[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".

[HangnJudge]

Yup - I've hiked many of the balds in the Southern Appalachians

The ridge line deforestation is different
LeConte is a good example ask anyone who has frequently visited it's lodge and seems clearly progressive
for whatever reason