by Koren Wetmore

CAMP PAIVIKA--While smog kills most trees, a grove near Crestline has learned to use one pollutant to fight another, forest researchers say.

The ponderosa pines and California black oaks tap the nitrogen in smog and use it like fertilizer. They grow taller and gain the energy to replace ozone-damaged needles and leaves faster than their forest counterparts. "It's like they're on steroids," said forest service scientist Mark Poth. "I wouldn't use the term flourishing, but they are growing very well."

A study of a stand of similar trees near Barton Flats showed the Camp Paivika trees grew much faster and larger even though they were exposed to much higher levels of smog. The discovery is part of a 25-year study by the forest service's Pacific Southwest Research Station to determine the effects of air pollution on the forest. In recent years, the study has turned up some interesting results.

"First, we needed to know if this was a good thing," Poth said. "Somebody can look great on the outside, but if they've got a bad heart valve, their health is not good."

More in-depth study revealed the nitrogen-saturated giants had suffered some damage.

Scientists dug down and found that the trees had fewer of the smaller, nutrient-carrying roots than typically seen in the species. Also, the pine needles replaced by the nitrogen-spurred growth lived only two years compared to the needle's normal five- to eight-year life span. Other findings raised concern for the overall health of the forest.

The trees have the potential for becoming plant bullies, Poth said. Their ability to adjust to smog allows them to take over ground where more smog-sensitive species...

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