KEY WEST -- The military fortress named after President Zachary Taylor housed Union soldiers during the Civil War and served as coastal protection during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II.
But the crumbling brick fort turned historic state landmark and park never hosted a real battle -- until now.
At stake: the fate of about 800 Australian pine trees that provide a canopy of shade and peaceful place for residents and tourists to enjoy the rocky beach and breathtaking sunsets.
Some have dubbed it "The Battle of the Tree Huggers."
On one side is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which plans to continue its phased removal of the invasive exotic trees from Down Under. State biologists say the pines harm native species and wildlife, and say they will replace them with indigenous trees and vegetation.
On the other side is a passionate citizen brigade called Save Our Pines, which loves the precious green space as it has been for decades and is on a mission to "Stop the Massacre."
The two sides met last week in a packed room at the Harvey Government Center for a public workshop on the state park's updated draft management plan.
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