Saving Heritage Trees.

editor: I was really happy to see a salute to Salem's "Tree Man," Maynard Drawson, in your Winter 2004 issue (Earthkeepers). Readers might be interested to know that prior to founding the Oregon Heritage Tree Program, Mr. Drawson inspired local tree buffs to press Salem's City Council into creating a Historic or Heritage Tree ID Program.

Preservationists will be delighted to know that in 2000, Salem's City Council revisited and strengthened the Heritage Tree designation by codifying their protection. Not only are these trees protected by law, but they are also designated as such on their property deeds. This way their protection status remains regardless of who owns the property.

Clearly, there are many examples of one person's efforts making a big difference; in Maynard Drawson's case, it created a legacy.

Alan Pennington

City of Salem, Oregon