After leaving Amagansett station the Montauk train picks up speed through the Stretch, a narrow isthmus of the Pine Barrens. These yellow pines have existed forever in the minds of generations of those living or visiting The End. No more. An invasion of pine beetles have ravaged the trees as they have across North America. There was no defense. No clear cutting or insecticide delayed the sap ravagers. The pines are either dead or dying. Their dessicated trunks toppling to the forest floor, a serious fire danger. For now I stare out the trrain's window at the bleskness of an apocalypse, however the local teachers have told their young students that the seedlings are safe from the invasive species and years from now the Pine Barrens shall rise again. Time will tell.
No comments:
Post a Comment