Discussion: Yes . . .

let's go sailing. Wait - our boats away, Covid-19, yada, yada.

....Always marvel at the slow but inexorable vegetation change....

It is happening all over the world, what we call 'invasives.' Whether vegetation, animals, pathogens, or humans. And usually caused by the careless hand of mankind. Either directly, as in your once-cleared power line, or indirectly by the increasing effects of Global Warming:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/23/mag...

Whether or not there are “invasive” the vegetation changes. I f you want to grow a forest, just stop mowing your lawn.

Yes...a forest. But chances are that that forest will not be thick with hemlocks, pines and other classic northern New England softwoods. Their seeds may sprout and begin to grow, but they'll soon be shaded out by more vigorous hardwoods from the south like persimmon, tulip and paw-paw.

And BTW, I thought that long article I linked, was one of the best expositions about the coming migration crisis. Don't think Biden has a clue....

We still have hemlocks but they are in steep decline here because of climate change and invasive insects. We have a few tulip trees, but not many at all. Mostly what grew up in our clear cuts of 14 years ago was birch, maple, cherry and oak. A few pine. Pretty much no hemlock. The fist few years it was all chestnut, which continues to sprout from the roots of about a century to go, but does not grow to maturity because of the chestnut blight.

I was talking about mundane vege change - ie, open space for the most part disappearing into white pine stands. Old paths gone, maybe new ones appearing. After some period of time the woods we knew as kids, if still standing, aren't recognizable...unless something as enduring as a redwood or sequoia forest.

...what we call 'invasives.' Whether vegetation, animals, pathogens, or humans. And usually caused by the careless hand of mankind....

Amen to inclusion of 'humans' - we are the ultimate weed/invasive. Round us up! Population control is a start. Good luck in that regard.

Hughmac...boat's for sale, 40 years was enough!

And what a great investment it was . . . If I were 40 years younger, I'd buy it from you. Time travel is needed . . . .