The risingtree population could disrupt the natural processes that cycle snow and energy through the region and increase the amount of carbon it stores, according to the researchers.
Fast-forward several centuries, and a city was founded, then called Muang Sua, the result of two sages seeing a flame treerising from the point where the rivers meet.
Spending is projected to outpace revenue for years, and rising pension and retiree health care bills threaten money that could otherwise go to libraries, tree-trimming and street repairs.