CAMP EASTON: No need to clear old growth

My property adjoins Camp Easton east of their property. For years my husband and I have heard the scouts having fun on the property. I feel very bad that the old growth will be gone forever because of greed. Once again, we as the public, are fighting for the protection of the camp. I want to see young people have memories of the camp for years and years. This won’t happen if our peers destroy everything in their path, especially if it’s in their mind to sell out to Gozzer Ranch Golf Course. As far as clearing out diseased trees, nature takes care of the land. It has been done for hundreds of years. According to my father, a retired Blister Rust/U.S. Forest Service employee of 35 years, old growth should be protected for posterity.

Old growth plays essential roles in wildlife habitat, species, diversity, hydrological regimes, nutrient cycles, carbon storage and numerous other ecological processes. Removing these old trees from Camp Easton Boy Scout Camp deprives the forest of portions of its canopy, which blocks the sun’s rays during the day and retains heat at night. Old growth forests provide a living connection to the past. They provide recreational benefits to the local communities.

BARBARA WARDSWORTH

Harrison