Editor:

I would like to add a little more theory to Mr. David Mildrexler’s letter from the Nov. 27. issue of the Chieftain (“Preserve downed trees”).

I agree with everything he states about our local forests, but there are extraneous circumstances involved. For the most part, we are dealing with a forest that is overstocked (too many stems per acre) and is being hit with a severe draught. The thick “dog hair” stands we see today are not natural. They are man-made from years of overharvest and fire control.

These factors, coupled with great amounts of down, green timber, create a great place for insect infestation. Yes, these insects are a natural occurrence, but when the trees in our local forests become as stressed as they are, each individual tree cannot deal with the attack. When the tree has enough room, light and water, it can produce extra pitch it uses to “pitch” the bugs out.

Take a look at the northeast ridge of Mt. Howard. The small, 10-acre fire that occurred there approximately 10 years ago produced enough insects to kill the timber on the north face of the mountain. In snow, the area looks like a clear cut where insects migrated from the fire site into the surrounding green timber.

I am not saying you need to clean up every stem. What is left needs to be dealt with in moderation. While the cleanup process is underway, thin the surrounding timber stand. This will start it on the way to becoming a healthier, vigorously growing stand of timber. An added benefit would be greater fire protection, which with the close urban interface should be a great concern.

Travis Cameron

Enterprise