Friday, April 24, 2009

Tree Friendly Paradigm



(Ignore the camera dates in yellow. I'm not a photographer and didn't have time to figure out how to turn off the wrong date on my camera. I took these photos, 4/23/09.)


See Twitter updates at end of post, ps use links within this message to ask Austin City Council, our new PARD Director, Sara Hensley, the Parks Board members and the Env. Board members to SAVE OUR TREES.

Three out of the four trees shown at the front
entrance will be cut down within 90 days
along with 25 other heritage trees around
Barton Springs if we don't immediately
tell Council to save our trees.

This catastrophe is the result of a Tree
Survey commissioned by PARD under
the auspices of short term funding
for the Barton Springs Master Plan.

Our pecans are just
bursting out -- verdant, green,
lovely, full of life.

email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees



Take a closer look at the front gate canopy.
Does it look dead, dangerous to you?

Yet city attorneys and insurance estimators say
we are at risk — as if public safety and trees
were not compatible. Trees clean our air, are
vertical rivers bringing water from the air
down to the soil, to the aquifer, are ecosystems
brimming with life.

This is a false dichotomy.

email Parks and Rec Board: Ask them to Save Our Trees



It's hot here -- can get to 119 degrees in the summer,
90 degrees in February. Can we afford to lose 75%
of the shade at Barton Springs -- all at once?

The Tree Report has a 12 point rating system for
"Kill". They talk about the useful life of a tree,
claiming it to be 100 years. But Pecan trees live
to be 300 - 350 years — are the State Tree of Texas.
These grassy fields alongside creeks and rivers
here are called "Pecan Bottoms." Yet the City
wants to replace these heritage trees with
other, non-native in some cases, species.

4 of the 12 "Kill" points come from proximity
to public traffic, and have zero to do with
the health of the tree.

Other kill points come as a result of a tree
being asymmetrical. Isn't that one of their
finest qualities, don't they deal with balance
issues underground where we can't see
it, clinging to earth so the part we see
can lean to light, sway with wind —
isn't that the nature of trees?

email Parks Director, Sara Hensley: Sara.hensley@ci.austin.tx.us



These Cottonwoods will both be disappeared.

When my son was four and sat one day
with me under these Cottonwoods he held
up his small hand and caught a fist full of
fluff, said —

Look Mommie, a piece of the clouds!

Two summers ago I was there when Don
Gardiner told City Staff these two trees
were healthy and didn't need to go.

But today they are in the way of a new
path the City wants to build from the
South parking lot to the water --
past two new bath houses they also
are considering building --
bonds to come at later date.

So they are now unhealthy
and must be cut down.

This path and bath house plan will also involve clearing
the woods behind the diving board.

email Environmental Board members:
marygaymaxwell@sbcglobal.net,moncadataz@sbcglobal.net,
rodahart@yahoo.com, jonbeall1@onr.com,
dbezanson@tnc.org, john@bseacd.org,
maryannneely@austin.rr.com



The two trees behind the guard stand here will be
gone, and at least one other from the top of the hill.

Anyone checked UV ratings lately?
Better get some stronger sun screen.

These trees along the pool shade the water.
Temperatures have gone up 5 degrees in the last
two years. It will be worse without trees.

And algae rises to light --
so get ready for more muck.

email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees



28 trees, more thru out the park --
are marked for execution.

35 years ago when John and I started a back yard
garden at our Zilker Neighborhood home, a pecan
volunteered in the compost bin. Today it is
12 inches in diameter -- and shades about a third
of the back yard. We've moved the garden
to the front of the house.

The trees slated to cut are about 200 years old.
It will be decades before our shade grows back.

This might indeed be a good time to plant
new trees, but not to cut down the ones
we already have.



This is the same tree as in photo above, it's in
the courtyard next to the front gate to the pool.
The small redish gravel packed around a small
hollow to collect water for the tree is basically
concrete -- packs to a hard impervious cover.

