INDUSTRY SEEKS JUDGE'S APPROVAL TO LOG TRACTS

[Bob Taylor]

> An interesting point of view Bob. But wrong terminology. Fungi are not a
> taxa, but a kingdom now. Thus they join the plant and animal kingdoms in
> science. Forest ecology _is_ a joining, a blending of all three
> kingdoms.
> 
> To ignore even one kingdom is to not see the forest for the trees.
> 
Actually, "taxon" is a generic term that refers to a unit of systematics,
species, family, etc., including kingdom
 
> BTW, did you know that endophytic fungi are the reason fir (and probably
> pine, spruce, and other conifer) needles stiffen?
> 
> Have you ever seen a Douglas fir whose needles _never_ stiffen? They are
> called "eagle trees", and one is located next to Eddyville High School.
> They are rare, apparently rejecting endophytic fungal colonization. They
> are also prime candidates for insect infestation, which may be one
> reason they are so rare in nature.
>
I didn't. Interesting.  

 don't wish to debate with you the assertion that fungi are important in
forests.  I have already conceded that.  The point I was making is that the
management issue has little or nothing to do with any particular group of
organisms.  It has to do with the old-growth seral stage.  The health, or
lack thereof, of the old growth trees is largely irrelevant.  A decadent
forest with many dead trees is still desirable in the eyes of old-growth
advocates.  They can all have droopy needles as long as they are old droopy
needles.

Bob Taylor