Regarding the letter, “Word usage errors on trees, ponds”: I too, have often cringed when hearing people using the term “pines” when referring to cedars, Douglas fir and Western hemlocks. And if I dare to point out the difference, I get a “What does it matter?” Come on folks, you would never call a German shepherd a Dachshund. “So what does it matter?” “They’re both dogs!”
Concerning the writer’s statement that pines are not native to Western Washington, I must point out that he is in error, for there are three pines native to Western Washington and/or Puget Sound. The first is the Western white pine, often times associated with the eastern slope of the Cascades and inter-mountain regions of Idaho, was once found in abundance in the region. But because it is only found between sea level and 1,500 feet, where the most intensive logging and development has taken place, it has largely disappeared. In addition, an imported disease, “White pine blister rust” was introduced, decimating the remaining stands. However, a few colonies still remain and are quite easy to find. Western white pines are also quite common on Whidbey Island.
The second pine native to the area, which is often associated with the eastern Cascades and inter-mountain ranges, is the Lodgepole pine. It is found along rocky shorelines of Puget Sound, mainly on Fidalgo and San Juan islands. It is also found along the Skagit River Gorge, north into the Coast Range of British Columbia.
The third pine native to Western Washington, is more restrictive in regard to where it is found, and is considered the most predominant species on the east slope of the Cascades and inter mountain regions, and that is the Ponderosa pine. The only colony is found in the Fort Lewis area; however, early botanists recorded a stand in the Skagit River basin, (Kruckeberg, “Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest”).
Don Stobbe
Sultan
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