As 2016 comes to an end, here are a few words on behalf of the wildlife and trees so important to the diversity and quality of life in Sussex County. Of course they are dependent on each other, whether it’s the trees providing shelter and food for the birds and animals, or the animals and birds spreading and cultivating seeds to sustain our forests.
One of the most visible and pervasive natural features of Sussex County and its predominant flatness is the ever-present tree lines with us along all of our roadways, near and far. They are there - everywhere - because of the hundreds of streams and creeks and rivers that riddle our county. Every stream has its own associated forest, and every one of those forests - as narrow and linear as they may be - provides haven for the wildlife whose sightings often give us unexpected but delightful surprises.
Whether it’s humpbacked and cagey raccoons, opossums - North America’s only marsupial, white-tailed deer, sly foxes and wily coyotes or skunks and rabbits and squirrels and muskrats and so many more interesting and beautiful creations of nature, they all add up to a treasure to be protected and preserved. The more protection and connection we support for the forests, the better for all.
When it comes time to get specific with the Sussex County Comprehensive Plan due for significant updating in 2017, serious consideration should be given to reasonable expansion of the natural buffers along our waterways.
Those buffers are of immense value in maintaining a healthy and responsible percentage of forested lands in Sussex so vital to the survival of our wildlife. As inevitable development continues - itself so vital to a healthy Sussex economy - so too will pressure on the total of our forested lands. All of us need to devise ways to leverage the advantages of development to help ensure we’re maintaining sustainable wildlife habitat.
Wild animals can’t speak for themselves. But, what’s good for the animals will also be good for us: our own quality of life and the value of our properties.
As we head into 2017, responsible and vocal stewardship is more important than ever.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood.
