I concur with Ed Smith’s letter of Dec. 9. The Cottonwood tree is much more emblematic of Carson City than the Bristlecone Pine.
Further, the Carson River, an essential element of Carson City, appears not to have been represented in the sculpture for the South Carson Street roundabout.
The Fremont cottonwood grows in riparian areas near streams, rivers, and wetlands. No doubt the Cottonwood trees presence attracted the eagles to the valley in which Carson City lies, resulting in its being named Eagle Valley.
As one of the major overstory trees in riparian areas of the western United States, and with riparian areas being some of the most productive wildlife habitats, the Fremont cottonwood is one of the most important plant species to western wildlife.
Even when cottonwoods start to die, cavities in the trees are used by over 40 animal species for nesting or roosting. The trees are also important for stabilizing stream banks, producing debris that provides habitat for fish, and providing erosion control and shade.
According to treespiritwisdom.com: “Cottonwood signals a time of hope, healing and transformation. A Native American legend tells of how the cottonwood tree first gave birth to the stars by holding star seeds within its branches […] In late spring female cottonwoods birth their cotton-like seeds into the air, filling the sky with magical ‘stars.’ In winter, the stars sleep within the branches.”
I’m for hope, the stars, water, and life. I’m for the Fremont cottonwood.
Colleen Lyons
Carson City