8 minute read
Chikaming Township Park Board declares war on invasive plant
from July 7, 2022
TREE-OF-HEAVEN
Last fall, people heard the screaming pitch of chain saws and woodchippers if they live anywhere near Miller Beach in Union Pier.
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More than 23 Tree-ofheaven (Ailanthus Altissima) and one maple were surgically removed from a stand of native oaks and maples. Left unchecked, some of the trees had grown to 70 feet supported by a 15-inch diameter trunk. C&A Arborists used a massive crane to hoist half of each cut tree up and over the adjacent trees, buildings and a fence and then lowered to the mouth of a shredder. The relatively quiet cleanup continued the following day.
According to a press release from the Chikaming Township Park Board, the trees have been coexisting at the beach entrance for decades. Just another pretty tree to most of us, and though its name makes it sound divine, the invasive Tree-of-heaven is no angel.
The ugly truth is far more complicated as confirmed by Michigan State Extension, US Department of Agriculture and many environmental organizations: 1. The plant is not native to North America; introduced from China in the late 1700s as a fast growing pollution resistant ornamental, it became popular in urban landscapes for its ability to thrive in poor soils and cramped spaces. It currently thrives across North America. 2. The weed tree is allopathic meaning it releases chemicals into the soil which inhibit the growth of nearby plants including desirable native species. Its aggressive root system can cause damage
to pavement, sewers and building foundations. 3. The weed Tree of Heaven grows quickly in any type of soil and is a prolific progenitor via both seeds (up to 350,000 per year from the female plant) and suckering from its root system. It quickly overwhelms native plants and trees. 4. Tree-of-heaven does not attract insects that are an important source of nourishment for native birds. 5. Tree-of-heaven does attract the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that is harmful to crops important to Michigan’s economy. They feed on fruit trees, grapes and bush crops including blueberries. The Tree-of-heaven is a favored breeding site for this destructive invasive. While not established in Michigan, as it is in 8 eastern states, a dead lanternfly was found in this state in 2020. Eliminating Tree-of-heaven today puts us ahead of the curve in the inevitable battle with this pest. 6. Allergic reactions by humans and dogs from Treeof-heaven pollen and direct contact with leaves and flowers have been widely reported. Symptoms include severe dermatitis.
Strategies for identifying the weed (often confused with the beautiful and native sumac or black walnut) and safely eliminating it may be found at the Michigan State and University of Pennsylvania Extension’s Websites.
“We look forward to an improved native habitat at Miller Beach with the addition of vegetation that feeds and shelters native birds and furry mammals. In the absence of competition from Tree-ofheaven the surviving oaks and maples will flourish and we will benefit from their expanded lifespan and fewer dead and falling branches in the coming decades. The Chikaming Township Park Board views stewardship for the long term. Miller Beach will be in service to the public for the next century and beyond,” the press release
TWO DROWNING VICTIMS RESCUED AT WASHINGTON PARK BEACH IN MICHIGAN CITY
According to a post on the Michigan Fire Department’s Facebook, at 6:44 p.m. Sunday, July 3, Michigan City Fire Michigan City Fire Department was dispatched for multiple drownings at Washington Park Beach.
On arrival, one victim was out of the water and being cared for by LaPorte County Emergency Medical Service. Multiple fire crews entered the water in search of a second victim.
“The second victim was quickly located at the bottom of the lake. MCFD Dive team member Kyle Gish went down and retrieved this victim then proceeded to pass her off to the secondary rescuer Joshua Allen. Josh, who was connected to water rescue rope, gave two rescue breaths and then was pulled in by onshore crew members,” the post stated.
Crews “immediately began life saving measures and transferred the patient to Laporte County EMS,” the fire department reported.
“All agencies operated quickly, effectively, and efficiently. Michigan City Police Department played a vital role with crowd control as well as additional manpower with transporting the patient to EMS,” the Facebook post said.
There was speculation that there may have been a third victim, so MCFD crews and MCFD Dive team members searched for one hour; however, it was determined there was no third victim. — STAFF REPORTS
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