The Australian pines have been here for over a century; they have historic value. So-called "native" trees really aren't native; they invaded here after sea level receded 5,000 years ago. (Ask the state geologists.) That's a conclusive fact that native tree proponents conveniently ignore. 

There are thousands of acres of native trees throughout the keys, and the area of Australian pine that Save Our Pines wants to preserve is very small.

This discussion is about political fashion, not scientific fact, as neither the proposed pavilion, nor Ft. Zach itself, nor European descendants like us are native to Key West, yet they are spared exclusion by the "native only" fanaticism.

Cape Florida State Park was once an enchanted forest of shady Australian pine. Now it is a brutally hot, scruffy terrain of shadeless natives.

How many park visitors picnic in the native tree area, versus under the pines?


Posted by: Nothing hurts like the truth.
 

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