West Branch Times, IA
05-02-07
Park Perspectives by Cheryl A. Schreier
Hoover Site concerned about its trees
Trees are an integral part of the West Branch community, including Herbert
Hoover National Historic Site and the Presidential Library’s landscape and visual appearance. And, as most of you know, the ice storm of Feb. 24 left extensive tree damage to many yards in the area.
The trees of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Presidential Library were heavily affected by the storm. Almost h alf of the site’s trees suffered damage as a direct result of the excessive ice weight and the strong force of destructive winds. Many of the damaged trees suffered as much as 50 percent of their branches broken or injured.
We, as caretakers of the site, are attempting to secure a healthy and vital tree forest for the Hoover Site. To address this recent storm damage, we have requested National Park Service emergency funds to repair and promote healing of damaged trees essential to maintaining the site’s landscape and historic appearance.
However, even before the dreadful ice storm, the park staff had been concerned about the park’s trees — their health and vitality. We understand little of their natural longevity and even less of what, when or how to replace trees when their life span ends. A recent updated inventory of 801 park trees in the core landscape was recorded. Approximately 55 species of trees have been identified within the site, with only about two-thirds native to Iowa.
With the assistance of
Iowa State University’s department of natural resource ecology and management expertise , we have been able to not only understand the mix of species on the grounds, but also the imbalance in species representation, as well as the potential for extensive loss due to insects or disease (for the ash in particular). In other words, the state of health and risk of losing a large percentage of our tree population at one time.
We have recently been developing an urban forest plan (or planting plan) for the site to be implemented over the next 10 years. This plan includes replacement — especially for the hazardous trees that should be removed, the ash species expected to succumb to the Emerald Ash Borer, and for some of the trees that are currently in poor condition and likely to die soon
— as well as suggestions for new species plantings to establish and maintain a healthy and diverse forest.

The species recommended for planting are all native tree species that appear in early plant lists. Particular attention has been given to providing greater species and size variety than is currently present. This improved range of species will act as a buffer against large population losses in the case of insect or disease outbreaks, while maintaining a visually appealing forest and landscape.
If you have further questions, please contact the park. Both the park staff and I encourage you to visit and enjoy your National Historic Site in West Branch.
Cheryl A. Schreier is superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.