Austin organic gardening expert John Dromgoole
(Gardenville) explained on Monday night that
we need to mulch these trees, they way they
would self mulch in a forest. Let's try that
before we cut this beautiful
tree down.

email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees



This one next to the bath house used to
be home to one of the biggest bea hives
in town -- we're losing bees -- is flush
to the building. Master planners explained
two summers ago it might fall on the
building, plus they wanted to re-model
the bath house, or build a new one,
and it would be in the way.

John Corey, arborist, long time swimmer,
suggests this tree is a good candidate for
cabling -- to direct away from public pathways
any potential limb drop.

Shouldn't we try that?

What would Dobie, Beticheck and Web think?

email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees



The tree at the far side of the entrance next to the bath house
is also marked for the cut.

The source of it's ill-health may also be proximity
to a proposed renovation or construction project.

email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees



Looks like a branch or two here could be trimmed?
I guess our city figures why bother, since they
are planning to kill it?

How is it the company our City chose to do the Tree
Report is a company whose specialty is cutting down
trees? ( Davey Resource Group, a Division of The Davey Tree
Expert Company, 7627 Morro Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422 --
you see them all over town cutting down trees, removing
branches for power lines, that hang over streets, etc.)

Swimmer Ken (we don't always know last names) said
yesterday Davey made him cut down a Cottonwood
they said was hollow, but when it came down turned
out to be solid. Their Tree Report is full of errors, different
maps show different trees for cutting, etc.

We need second, third opinions —
from experts whose specialty is tree preservation,
health, making them safe for people in public places.


email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees



And this one -- an old friend. It's been double supported
since I started swimming here in 1971. At least 5 times
in my memory flood water has raged past and completely
over this old Pecan. There's a new tree behind it that
will someday take over it's sacred place above the springs.

Who among us will take the first strike at this old friend,
local icon, guardian of the Springs?

I suppose the tunnel below could cave
in from the weight. Or would that be from extensive
excavations a decade ago when the city dug up
the "beach area" to "save" the Salamanders by
digging up their habitat?

It's time for an earth friendly paradigm,
a tree friendly paradigm --

It's time for cities and towns everywhere to stop
thinking about natural resources as commodities,
as something they "own," as insurance risks
or liabilities in a lawsuit.

That way of thinking has brought us to
the verge of global climate disaster.

It's time for a tree friendly paradigm
in my home town,
on our home planet.

email council: Ask them to Save Our Trees

©Susan Bright, 2009

Susan Bright is the author of nineteen books of poetry. She is the editor of Plain View Press which since 1975 has published two-hundred-and-fifty books. Her work as a poet, publisher, activist and educator has taken her all over the United States and abroad. Her most recent book, The Layers of Our Seeing, is a collection of poetry, photographs and essays about peace done in collaboration with photographer Alan Pogue and Middle Eastern journalist, Muna Hamzeh

Click to see Austin New Real program: Tree Friendly Paradigm featuring Susan Bright (SB), John Corey (arborist) and Pam Thompson (show host) recorded 23rd, tech by Stefan Wray.




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    22 Comments:

    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Thanks for the pictorial, Susan!
    TD

    7:41 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Thank you, dear Susan.

    DL

    7:42 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    So much slime, so little time.
    J

    7:43 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Susan, thank you for all the hard work and compassion to pull together this heartfelt display to protect these guardians of the planet. The pictures and the words are specific to the viewer and add the drama that is apparent with the plans to remove the trees. I WILL forward this to all the friends I have and will speak to the City Council.

    Thank you very much for helping to light the fire of activism -

    Nita

    7:46 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    this wonderful comment came a few days ago,
    just before a combined env board/parks board meeting at which the city showed slide after slide of trees to be killed.

