From Phil's Desk....

 

The "Rest of the Story", Winter 2018-2019
 
California's horrific fires were not a result of global warming, climate change or some other
doom and gloom scenario fabricated by so called mainstream "legitimate" scientists who claim
to know what the present and future state of the environment is and what it should or will be.

 

There are problems with America's forests. Fire, brush, dead trees, and logs on the ground are
part of a healthy forest system. Growing trees for timber is not forest management any more
so than setting aside recreation areas is recreation management. Forests are dynamic systems
of which people are a critical component. Our actions, and/or lack of action can and do have all
levels of consequences. Some are considered good, some bad, and more often than not, many
are controversial.

 

The key terms are system and management. The romantic but inadequate concept referred to
as "the Balance of Nature" is one of the greatest threats to our forests. The other two are radical
members of the environmental community who want to protect the environment from
man, and conservatives who never bother to discover the incredible diversity that is present in
America's forests.

 

Both sides look at the forest as a postcard and seem to be oblivious to the
multitude of interactions and changes that occur in a forest system on a cyclical basis.
Texas is blessed with a multitude of forest types. I have viewed the conifer forests and
woodlands of western Texas from the top of Emory and Guadalupe peaks, quietly walked the
relic rocky mountain juniper woodlands nestled within the deep folds of the Panhandle's
Caprock Canyons, and marveled at the floral display of native wild azaleas in the East Texas
"Piney Woods".

 

Next year I will share my trailside experiences of these areas and other Texas
treasures, and comment on man's role in shaping the landscape that we see today.

 

Please join me in January 2019 for hikes amid the rolling hills of east Texas, and discover the
hundreds of different types of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plants and animals that call that region home. I'll also explore the folklore of that part of Texas.
In the meantime have a Wonderful New Year.
 
Phil Coker

Owner, Madrono Tree Services