City - GSMNP State - TENNESSEE Country - United States
About
Perhaps you are wondering why I have posted a photo of dead Fraser Fir trees?? Because they were once alive.
The Fraser Fir population of the Southern Appalachians, the only place they exist, has been devastated by a non-native insect, the balsam woolly adelgid. Many scientists attribute part of the destruction to acid rain as well. The killing first started in the Great Smoky Mountains NP in 1963 and now over 90% of the mature firs are gone.
This image was made from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee and the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.
What a horrible thing to happen to the forest... it's like our Pine Beetle up here... killing huge chunks of the forest each and every summer. I love the varying levels of mountains and clouds in the background... they really let the stark branches stand out. I wish there was a little less sky, to pull more focus down to the darkness of the trees.
Excellent, Robert - wonderful composition and light.
The changes on Clingman's are really noticeable over ever shorter periods of time. And yes, air pollution has a major part in this; too many other things besides the firs are suffering. Every time I see this it makes my blood boil; I'll spare you the rant.
Thanks Jim. I chose to take a journalistic/documentary type approach to the scene that morning. Without the about info to put things in context this is just another pretty sunrise pic, though with a bunch of dead trees. I figure it can't hurt to stimulate a little thought and raise awareness. Thanks again.
Great shot and great "about" information. I liked your photo from the get go but I like it even more with the supplimental information. i wish more people would do that here. Great job! 7/7
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