Green river — Green River The Green River in Kentucky, surrounded by a landscape of forests and farms. © Mike Wilkinson

Nature Briefs

HAWAI‘I

Pine trees don’t belong on Maui. They alter soil chemistry, shade out native plants and affect the hydrologic cycles of watersheds. Groves of mixed conifers were planted on the island starting in the early 1900s, but over time, pines grew outside those stands. The Nature Conservancy and its partners have focused on containing the groves and removing outlier trees, but they continue to spread.

After wildfires devastated Maui communities in August 2023, TNC identified a remedy that would help with two problems: the invasive pines, and a burnscarred landscape polluted with toxins and heavy metals from the fires. The treatment—biochar made from cutting and burning the invasive pines—can remediate the soil by drawing out pollutants. Biochar technology is an opportunity to take something that shouldn’t be there—invasive pines—and put it to use. The biochar will be donated to help the affected communities.

KENTUCKY

Sometimes conservation requires an act of Congress—literally. Last year, The Nature Conservancy and partners completed the largest dam removal in Kentucky history. The nearly eight-year project—first authorized by Congress in 2016—set in motion the dismantling of three dams, returning 200 miles of the Green River to a free-flowing state after being obstructed for more than a century. One of North America’s most biologically diverse rivers, the Green River is globally significant for mussel diversity; it harbors more than 70 species, including nine that are endangered. Mussels are indicator species and highly sensitive to environmental changes. They absorb heavy metals and filter harmful pollutants from aquatic ecosystems. Liberating this stretch of river will improve its health and safety. Water levels and quality are being closely monitored to ensure that clean water continues to be supplied to surrounding communities.

Freeing the Green River by removing defunct dams restores natural flows and gives people and wildlife new opportunities to benefit
from a healthy river. — **Nature Briefs: Kentucky** Freeing the Green River by removing defunct dams restores natural flows and gives people and wildlife new opportunities to benefit from a healthy river. © Philip Scott Andrews

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