Cohasset, Calif. – In the aftermath of the Park Fire, tree-cutting crews are actively removing damaged trees in Cohasset, raising concerns from local arborist Seth Mitchell about the environmental impact of the operation.
Mitchell, a former forest administrator and resident of Cohasset, argues that the current approach is overly aggressive and potentially harmful to the environment. The tree removal is part of Butte County’s Right of Entry (ROE) program, which permits the removal of trees posing immediate safety risks, such as those with compromised structural integrity that could endanger roads, homes, or work crews.
However, Mitchell advocates for an alternative approach, suggesting that landowners should opt for programs that prioritize preserving trees whenever possible, focusing only on those directly threatening roads and infrastructure.
“I want my daughter to be able to come back to Cohasset and see trees,” Mitchell emphasized. “We don’t want a repeat of the situation in Paradise, where the lack of trees has made the area unappealing for residents. In some cases, living trees were unnecessarily removed, leaving properties barren.”
Mitchell points out that some trees, although appearing dead externally, may still be alive internally and could recover if left standing. He warns that clear-cutting practices disrupt watersheds, potentially leading to flooding and infrastructure issues.
“Clear cuts offer minimal benefits,” Mitchell stated. “Without restoration efforts, these areas become little more than barren ground.”
