Olaf Ribeiro emails the Council Members about tree cutting on the island

Dear Council members,
I wish to record my great disappointment at the tree cutting rampage that has occurred in the past couple of weeks on the island. Without a tree ordinance and lack of enforcement, tree cutting companies have discovered that they have free reign to take down magnificent healthy trees with no consideration for the subsequent cost to the environment.

Being able to remove mandated green belts with no fear of retribution and to take down other large trees is going to result in flooding and bank erosion from the excess water generated.
It is estimated that a large mature tree takes up 200-500 gallons of water a day. Where is this water to go with the loss of trees?
We have already seen some of the consequences of tree loss on slopes. Flooding of homes this winter will be another consequence of trees cut on neighboring properties.
The Urban Forestry Commission has been in operation for some 5 years now and has been powerless to educate anybody on the importance of trees to our environment.
Their information tables thus far are a pitiful attempt at communication with the public while expending large sums of money.
I would respectfully suggest disbanding the UFC and elect a Tree Board of citizens that REALLY cares about trees to advise the city.
The city of Poulsbo has done this successfully.
It seems the city is far more preoccupied in a tree house of little consequence to the environment while major erosion and destruction of wetlands is of far greater consequence to a large portion of the population.
It would be far better for the citizens of this island if the city divested itself from what appears to be matters of self interest or personal vendettas and concentrated more on saving our environment for future generations.
Sincerely,
Olaf Ribeiro

Comments

[Tamara Kaye Sellman]

Let's not forget the quality of life that trees afford us all, whether they're on our property or someone else's. I don't know what I'd do without mine.

Tamara Kaye Sellman
Capstan Drive

[Gerard Bentryn]

The city of Bainbridge Island is proposing to cut trees on land bought with public money in order to provide views of the Olympics to private citizens. Don't believe it? Call the city.

[Tree cutter]

If you don't like it, why don't you move somewhere where there are no people to annoy you. If I want to cut down trees on my propery to improve MY quality of life then I should be able to do so without some busy body sticking their nose in where it is not wanted. As for the water issue, I'm sure all the new homes being built in the newly cleared spaces will suck up all the excess water for their washing machines and toilets etc.

[philippe boucher]

Treecutter prefers to remain anonymous and not sign his/her real name. Why?