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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Are we just feeding beetles?

I’ve read in this paper that the ponderosa pine is now Spokane’s official city tree. and that many of them are being planted locally. Nice gesture, but …

I’ve lived in the Down River area for over 25 years and have seen the devastation from the pine bark beetles. California has lost the battle. There are acres of dead trees in the California forests now contributing to the fire hazards there. Please take a drive around the Down River golf course and along the Spokane River. There are fallen and cut trees everywhere. I’m definitely not an expert but feel bad that we may be wasting our time planting more pines and feeding the beetles!

Great idea but maybe some other variety of tree?

Wish that WSU and UW could begin doing some research into this devastating affair.

Mary Naber

Spokane

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