Re: “As climate changes, they’re seeing red” [Jan. 21, Northwest]:
We should always assist Northwest forests adapt to local weather change fairly than import redwoods. Native ecosystems are harmed by taking a shortsighted means out. Imported bushes don’t carry their insect populations with them, and native bugs don’t a lot use them. Ergo, insect eggs aren’t laid in bushes, caterpillars aren’t produced, and child birds are disadvantaged of their major meals (they don’t eat berries or seeds).
The North American chicken inhabitants is down by about 30% since 1970, with devastating losses in all habitats (Science, 2019). Entomologist Doug Tallamy paperwork the overwhelming dependence of bugs upon native vegetation in his well-researched e-book “Nature’s Greatest Hope.” We should always observe ecological science and assist authorities efforts to stay with species that already happen right here. The Washington State Division of Pure Assets is sourcing Douglas fir seeds from hotter elements of its native-growth vary and planting them in historically cooler areas of the vary to evaluate adaptation.
The science doesn’t assist the feel-good technique of PropagationNation to plant 1 million redwoods throughout the Pacific Northwest yearly. Native governments mustn’t encourage their efforts nor settle for their free bushes. We should always foster extra wholesome Northwest forests, shield ecosystems and combat local weather change.
Carolyn Boatsman, Mercer Island
