[HangnJudge]

I've lived in the area one way or another for 40 years
I've backpacked in the Smokies since '73
I'm a Republican and Conservative to the core
But
I've watched with regret the steady loss
of trees from the ridge lines of these noble
mountains and steady increase in standing dead wood
as the Tennessee Valley Ozone levels have
gradually raised, a funneling effect from
pollutants to our South and west.
It is a sad sight to watch.

[FreedomCalls]

I've watched with regret the steady loss of trees from the ridge lines

Why is it then that when you compare pictures of the area from Civil War photos to modern photos, the forests there were MORE denuded in the 1860s than they are now? Why are the views from the "scenic overlooks" along the road through the park blocked by an overgrowth of trees around the pull-offs? I realize the park overlords don't want to have exposed stumps visible at the pull-offs, but dammit, you can't see through the trees anymore at the scenic overlooks.

[luckystarmom]

I'm a republican also. I think we do have to take care of our environment. Not in a wacky way, but it is a treasure to be taken care of.

There are so many things we can do that are easy.

I've seen clear cut forest in the west, and they are horrible. I think there has been much improvement in this area, thank goodness.

We drive a hybrid car, a Prius. Toyota has stated that all of their cars will be hybrids in 10 years. We like our Prius. It handles like a regular car. I'll be interested to see how they handle SUVs, trucks, and mini-vans. Those cars need a lot of power, but I'm confident that one of the car manufacturers can find a way to put hybrid technology in those cars.

I'm an engineer. I don't believe in giving up technology. I believe in using good engineering skilss to make technology cleaner.

[FITZ]

I'm a Republican and Conservative to the core But

The first conservationalists were Republicans. The National Parks and Wilderness areas being set aside to conserve a part of America was a Republican idea.

It's sad to see everything be ravaged for the money.

[PAR35]

I've watched with regret the steady loss of trees from the ridge lines of these noble mountains

Some of the mountaintops have always been treeless (that's why they are called "Bald"s - see, for example, Brasstown Bald in nearby Georgia. In fact, the mountains just north of the park are named the "Bald Mountains".

[Kay Ludlow]

I've watched with regret the steady loss of trees from the ridge lines of these noble mountains and steady increase in standing dead wood as the Tennessee Valley Ozone levels have gradually raised, a funneling effect from pollutants to our South and west.

I too watched the trees on my beloved mountains die off, leaving the ridgetops looking forlorn. That was in the 80's, from the gypsy moth infestation. In the 70's, my grandfather proudly took us all to the top of his mountain to see a Chestnut tree in bloom, the first in decades. He remembered when the forests were mostly chestnut; they were wiped out by the blight in the first half of the last century.

Change is a natural part of the environment. Species rise up, become strong, then are knocked down by something else trying to become strong. This isn't new; it didn't start in the last 100 years, and it's not all the fault of humans. Species (plants, animals, viruses, molds as well as people) are constantly trying to expand their foothold on their territory. They battle each other for precious air, water and land, and there are always winners and losers.

Don't buy into the environmentalists view that all the changes we see around us are unnatural and caused by humans. Their real agenda is to control us.

[henderson field]

More pollution
does not happen
without More People.
Stop immigration now.

[NorthGA]

I too have enjoyed the fir trees (hemlocks, spruces, etc) since the time you also have enjoyed them. But in forests, hardwoods will eventually replace fir trees - as the firs are less hardy. This is sad for those of us who love forests of fir trees, but it's natural progression.

Visit the Cradle of Forestry visitors center outside Brevard in the Pisgah Natl Forest on the east side of the park. It is similar to the Sugarlands center and is an excellent stop. This is where Vanderbilt started a school of forestry when he bought all the land and began building the Biltmore mansion.

[Axenolith]

Loss from ridgelines would seem to indicate that gypsy moths had made it there. Ozone is a product of the photochemical reaction of hydrocarbons and sunlight. Seeings as that net hydrocarbon levels produced by man have fallen over time, we need to figure out another source. My bet would be on the terpenes from coniferous trees reforesting former agricultural lands.

Forested land in VA went from ~15-20 to ~70+% from 1900 to present and I'd be willing to bet that area is close to the same. The initial tree type to repopulate old ag fields are cedars and pines which emit a lot of terpenes in hot weather...

[y2k_free_radical]

i have also for past 50 years