Which statement best describes the author’s viewpoint in "The Thirsty Tree"? A. Salt cedar trees take up more than their share of space in the American Southwest.

B. Any ongoing human effort to influence the environment of the American Southwest is ultimately futile.

C. People must work to keep a balance between the salt cedar trees, the beetles that eat their leaves, and the willow flycatcher bird.

D. Salt cedar trees are one of several valuable tree species in the American Southwest.