Werly, R. ( 2023, August 25). Tree cutting underway at Hartwick Pines State Park for invasive species management. Retrieved September 5th, 2023, from https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/tree-cutting-underway-at-hartwick-pines-state-park-for-invasive-species-management
In Crawford County Michigan but specifically Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling has had to face several tree removings due to beech bark disease caused by an invasive species. Due to the tree cutting, a popular section of the park known as Old Growth Trail has been temporarily closed, and this has greatly affected the ecotourism of the park since the trail during summer attracts over a hundred visitors per day. The situation is unfortunate as it’s sad to see so many trees go, but the trees need to be cut or trimmed to permit the spread of the disease.
The article talked about how beech bark disease has affected ecotourism in the park, along with the overall health of the forest. This problem is a threat to forests, and the tree removal crew is doing their best to fix this situation while keeping environmental harm to a minimum. I believe that the situation is being managed properly. Although the article does not go in-depth on beech bark disease, and the invasive species. It is still important to note that the article brings attention to how invasive species pose a threat to forests in Michigan.
This is an important article because not only is this invasive spices causing harm, it is causing trees to be cut down which are so crucial. I think it is very interesting that a beech bark disease can harm the environment, I really do not know much on this topic. I wonder how we could stop the invasive spices from continuing to go into new environments?
This is definitely a big issue that should be solved. How does the disease develop? When they cut down the trees to get rid of the disease, does it go away permanently, or just for a certain amount of time?