You don’t have to drive far to see what Powell would look like without mature trees.

Early homesteaders worked hard to grow trees in what was, and in some places still is, a barren desert area.

As early as 1909 — the year Powell was incorporated — the Tribune wrote about planting trees in the Powell Valley, and a regular column provided tree tips for local residents.

On June 5, 1909, the Powell Tribune reported: “The Reclamation Service has planted 250 Carolina poplars and about 75 apple trees on government ground in town. Let the good work go on.”

The Tribune continued to remind locals of the vegetation’s importance in 1922.

“... Wyoming people should keep in mind the very important responsibility of setting out a generous quantity of trees this spring,” reads an April 1922 article. “Too often is this serious duty neglected in the busy rush of spring work, but in the development of the Shoshone project, no phase is more important than tree planting.”

It’s good to see today’s city leaders carrying on the legacy of the area’s earliest pioneers by investing in a plan to protect the local tree population.

Much of Powell’s urban forest consists of ash trees, which are threatened by the potential invasion of the emerald ash borer. The metallic green-colored beetle has killed tens of millions of ash trees throughout America.

City arborist Del Barton wants to treat local trees before the ash borer arrives and wreaks havoc in Powell.

“The potential of destruction from this insect was pretty great,” he told the council last week. “Clearly this is something to pay close attention to and not ignore.”

Councilmen agreed, encouraging Barton to save as many trees as possible. 

Barton’s plan comes at a cost. To treat and save some trees while removing others will initially cost about $10,000.

Treatment will be needed annually as long as the insect exists, and that continuing cost concerned Councilman Jim Hillberry. However, most city leaders agreed the trees are worth it. Removing Powell’s current canopy and replacing it with young trees would change the look and landscape of Powell for decades.

It’s important to diversify the tree population and continue planting new trees while taking care of the old ones.

Trees add value to our city. They provide shade on summer days, protection from the wind and add beauty to the landscape throughout the year.

As early leaders worked hard to establish thriving trees here, we should make it a priority to preserve Powell’s trees for generations to come.