A plan to cut acres of white pine trees in the State Forest that is backed by Vineyard ecologists and firefighters was met with stiff resistance from Islanders this week. And the first pinkletinks of the season have been heard on the Vineyard. You can hear them too.
A plan to cut about 175 acres of white pine trees in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest that is backed by Vineyard ecologists and firefighters was met with stiff resistance from Islanders this week.
The state’s pending plan to clear 175 acres of white pine and other trees in the Manuel F. Correllus forest has earned the endorsement of a coalition of Island ecologists, fire chiefs and other conservation groups.
A proposal by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to remove an area of white pine trees from the state forest is facing pushback from local forestry experts.
Fears of wildfire, concerns about trail safety and anger over this summer’s unannounced destruction of a homeless camp were the top themes when Islanders spoke to Massachusetts officials in charge of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest on Thursday night.
Islanders will have a chance to air their concerns about the management of the Manuel F. Correllus state forest next week when state officials hold a public meeting on the Vineyard.
Staff planner Dan Doyle told commissioners last week that an MVC-led task group has been meeting to develop improvement plans that take into account both the forest’s ecological health and the safety of human communities that surround and use it.
A public outcry in support of the Island’s homeless community followed the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s decision to clear three homeless encampments in the state forest last week.
State contractors entered the state forest this week and cleared three homeless encampments, razing tents and leaving several Islanders without their possessions.
