samuda earlier this year,” said Henry, adding that the FDJ is committed to planting and producing as many trees as needed to support Jamaica’s recovery and strengthen future resilience.

The 2023 State of Jamaica’s Forests Report shows forest cover rose from 40 per cent in 2013 to nearly 48 per cent in 2023 – over 527,000 hectares. Over the past two decades, deforestation averaged 0.46 per cent annually, while forest regrowth averaged 0.55 per cent, driven largely by the regeneration of secondary forests on underutilised agricultural lands.

Henry explained that native species are generally more resilient to hurricane damage, though recovery depends on severity and post-storm conditions.

“Some species are more resilient to damage caused by hurricanes than others. Native species are more likely to recover than non-native. This, though, is also dependent on the amount of damage suffered and the conditions to which they are exposed post-event,” he said.

Henry also cautioned that some invasive species may take advantage of damaged areas, outcompeting native plants in the short-to-medium term.

Regarding long-term impacts, Henry said the outcome depends on damage severity. “The ecosystems have all, however, faced some degree of disturbance. The more pristine they were, is the more resilient they are likely to be. We are currently assessing the damage and, hence, we are not yet prepared to cast judgement or make predictions as to what will or will not happen,” he noted.

Henry noted cognisance of significant losses, stating that recovery will require work by both nature and the FDJ.

He added that soil health impacts will vary depending on water scouring, erosion, and pre-existing tree cover and organic litter.

Managing forests’ health

Emphasising the urgency of strengthening Jamaica’s climate resilience, the expert said, “The Government of Jamaica is committed to doing our part to combat climate change and hence, the Forestry Department is actively involved in taking steps to increase our tree cover across the length and breadth of Jamaica to reduce our contribution to greenhouse gasses,” Henry told The Gleaner.

According to Henry, the FDJ has been actively taking steps to conserve and preserve native species, and to improve the quality of forests islandwide.

“These steps are designed to increase the resilience of our forests, so that they are better able to withstand the impacts of climate change and more frequent and intense hurricanes, as well as any human-induced stressors,” he added.

He also urged the public to help protect and monitor forest health. “The public should understand that, just like our towns, communities and our cities, our silent and often underappreciated citizens – our forests have also been significantly impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa,” Henry noted.

‘Cultural loss’ of Holland Bamboo

Turning to Holland Bamboo, one of the island’s most iconic corridors, Henry said its impact was expected. “The impact on Holland Bamboo was expected, bamboo is not native and its growth form is such that, in high winds, it breaks and can be uprooted. The aesthetic and ‘cultural’ loss, however, are unfortunate, but it is something that, if desired, can be ‘repaired’ in a relatively short time (as compared to the damage to our forests).

Bamboo is a grass and hence it grows very fast, it is anticipated that, if the area is properly cleared and replanted, once there is sufficient rainfall in coming months, the area will recover quickly,” he told The Gleaner.

As assessments continue, the FDJ remains committed to restoring forested spaces, protecting biodiversity, and fostering a national spirit of stewardship.

Hurricane Melissa, Henry said, is both a warning and a rallying call – a reminder that Jamaica’s resilience must be rooted not only in its people but also in the strength of its trees.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com