Tip of the iceberg

After reading the Nov. 10 article on PennEast/UGI pipeline clearing of trees from the proposed route, I researched the spotted lanternfly. Carbon County is under quarantine for this pest and the tree of heaven. What this means according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is that the movement of items such as logs, stumps or any tree parts is restricted and a permit is needed.

The spotted lanternfly has the potential to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries and with it the agricultural industries, wineries, breweries in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, and the industries they export their products to. What impact would this infestation have on all those tractor-trailers coming from Pennsylvania loaded with Christmas trees?

As this article points out, the impact of any clear-cutting, including pre-cutting of trees before all permissions are received, will have far-reaching impacts on our state. The spotted lanternfly could be the tip of the iceberg.

Lucy Freck

Towamensing Township