Why All the Stumps?

Why All the Stumps?. . There is no logging in the Maritime Forest, but the stumps do tell a story about cutting down trees. In the 1970s and '80s, Avalon planted non-native Japanese black pines in the dunes. The trees flourished because they tolerated the harsh shore conditions, and were thought to be free from disease and insect problems. But they don't provide good wildlife habitat, and are susceptible to pine bark beetles. As the trees die they create a fire hazard.

In 2010, Avalon initiated a Dune Vegetation Management Plan to replace the Japanese black pines with plants native to the area. This program is ongoing, so what you see are stumps from diseased trees that were cut down. The roots are left behind to help hold the dunes in place. Selected shrubs, trees and other vegetation have been planted in this area.

The Avalon Environmental Commission is responsible for overseeing this project and other initiatives providing protection for the Avalon Dune System.

Do you know the characteristics of Japanese black pines?

A Japanese black pine can grow 1-2 feet per year and reach 20-40 feet. Its needles are stiff, dark green and in bunches of two reaching lengths of 5 inches or more. Its terminal buds are gray to silvery white (this distinguishes this species from other pines). The pine cones are oval or cone shaped and may be solitary or clustered. The bark is a dark gray or purple gray, scaly and with longitudinal fissures.