A tree felling project in Northern Virginia has outraged local residents, with some trees reportedly destroyed. cut by mistake.

What’s going on?

The National Park Service was forced to halt plant removal activities along the George Washington Memorial Parkway due to community concerns about the destruction of local forest lands.

In a declarationThe NPS said the project aims to “improve the driving experience, safety and water drainage” without damaging the area’s natural and historic beauty.

However, as one park volunteer said NBCWashingtontrees that were not supposed to be felled were cut down, with the project initially intending to remove non-native species and invasive species.

While hiking, park volunteer Glenn Tobin suddenly realized that the area of ​​forest he expected to hike through was simply no longer there.

“What they did is clearly wrong,” he told the outlet. “I feel like I need to speak.”

NBCWashington said about 300 trees along the parkway were cut down by the National Park Service.

Why is this destruction of forest land concerning?

“It will take 100 years for this forest to be restored to the way it was,” Tobin said. NBCWashington.

In addition to removing a popular hiking area almost overnight, the felling of these trees will harm local biodiversity, allow non-native flora species to thrive, increase erosion and reduce the area’s ability to absorb harmful toxic gases from the air – which is particularly important along a stretch of road.

Arlington County Board Member Susan Cunningham said NBCWashington: “What was approved was more selective logging on non-native species. It appears there was a mistake somewhere. (The NPS will do) a full review.”

What do we do to remove trees?

THE NPS also said that public engagement and community participation will be permitted before work resumes. However, there is no indication that the area will be restored to its previous state.

Control non-natives and invasive species It makes sense to ensure improved biodiversity and maintain the ecosystem. However, there was clearly a lack of communication at some point, and the damage appears to be extensive.

It is not only important to manage invasive plant species in major projects like this. Keeping them out of your garden can lead to better soil health and reduce the risk of an unexpected intrusion – ivy and bamboo, for example, are known to grow out of control.

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