Ask Big Tree is a new venture at Kentucky Heartwood, soon there will be a question and answer forum up for anybody to ask Big Tree what they will, but for now please send your questions to abt@kyheartwood.org and maybe your question will be answered on the web site.

Dear Big Tree,

I heard some Forest Service officials and lawyers referring to a "view shed".  Can you shed some light on this turn of phrase? 

Thanks,
Soon To Be Outraged

Dear Outraged – happy to assist.  A "view-shed" refers to the strip of land that is visible from a highway or thoroughfare.  In my day, the "view-shed" was a fair reflection of the landscape that could not be seen.  With trees and things.  Unfortunately, today's "view-shed" is what is politely known as a façade.  We trees have another word for it but this newsletter does not print such language. 
Yes, Outraged, just over that leafy ridge-beyond your view from the interstate, we trees are falling.  And to answer any philosophical question, when we fall, we do make noise.  The greater philosophical question is why you don't.

Keep those cards and letters coming while I am still around,
Big Tree