Please tell me what species you think this is. The photo was taken April 30th in Bellingham WA. Many thanks.
Sadly, it was destroyed Wednesday Liz Marshall on Instagram: “The Pacific #Madrone and other #trees there were destroyed May 15, 2019. It is a shame there is little to no interest in plant salvaging…”
How would you salvage an arbutus of that size? They are very difficult to transplant even when only a year or two old.
Thanks, Margot. I don't know. Since last summer I was promoting plant salvage of the assorted plants that were there to experts who are knowledgeable and well-connected - such as the City's Parks person, one of the City's Planners who are the liaison with the developer, the County Master Gardener and her network, Audubon chapter president, et al. The Madrone is simply one of the plants that I was particularly magnetized to. Many years ago I was a volunteer for King County when plant salvage was popular---I don't know how King County is now, but that is where I learned of the trend.
Wow - that changes your view Margot is correct ... arbutus are very difficult to move (transplant) At the least, if someone has to cut down a large one - there are artisans who would probably like the wood if still in decent lengths and condition (wood turners and fine furniture makers etc)
Good point, Georgia Strait. I don't know where they hauled the "yardwaste" (such an insulting term for a Madrona) but maybe I can find out on Monday. Thank you.
Also - interior decorators and stagers ... look at the popularity of wood cut pieces at the popular retail places like P Barn and CB2 etc etc to name just a couple of places for example Chunks of firewood are now side tables ;) Also I agree w person who commented your Instagram - this is nesting and feeding families season ... I wish too that land clearing permits and contractors and individuals took that in to consideration too
Yes, at least in Canada, it is theoretically possible to charge people who do land clearing during nesting season under the Migratory Birds Act (provided birds are indeed disturbed / distressed). Rarely happens, though.
Oh my, I wish I had thought about possible legal steps! I will from now on. I will research what we have going for the birds here legally speaking. We do have the Migratory Birds Act. Thank you, Mr. Mosquin.
Aside fr checking your native plant and tree rules w the city and county (harvesting and cutting etc) I think the next detail to check is whether your plant and or bird law is state or federal One bird source I count on is Cornell Univ in NY State Tho I’d start as well w your local “branch” (so to speak) of bird watchers group cuz they may know how to find out info .
