[NutmegDevil]

I am a butterfly enthusiast (watcher, not a collector).

A clearing within a forested area (or even just wooded area) would let in sunshine, thereby allow for the growth of native plants that could provide nourishment for butterflies in the caterpillar and adult stages.

Fragmented forests (e.g., along power line cuts) are a boon for butterflies and those who search to view them. The native (and many non-native nectar producing [aka weeds]) plants near the bases of towers that are missed by the mowing/clearing folks provide sustenance for lepidoptera.

[Texan5]

Apparently, the Audubon people forgot that butterflies and other insects that birds dine on live/feed on plants that grow in forest clearings. I live right at the edge of the woods and leave my property natural, only trimming it after everything goes to seed to spread them, but my neighbor scalps his every 2 weeks to the ground. I have flowers, butterflies and even fireflies, and all kinds of birds. My neighbor has nothing that blooms and no wildlife, and doesn’t understand why.

Shouldn’t someone tell the Audubon bunch what they are doing wrong, or is this really a NIMBY issue in the guise of harm to birds?

[Fraxinus]

I strongly suspect that the locations the cell phone companies want to put these new towers already has things like access roads, power lines, fire towers, concession stands and other development. Thus the increase in fragmentation would be minimal.