MN: Letting trees get old and rot in state parks is a waste of money, so let's cut/sell them

Logging in state parks? Bill would require it in 2
The proposal to harvest black walnut trees in the southeastern state parks for money ignites a firestorm.

One side says valuable black walnut trees in Minnesota state parks shouldn't be left to age and rot -- they should be cut down and sold for much-needed state revenue.

The other side says our state parks have never been commercially logged, and they have long been managed to let nature take its course, not maximize profits.

A bill requiring the Department of Natural Resources to commercially log trees in two southeastern Minnesota state parks, which officials say would be unprecedented, has sparked the debate and galvanized park supporters. The bill will be voted on next week in the full Minnesota House.

It orders the DNR to harvest black walnut and "timber resources suitable for harvest'' in Frontenac and Whitewater state parks, and use profits to help fund the park system. Bill supporters say the state can't afford to let valuable trees rot in the woods. Opponents say the measure is shortsighted and would open up state parks to commercialization. The DNR opposes the bill.

http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/118690399.html

an ecosystem. It is on the net.

wtf! these guys are awful!

Peggy Gravel: Why did you tell me to come this way, Grizelda? You know I hate nature! Look at those disgusting trees, stealing my oxygen. Oh, I can't stand this scenery another minute. All natural forests should be turned into housing developments! I want cement covering every blade of grass in this nation. Don't we taxpayers have a voice anymore?

from Desperate Living

Next Stop: Mortville