Identified in the photo series at the link below are some of the mature trees on the Chelsea
School site that EYA intends on clearcutting to make way for a high density
townhouse development. Many of these trees are specimen trees and/or old forest
remnants. Their root structures help stave off erosion and they provide a
"green screen" or "shield" which protects the neighborhood
from the noise and pollution of the Central Business District. They represent
both a cultural and environmental neighborhood treasure.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/keepsoecagreen/sets/72157630021109441/
In a letter submitted to the Hearing Examiner regarding EYA's proposed high density development on the Chelsea School site, Don Grove, an aborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, made the following observations:
"The tree inventory listing that is part of the preliminary forest management plan (PFMP) proposed by the developer shows that 44 out of 128 trees listed in the inventory will be “preserved.” That seems encouraging until one notes that the PFMP includes many large trees on adjoining properties. Those large trees (trees that are not even located on the 5.25 acre site) are to be “preserved” while nearly every single large tree on the development site is to be removed." [Emphasis added].
Essentially, EYA claims that it will "preserve" trees that are located on another person's property. In its forest management plan, EYA made a promise not to cut a neighbor's tree, they did NOT make a promise to preserve any of the trees located on the actual land it will acquire.
Of the trees that EYA intends to clear cut, Don Grove further observes:
"The large, mature, slow-growing trees on site are all destined for removal. These include eleven large White Oaks. These are very large trees that took many years to reach this size. The presence of low limbs and scars where low limbs have been suggests that these trees did not begin their lives in forest-like conditions. Trees growing in more open conditions grow larger faster than those in the forest but some of these could still be approaching 100 years old–certainly they are older than the people who are discussing whether to end their long lives to build townhouses that won’t last as long. White Oaks can live for hundreds of years.
All but two of these Oaks are “significant” trees of 24" diameter or greater. The two exceptions are 21" and 22" diameter, just below the threshold for “significant” trees. Four of the large White Oaks are “specimen” trees. A “specimen tree” is a tree “that is a particularly impressive or unusual example of a species due to its size, shape, age, or any other trait that epitomizes the character of the species.” MNCPPC Trees Approved Technical Manual, September 1992, Appendix A, Glossary of Terms. These trees are grouped together in a grove near the southwest boundary of the development site. Some are very near the boundary. It seems that at least some if not all of these large Oaks could be preserved."
Yet EYA refuses to preserve them. EYA refuses to preserve them because that would mean scaling back their high density development (in its current barracks-like layout) to accommodate these trees which have existed and served as guardians for this area for 100 years.
For Don Grove's full testimony, please go to the following link:
