I have grave concerns about the State Park’s proposed response to root rot among the trees. I believe the Parks are the stewards of our natural environment. They are entrusted with allowing nature to follow its natural life process and for providing public access.

Removing trees within a 50-foot radius of the diseased ones is not stewardship. Instead, it sounds to me like human manipulation of the natural environment. I can appreciate the need to protect building and campsites by cutting dead trees. More extensive intervention on the forest integrity ought to be avoided.

Has human manipulation ever really improved on nature? Removing and replanting alters the ecosystem the Parks are meant to Steward.

Research by Suzanne Simard, Professor of Forest Ecology, University of British Columbia, indicates the importance of the vast networks of roots connecting the trees. This connection greatly enhances forest survival. Removal of trees and root systems compromises the regenerative capacity of the forest. What is the role of human stewardship as we face the future?

We might be wisest to allow the forests their own sovereignty. In this way, natural ecosystems exist, adapt, and evolve. Our State Park Stewardship can then provide us with education and access to experience, and observe this ongoing living, dying, decomposing, regenerating process.

Rivkah Sweedler

Olga