Regarding the January 13th article, "Saltwater Park Madrone Vandalized," nobody should be vandalizing trees, particularly not precarious species like our Pacific Madrones. However, it's very misleading to say that madrones as a species are "dwindling in number due to housing development and roadway improvements." Madrones are dying all over our region of a fungal disease that's being exacerbated by climate change. Using the decline of this unique species to argue against density and (if I may read between the lines) recent and planned corridor improvements designed to reduce our community's dependence on cars is tremendously shortsighted.
Katie Lorah
Shoreline
Well said!
ReplyDeleteMs. Lorah may be reading between the lines, but it is still her opinion. The article January 13th article, "Saltwater Park Madrone Vandalized," made no arguments against density, especially thoughtfully planned density in our areas. The Madrone is an important tree for helping stabilize bluffs and they are amazingly outstanding trees that can be over a century old and thriving in good health regardless of fungal disease. If fungal disease is an issue, the Madrone should be more protected when development or roadway improvements are considered in the first place. Oregon State University article from 2023: "Native madrones are special to the Northwest" . . . "Leaf blight shows up as blackened leaves during the winter and can be widespread over the tree. At least some of the various types of fungus that cause madrone leaves to blacken are now thought to be endemic. The good news is that, while the black leaves are unsightly, they usually don't harm the tree substantially. The new leaves emerge shortly before the old ones drop, and soon the tree looks healthy again". . . So Madrones, regardless of fungal or canker problems, can still thrive and should be protected in our urban forests both private and public whenever possible.
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