RECOGNIZE AND RESTORE OUR HERITAGE:
ENCOURAGE THE PLANTING OF TREES AND
ANCIENT FORESTS ON OUR PLANET
It is impossible to put a dollar value on projects curbing the cutting of trees and maintaining the existing trees on our planet. Trees have the potential of preventing the further deterioration of life on this planet. Trees use carbon dioxide and curb the Greenhouse effect, lowering the temperature of our planet; create oxygen; purify water; prevent soil erosion; prevent the deterioration of our rivers and streams; prevent floods; moderate the climate; provide food, shelter or sanctuary to innumerable species of animals; provide shade and therefore natural air conditioning to buildings; and beautify our environment. Unfortunately, our planet is being depleted of this natural resource, essential in the symbiotic relationship of man and his environment. For example, only 10% of our planet's ancient forests remain, and foresters are almost universally permitted to cut down trees without planting any replacements.
Foresters, developers and homeowners alike cut down trees without replacing them. Many individuals or companies may do this because of the high cost involved in replacing trees or perhaps they lack full understanding of the symbiotic relationship between man and his environment.
Some new homeowners, when they move into an area, cut down trees on their residential property because they lack information about the value and maintenance of trees. Perhaps they come from large urban areas where space is limited. They continue their clearcutting of trees even on property which is spacious and beautifully landscaped. Naturally, this causes anger from neighbors about these changes and a reduction in property value. Clearcutting of trees causes hostility toward their new neighbors.
With civic programs endorsed, supported and/or established by local, state and the federal governments, conflict between neighbors could be eliminated or reduced. Furthermore, the establishment of small ancient forests with Maple, Pine, Spruce (for northern regions) and other suitable hardy species could be accomplished.
We need more programs on our major television networks and distribution of literature to the general public about the necessity to our environment, the beauty and diversity of, and the care and maintenance of trees, some of our most precious natural resources. We also need more specific legislation and education of homeowners about city ordinances which require permits before trees of designated diameters are destroyed. However, the size of the tree that is permitted to be cut down may be substantially larger than those that are usually planted.
Local, state and federal agencies should take a more aggressive role in the planting of and maintaining trees. Community programs could be given by the forestry agencies many of our cities have about the necessity and beauty of trees. Information can be published through media and notices mailed to their residents. After a brief lecture, those in attendance could be invited to plant trees, with the expectation of growing a small future ancient forest. The city could also encourage the retention of currently living trees and also encourage the planting of additional trees on residential and city-owned property (note, however, that many cities require permission for the painting of trees on city property----for example, the planting of trees between the sidewalk and the curb. However, the city could declare an annual Arbor day, distribute seedlings and information about the proper planting of the seedlings and inspect all of the newly planted seedlings at the same time). Civic organizations can maintain the newly planted trees.
Our communities with the programs given above may experience a maintenance in the status quo. As of now, more trees are cut down or lost than planted because of building construction, the natural aging process, disease control and illegal clearcuts.
David C. Hakim
Detroit, Michigan
December 15, 1995