Back in the Good Ole' Days............................

Exactly my view Also. that is why I personally lobbied the local Forestry people to preserve that amazing old growth tolerant hardwood stand that was about 400 acres. Now it is gone. You mention 'responsible' management of our forests. The only place it exists in Ontario to my knowledge is in Algonquin Park where tolerant hardwood stands are selectively harvested to preserve uneven aged stands that are improved each time they are harvested which is on a 15 to 20 year basis. They are getting better each time they are harvested. Elsewhere the hardwood stands are now pulpwood/firewood operations at best and just plain overstocked scrub brush at worst. I am beyond theoretical platitudes. I think we are on the same page.

 

Manifest Destiny was the term used to justify the end of the Buffalo, Old Growth Forests, Passenger Pigeons. You are totally correct. It was considered a conquest. John Muir was an exception. Toward the end of his life Teddy Roosevelt was also. Those are the type of voices and leaders we need today. Up here, we have none. Hope its better south of the border.

 

I'm getting nervous............................ My intention was just as Dennis mentioned............sorry if I stirred up the hornet's nest.

 

I don't think anything is getting out of order. These enormous trees were cut and documented in photographs for those of us here now to look back and somewhat shake our heads, but then realize the mindset of the individuals cutting them was literally centuries apart from where we are as people today.

If you haven't watched the PBS documentary "the national parks" it's pretty good insight into what was happening (including battling factions) when the national parks were created, as well as national forests.

I find a personal connection to it as there are pictures from the top of Mount Cheaha looking down towards my land area in the early 1900's and the entire landscape looks like a clearcut. Now for the most part its mature hardwood & pine forest, with some timber harvest activity.

 

I enjoy looking at the pics and am glad they were posted. There are many people that will never be able to those trees in person; I personally made it a goal to view them with my children.

 

I had a log truck stop next to me at a light on the way home today with just a few massive logs on it. No idea what they were but they were at least 50" to 60" across and filled the whole tri axle truck. Large grain bark that kinda reminded me of walnut but I'm not good at wood identification. Very straight logs with no knots so I'm guessing it was for veneer. Good lookin stuff.

Anyway, it reminded me of this post. Figured I'd share.

 

Yes, I learned my lesson and shall not repeat it.
Great pics though.