Save Our Cypress
The Problem: Cypress forests in Louisiana are being clear-cut to feed an
unsustainable and unnecessary cypress mulch industry. These silent sentinels of
the swamps, with their knees and Spanish moss, are legendary icons of the
South. Cypress
swamps are also the most effective natural barriers defending our coastal
communities from storm surge and flooding, and they provide essential habitat
for wildlife, including threatened and endangered species like the bald eagle.
The superiority of cypress mulch is a myth, but it is driving demand and whole
trees from large tracts of swamp are meeting their final fate at the mulch
machine. Worst of all, due to tremendous changes in wetland hydrology, many of Louisiana's cypress will
never grow back once cut.
The
Solution: Policies
to protect existing cypress forests must be implemented at both the state and
federal level, and the demand for cypress mulch must end. Thankfully, an
abundance of sustainable mulch alternatives are available. Pine straw, pine
bark nuggets, eucalyptus mulch, and many other products cost the same and are
equally effective.
Urgency: Demand for mulch is exploding,
and The Mulch and Soil Council, an industry association, has stated that the
last two years have seen unprecedented sales. Cypress mulch, once a by-product of the
timber industry, is fast becoming the most popular
cypress product and entire trees are being used for mulch. Florida's cypress forests have already been
logged out. Demand for cypress mulch must be cut before the entire country
loses all its stands of this amazing species.
Action:
Wal-Mart, Home
Depot, and Lowe's must stop selling cypress mulch in favor of sustainable
alternatives. By leveraging their incredible purchasing power, these retailers
will greatly reduce the pressure on Louisiana
cypress forests and create a shift towards sustainability. Also, the state
should enact landowner incentive programs to encourage preservation.
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