Oh Pine

Last week the ISW posted about some Australian pines (Casuarina equisetifolia) that have been afforded the perks of historical status in Florida. Turns out the town of Gulf Stream is not the only location dealing with the state's labeling of this species as invasive. NBC2 News is reporting that the island of Sanibel is rebelling against state recommendations to remove their Australian pines. It is not any affection for the trees that has led to the decision, but rather the excessive cost of removal, which can run upwards of $1500 per tree. For now, the city is focusing on getting rid of the trees that threaten utilities or could cause problems on evacuation routes - Aussie pines on private property can be left alone. In 2003 Florida's Palm Beach County had to do some backpedaling after making it compulsory to remove Australian pines and other invasive trees from private property.