Dakota Gardener: What's it worth to you?

Over the last 12 months, I've received more than 600 emails, text messages, phone calls and other forms of communication where people asked me a question related to trees and forests. Yes, I actually track those numbers.

One of the more interesting questions came a few weeks ago and it was pretty simple. How much is a mature shelter belt worth?

Oh, where to begin?

The question was straightforward,...