Saving urban trees.Editor: I appreciated AMERICAN American, river, 30 mi (48 km) long, rising in N central Calif. in the Sierra Nevada and flowing SW into the Sacramento River at Sacramento. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill (see Sutter, John Augustus) along the river in 1848 led to the California gold rush of FORESTS' comments in the San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden Chronicle's article about the decline of tree canopy in America's cities, "The psychological benefits of trees are just not getting the attention they deserve." I wanted to tell you of my crusade to save a neighborhood tree--twice, in 17 years! What can one person do? In 1989 I saved a 40-year-old tree in my neighborhood from being cut down. Walking along the tree-lined neighborhood where I had lived for nearly 20 years, I noticed a sign posted on a large London plane Noun 1. London plane - very large fast-growing tree much planted as a street tree Platanus acerifolia genus Platanus, Platanus - genus of large monoecious mostly deciduous trees: London plane; sycamore tree stating that it was slated to be removed. A three-block area is lined with these lovely trees on both sides of the street. I contacted San Francisco's Bureau of Urban Forestry Urban forestry is the care and management of urban forests, i.e., tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. Urban forestry advocates the role of trees as a critical part of the urban infrastructure. and was told a new homeowner wanted it extracted from his property. To prevent the tree's removal, I would need 25 signatures by neighborhood residents opposing this action. I obtained the necessary signatures, submitted the paperwork, and was heartened by the number of people who appeared at a City Hall meeting to defend the tree's positive contributions to the environment. The tree still stands! What's the big deal about a tree, one might ask? Trees have a restorative re·stor·a·tive adj. 1. Of or relating to restoration. 2. Tending or having the power to restore. n. A medicine or other agent that helps to restore health, strength, or consciousness. tie to people. Trees enhance neighborhood appearance. Trees are wind-tolerant. Trees screen noise. Trees add value to property. Fast forward to 2003. The SAME tree has yet another notice of removal on it. And again, a new homeowner wanted it chopped chop 1 v. chopped, chop·ping, chops v.tr. 1. a. To cut by striking with a heavy sharp tool, such as an ax: chop wood. b. down. As I walked to the corner, I thought to myself, "been there, done that. Let someone else save the tree this time." But who would bother? I again contacted the Bureau of Urban Forestry and was told the tree was scheduled for removal the following day. That very day was the last to submit a protest in writing. I arrived at the Bureau's office within hours, wrote another letter requesting a hearing, and subsequently attended another City Hall assembly. The tree, now more than 50 years old, still stands, evidence that one person CAN make a difference. Linda H. Grant San Francisco, California “San Francisco” redirects here. For other uses, see San Francisco (disambiguation). The City and County of San Francisco (EN IPA: [sænfrənˈsɪskoʊ] |
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