The Pine Tree in Calaveras News

   Standard, patch, strip, with reserves, slash and burn.  No matter what you call it its clear-cutting.  Remove every trunk so no canopy remains.  Clearcutting is deforestation, the desecration of natural habitats and it contributes to climate change.  Many call clear cutting a controversial forestry/logging practice but in Ebbett's Pass it flat out means the removal of the cedar and the pine tree in Calaveras County.   
      Research the pine tree and you will find other uses than just timber (according to Wikipedia) for the 115 species that live worldwide.  Some species have large seeds, called pine nuts, that are harvested and sold for cooking and baking.  The soft, moist, white inner bark (cambium) found clinging to the woody outer bark is edible and very high in vitamins A and C.  
   Rarely covered in Calaveras news, clear-cutting results in major negative impacts, both for humans and local animal and plant life especially the pine tree and cedar.  A study from the University of Oregon found that in certain zones, areas that were clear cut had nearly three times the amount of erosion due to slides. Clear-cutting  also lead to an increased rapid runoff, loss of economic sustainability, loss of habitat for some wildlife species that live among the pine trees and unattractive scenery.  Unwanted shrub and grasses become established, as well as a major decrease in property values.  Diminished recreation, hunting, and fishing opportunities result which are vital to Calaveras County.  thepinetree.net thepinetree