To the editor:
A private company arborist along with Penn State Extension people said the trees on the lawn at the Juniata County Courthouse were failing and posed a danger. Several were damaged internally.
Several years ago, Penn State Extension took acorns from these oaks and started new trees. The correct thing to do is plant the new oak seedlings, fully protected, so we will be contributing to another 100 years of beauty in Mifflintown.
Contact the Juniata County Commissioners to get started on this before faster growing but weaker trees are planted in their place, such as maples, which some have suggested. Yes, it was a major act of destruction, and we were lucky to have those trees as long as we did. But an effort must be made now to take the long view and plant what is appropriate and not leave it a cemetery only commemorating the fallen, not the living.
Alan Chack
Mifflintown
