To the Editor:

Concerning forest management in the Ipcar Preserve and Round the Cove forests, I attended a field trip Sept. 7 and understand the reasons given for clear cutting the area: health of the forest and the safety of the neighborhood in the case of a forest fire.

However, I have seen the results of both the clear cutting of a forest and the selective cutting of a forest area.

When clear cutting takes place, the end result is a forest that appears to have been destroyed. Basically, except for hardwoods, everything is cut. We were also told that a substantial portion of each fallen tree’s stump would need to remain to absorb water in the area.

I think you can visualize what the Ipcar Preserve would look like if this takes place. It takes years for it to grow back, and you are left in the meantime with a woodland area that most people would no longer care to visit.

On the other hand, selective cutting — which I understand is not an option at this time — would leave most healthy trees but cut and remove the dead or unhealthy growth, allowing more sun to penetrate and removing “fuel” in the case of a fire. Any dead or unhealthy trees that need to be cut could be taken down to the ground level because there would be plenty of trees left to absorb water. It also is less traumatic for the wildlife. The end result is a beautiful forest that families can walk through and enjoy.

In my opinion, we should consider, and not rule out, selective cutting.

Paul Morin
Georgetown