{INSERT YOUR PERSONAL SALUTATION AND A BIT ABOUT YOUR COCNERN]

I am writing today on behalf of the Pando Tree, a majestic tree located in Fishlake National Forest and one of the largest and oldest living things on Earth. I am writing because I want to educate elected leaders about the tree, in the hope that they will do all they can to recognize Pando as a special tree and work to support its protection and care.

A Tree That Protects Us

The Pando Tree plays a critical role in its homeland in the Fishlake National Forest. It serves as a 0.67-mile-long by 0.45-mile-wide bulwark, protecting historic sites and businesses that are the backbone of the local economy from wildfire, floods, and landslides, while also helping temper its homeland from the effects of drought and severe weather events. Throughout our nation’s history, we have protected special trees; however, Pando enjoys no special designations or protections. I and many others believe that, since Pando is one of the oldest and largest living things on Earth, it is our responsibility to appeal for its protection, study, and care.

What Is Needed to Protect and Care for the Pando Tree

Dating back to the late 1980s, staff at Fishlake National Forest have worked to protect, monitor, and restore the tree. Doing so involves the installation and maintenance of wildlife control systems; ground disturbances that stimulate new growth; the management and removal of diseased trees; and the removal of inordinate amounts of juniper (18 acres, according to Friends of Pando), as it depletes the soil and blocks the sunlight and water Pando needs to thrive. Work to care for this ancient wonder also requires regular monitoring of the tree’s landmass, including LiDAR studies to map changes in the tree; hydrological and geological studies to understand soil and water cycles; and regular soil, flora, and fauna studies to understand the dynamics at play. In 2024, the State of Utah appropriated funds to bring 80% of Pando’s landmass into protective care, setting the stage for us to care for the tree in a whole new way. Once protections are in place, we can monitor, restore, and encourage the health of the tree, and I believe that is work worth supporting. After all, the Pando Tree reminds us we still live in a world of wonders.

How the Pando Tree Inspires Us

The Pando Tree is known the world over. Since its discovery, the tree has been the subject of award-winning books and films, has appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, and has been honored in a folk song by Utah native Clive Romney. Intel Corporation recently named a new computer chip the “Pando Tree,” as the tree’s vast interconnected root network has served as an inspiration to pioneers in the information economy. Each year, the Pando Tree’s Wikipedia page is visited by some 500,000 people online, some 300,000 people pass through the tree on the Fishlake Scenic Byway, and 13,000 people come to enjoy this ancient wonder, generating $520,000 in local revenue. In all, I believe the Pando Tree is worthy of the respect and attention we have given other special trees in our nation’s history, and I hope you will work across the aisle with your colleagues to see the tree recognized as a natural wonder and given what it needs to be protected for generations to come. Pando is more than just some tree — Pando is one of the oldest and largest lifeforms on Earth!

What I Hope You Will Do

Today, there is no existing legislative or appropriations bill proposed to honor the Pando Tree or support work to care for it. I hope you will raise the matter with your colleagues. I hope you will inquire about opportunities to fund the local, state, and federal agencies directly involved in Pando’s protection and care — namely Fishlake National Forest, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and the community organizations and educational institutions that work alongside the nonprofit Friends of Pando to help care for Pando as best they can, on a volunteer basis and, frankly, on shoestring budgets. Know that if you do, I and community leaders in Pando’s homeland will meet with you and your agencies to do our part to help. Thank you for your time and consideration of what I have shared. I hope your office will reply to let me know your thoughts on how you could work to honor and protect the Pando Tree.

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