A growing problem

Re “O.C. Wetlands Restoration May Have a Downside,” Sept. 13

I was disappointed in the article’s limited background information. Eucalyptus trees are an invasive plant species native to Australia that can displace native habitat for wildlife.

Activist Mark Bixby incorrectly implies that eucalyptus groves are habitat for the endangered California gnatcatcher. The gnatcatcher’s habitat is coastal sage scrub, a sensitive plant community that can be displaced by eucalyptus groves. Although concerns over the eucalyptus trees are well intended, the loss of this grove will likely be beneficial to the long-term health of the native ecosystem being restored and the wildlife it will support.

ROBERT MACALLER

San Diego