Ed, et al,



I am burning up inside about the plight of the Carolina hemlock. I talked to a USFS representative about it being listed as an endangered species. He said that would be impossible as it is a nursery trade plant and people can’t really have endangered species in their yard. That makes for a bear of a problem when you need to cut one down…



I have been exploring a grove here in Black Mountain that is privately owned by the YMCA (Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC). Actually, I have only made one trip into it so far. I have had neighbors to the property contact me about how the owners can be “made” to treat the groves. I wish I knew. I have written them two letters so far with no response. I think some of these trees may push the known age limits for the species. At least they could allow for scientific documentation of the groves.



Anyway, enjoy these pictures of a forest while it still exists. If you have never been witness to these forests I urge you to come down and get acquainted. By default the views are always great! Those are the Craggy Mountains in the distance and the southern end of the Blacks. Image 1167 was taken as I was teetering on the top of a tree I climbed so it is rather blurry, but you can see the extreme gnarl factor!



The link below is where the photos were taken:



http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=35.57837&lon=-82.33361&size=l&u=4&datum=nad27&layer=DRG



Will Blozan



President, Eastern Native Tree Society

President, Appalachian Arborists, Inc.