No sooner had the new landlord taken over the forest when he began clear-cutting.
“Too many trees,” he said.
Everyone knew some trimming was needed, but no one expected a wholesale removal.
So many had depended on the trees. For some, they offered protection. For others, a home. For everyone, they’d been part of the natural landscape, and their absence was jarring.
Almost overnight, the national forest became a wasteland. Without roots, the soil washed away. Without shade, the earth baked. Without water vapor, drought struck.
The vast tract lay barren until, one day, the landlord’s lease expired.
“Too many trees,” he said.
Everyone knew some trimming was needed, but no one expected a wholesale removal.
So many had depended on the trees. For some, they offered protection. For others, a home. For everyone, they’d been part of the natural landscape, and their absence was jarring.
Almost overnight, the national forest became a wasteland. Without roots, the soil washed away. Without shade, the earth baked. Without water vapor, drought struck.
The vast tract lay barren until, one day, the landlord’s lease expired.
