Dear Editor,

Recently in Shawnee Forest a bushhog already had mowed through a population of state-threatened Small White Snakeroot. It was headed toward the only known Ohio Population of the state-edangered Silver Plume Grass only 100 yards away. The mower had the right-of-way; it was clearing a utility right-of-way.

But, an equipment operator was willing to look at the site and take the information to his supervisor. The forest manager was notified. There was communication and a decision was made to spare the Silver Plume Grass. Thank you, everyone.

Yes, the perennial grass probably would survive being mowed just as it was beginning to bloom. But its vigor would be diminished. And, some population of organism totally dependent upon the flowers or seeds of that particular species might not survive the loss.

Every species has value both to itself and to others. Recognizing and preserving the value of everything enriches the ecology of the forest and strengthens the web of life in Shawnee.

The plume-like flower heads of the Silver Plume Grass are pretty to look at, too. They have aesthetic value to people.

Barbara Lund,

Member of Save Our Shawnee Forest.