Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Carolina Curious: Why can't powerline crews cut down more invasive trees?

The Callery pear, or Bradford pear, is native to China. It has been widely planted throughout the United States and is regarded as an invasive species. Adobe Stock photograph.

The Callery pear, or Bradford pear, is native to China. It has been widely planted throughout the United States and is regarded as an invasive species. Adobe Stock photograph.

Julie Mullis from Deep Gap has a question for Carolina Curious:

"Why are the power line tree cutting crews not trained to cut invasive trees like the Callery pear since they’re out there anyway with their equipment?"

Minor Barnette is not a tree cutter, but he does direct the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection.

The bulk of his department’s mission is implementation of the Clean Air Act — protecting air quality, monitoring pollution and regulating emissions. But he also administers county ordinances governing things like solid waste transportation and disposal, recycling collection and operating the county’s three recycling convenience centers.

Barnette has lived in Winston-Salem for 36 years, and he knows some stuff.

"I think that if she asked th

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate