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Re: “As climate changes, they’re seeing red” [Jan. 21, Northwest]:
We should help Northwest forests adapt to climate change rather than import redwoods. Local ecosystems are harmed by taking a shortsighted way out. Imported trees do not bring their insect populations with them, and local insects don’t much use them. Ergo, insect eggs are not laid in trees, caterpillars are not produced, and baby birds are deprived of their primary food (they don’t eat berries or seeds).
The North American bird population is down by about 30% since 1970, with devastating losses in all habitats (Science, 2019). Entomologist Doug Tallamy documents the overwhelming dependence of insects upon native plants in his well-researched book “Nature’s Best Hope.” We should follow ecological science and support government efforts to stick with species that already occur here. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is sourcing Douglas fir seeds from hotter parts of its native-growth range and planting them in traditionally cooler areas of the range to assess adaptation.
The science does not support the feel-good strategy of PropagationNation to plant 1 million redwoods across the Pacific Northwest annually. Local governments should not encourage their efforts nor accept their free trees. We should foster more healthy Northwest forests, protect ecosystems and fight climate change.
Carolyn Boatsman, Mercer Island
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