The Feb. 16 guest opinion regarding the felling of ash trees at the Fuller-Pursell Preserve was sincere and heartfelt, however it does not discuss best practices of forestry management when emerald ash borer-damaged trees are present.
According to the Purdue University Forest and Natural Resources extension service, ash borer-damaged trees pose a significant hazard due to dropping limbs (widowmakers), even when as little as 30 percent of the tree canopy has been lost (https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/timely-tree-removal/).
By this analysis, even what appears to be a healthy (ash borer-damaged) tree, having much remaining green leaf cover, should be removed in locations where it can be a hazard to the public (like a trail-blazed nature preserve).
Standing dead trees also have contributed to the spread of massive forest fires in the drier western regions of our country.
“The damage has been done,” statement is undeniably true, however it appears to be misdirected to assign blame to the management policy of the Heritage Conservancy, rather than to the invasive emerald ash borer.
I also walk my dogs at the Fuller-Pursell Preserve and was concerned by the damaged tree felling. However, maintaining an inviting preserve for the enjoyment of hikers, photographers, birders and dog-walkers also includes the responsibility of helping to reasonably ensure the safety of the users of it.
The damage done to forests by the emerald ash borer is widespread and severe, and should be contained by proven methods of conservative forestry management.
Many thanks to the Heritage Conservancy for maintaining this preserve in the most reasonably safe way possible.
Tom Bruno, Springfield
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