On the defense of Dredge Lake trees

Now that the elections are over, it's time to focus on important matters. One that deserves urgent attention is the protection of the few remaining cottonwood trees in the Dredge Lake area.

Despite the valiant efforts of a few beaver dam demolitionists, the beavers are winning. As they relentlessly repair their dams, our trails are frequently flooded with giardia-flavored swamp water.

On a recent walk around Moose Lake, my dog and I counted 15 tooth-ravaged cottonwoods just fallen or soon to topple. With the blessing of the U.S. Forest Service, I'd like to see the surviving cottonwoods near the lakes protected with metal buffers - before it's too late.

Robert W. Haight

Juneau