Like some sinister fairy tale, the Fort Zachary Taylor Australian pine trees have endured adverse conditions and outside threats. Slated for destruction by man while withstanding brutal hurricane winds, the pines have stood tall for over 50 years, earning their history and cultural significance. But not without a fairy godmother, of course.
For two decades, the Save Our Pines grassroots organization has stepped up and worked to stop the chainsaws while nurturing the existing trees. They helped organize and facilitate trimming before and after each hurricane and now, today are trying to pass state legislation to permanently save the pines. The Save Our Pines organization knows its work is far from done and needs the community’s help to solicit our state legislators’ help in passing a legislative exemption that would safeguard them for future generations.
“They shield the fort from the incessant pounding of mother nature,” said Helen Harrison, who initially spearheaded the Save Our Pines campaign. Back in 2006, in accordance with state statutes the pines were labeled invasive by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and about 100 trees were removed with more to follow to make way for concrete pavilions and replacement native trees.
Save Our Pines rallied both public and political support to leave the remaining pines in their natural state, but without a permanent exemption, reforestation is currently illegal and loss of trees through attrition is winning. We now need to complete our mission with a planned program of controlled new growth to replace the ones lost to age. This, along with the existing native plants and trees, would be a balanced solution.
Why are these spindly, bushy trees so important? Back in the ‘60s, the pines were used to protect the fill at the beach and park from erosion. Now fully grown, they serve another purpose: shading the crowds and softening the landscape. Both locals and visitors understand, without these pines, Fort Zach would be a hot, barren and unenjoyable destination. For many, it is the backyard of Key West used for birthday parties, weddings, yoga, sunsets and event viewing such as the powerboat races. As one of the most profitable recreational parks in the state of Florida any change that would diminish its popularity would substantially reduce the local and state revenue it generates. Without the shady protection provided by the trees, would Fort Zach be the place we love to go? These pines are not yet saved forever. In 2015, then-Mayor Craig Cates proclaimed the third Sunday in March as “Save Our Pines Day in the Southernmost City of the Continental United States.” For this year’s Save Our Pines Day, on March 17, visit saveourpines.com to make a donation or email info@saveourpines.com to help the cause and, of course, go visit Fort Zachary Taylor and enjoy the shade of the towering pine trees.
