The Banner Thirty Years Ago: Australian pines razed at state park
By CATHY COTTRILL
Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

TREE WAR: Beachgoers were up in arms about the removal of Australian pines at Wiggins Pass State Park 30 years ago this week. Large numbers of the trees were being cleared from the park to make way for sewer lines.

“When the system is in, it will serve five additional bathhouses and restrooms,” The Banner reported.

The state was making the improvements to the park under the Open Space Project, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Capt. Ken Alvarez of the state parks department said the pines would be replaced with native vegetation.

“If you check around, you’ll find that most land management agencies are attempting to get rid of the Australian pine,” he said.

A group of local artists, including Leona Dickow and Vivian Smith of Bonita Springs, mourned the loss.

“Those pines are beautiful,” said artist Grace Blackmore. “They took years to grow and whatever they plant is going to require time before we have any shade.”

Blackmore was busy completing a sketch of the north end of the park, where workmen had yet to clear trees.

“I’m trying to capture the beauty before they destroy it,” she said. “I’m calling this painting ‘In Memoriam.’’’

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