Unbelievable... simply…

Unbelievable... simply unbelievable. 93 mature butternut trees at risk on the Rice Lake Plains - for what - for even more recreational trailer spots - 251?? This is likely the largest grove of these endangered trees in the entire region. The only overall benefit is to allow these trees to thrive and survive - to collect their nuts and try to expand these trees that are still standing and apparently have withstood the ravages of the blight. They are classified as Category 2 - healthy trees.

The proposal to perhaps transplant or plant seedlings is ridiculous and unproven. This mitigation plan has been employed previously with other permits and the MNRF has no way of guaranteeing any replacement plantings will even be successful. The MNRF doesn't have to staff to oversee such an operation that will take at least 20 years to see if the trees actually survive and product seeds. Moreover, removing these trees means the loss of generations of seeds - seeds that may contain genetic adaptation to overcome the canker.

I know from personal experience how hard it is to plant and grow out butternut trees and if this applicant has applied to cut down these trees instead of protecting them, what guarantee that any replacement plantings will be carefully monitored by the applicant? The resort may also change hands in future decades.

Please read this article:
https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news-story/9223288-removing-butternut-trees-should-be-last-resort-for-resort-naturalist-says/

My main worry, is that 100s of these so-called overall benefit permits have been applied for over the last few years, and almost all have been granted. This really has to stop - especially in this case.

[Original Comment ID: 215610]