Old-growth juniper trees are a symbol of the American West. …East of Bend, in the Oregon Badlands, at least one juniper is believed to be 1,600 years old. In areas where they are native, junipers do play an important role for wildlife, offering cover to mule deer. Some bird species nest in them and eat their berries. But younger juniper trees that dominate the Central Oregon High Desert are somewhat more controversial. Their explosive growth and march eastward over the past century threatens to crowd out native flora and fauna. …“Juniper trees are highly water-intensive, consuming significant amounts of groundwater and depleting water sources for streams, springs, and native vegetation,” said Isabella Isaksen, a spokesperson for the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River Grasslands. …“Cutting juniper improves water availability, allowing native plants to thrive and enhancing watershed health,” said Isaksen.