    SB

    ---

    i'm so excited that the city is concerned about our safety. i've been paralyzed with fear lately at the idea of getting pelted by a pecan, boinked by a twig, bopped by a branch or crushed by an entire tree. i don't feel safe unless i'm standing in the middle of the wal-mart parking lot b/c i keep hearing about these sinister "rotten" trees lurking in the sunlight, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting shade-dwellers. rumor has it there's an ordinance being pushed through to require all pedestrians to wear helmets and shin guards b/c without the trees there's a risk of getting pooped on by exhausted birds or run into by confused squirrels. life is so risky!!!

    i'm super excited to see the city spending time and money on this most important safety issue rather than boring stuff like curbing neighborhood speeding.

    weeee! see ya'll tonight!
    garret

    7:47 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    note from SB--

    from the "environmental" candidate for Mayor -- election May 9 --

    key language here:

    "I do not believe that ANY trees should be removed from the Park until every interested party has had a chance to understand the details of the analysis that's been done and the proposal that's been made---"

    I think this may mean he won't support cutting down the trees (the master plan is his brain child) until we all are convinced it's necessary, convinced by a one-sided report, convinced by powerpoint/slide presentations by city staff, etc.

    I've been asking everyone to send council mail saying NO TREES/NO VOTES.

    -- from Lee Leffingwell, candidate for Mayor--

    Thank you for your concern about the trees at Barton Springs. I do not believe that ANY trees should be removed from the Park until every interested party has had a chance to understand the details of the analysis that's been done and the proposal that's been made, and to give their input.

    Nobody wants to remove a single tree from Barton Springs Pool unless it is abundantly clear that there is no other viable option to ensure the public’s safety. Right now we need to make sure that everyone has the facts, that everyone has a chance to give input, and that we ultimately make a decision that has the broadest possible community support.

    More information about the upcoming meetings, the tree analysis, and the Barton Springs Master Plan is here. A map of the proposed tree removals is here. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonspringsmp.htm

    Thanks,
    Lee

    7:52 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Susan, I wanted to thank you for all the effort you’ve put into informing people about the cities plans to decimate trees in zilker park area. I’ve emailed mayor and city council (Comments pasted below) and plan to attend meetings regarding these matters. Bob

    Email to city council: I have lived in Austin since 1972 and have had the privilege of living by and enjoying all the wonderful natural features the Zilker park area has to offer. One of the major components that make Zilker such a magical place are the beautiful trees that grace areas around the pool, along the creek and river and in the open playing fields. To use the rationalization that cutting down these trees is necessary to protect the public is a little like saying we need to drain the pool, creek and lake because people might drown in them. Surely, reasonable people can see that several less severe measures can be taken to adequately protect the public short of killing these amazing trees. Please keep an open mind and listen to the input your getting from the very citizens who most utilize Zilker park and not assume that being a council member gives you greater insight or wisdom regarding these matters. While prohibited from contracting to cut down the trees included on their tree removal list, the tree company who recommended cutting down these trees primarily makes it's living by cutting down trees, which reminds me of the old proverb;"To a man with a hammer in his hand everything looks like a nail." Thank you for your time.
    Bob Welborn

    11:05 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Susan, Many thanks for your specifics, fotos & insights.
    Last summer, I believe, a tree fell on someone while watching the performance at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. Was there a lawsuit? Is that what escalated the tree-o-phobia? Deep Eddy got a deep grooming last year too.

    Please continue to inform us & let us know about actions.
    Does Parks & Rec plan to replace trees with plastic umbrellas in the shape of armadillos for shade & chlorophyll fountains to aerate the environment?

    We might as well damn up Barton Springs, due to the flood potential or close the pool because there's drowning liability. Apparently, the only truly safe experience is shopping. So Be There Now.

    With dedication,
    Louise

    7:46 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    susan:

    aren't outfits like Davey actually tree demolitionist. Why wouldn't the city engage arborists that specialize in preservation methods as one would when assesing the preservaton of a historic building, etc.
    perhaps as you suggest, this is actually a dog and pony show to attempt to publicly justify a desired outcome with regard to risk managment/legal. I do understand how trees can get in the way for projects but I find it fulfilling to design around them or in manner that is synergistic. oh well, path of least resistance, etc.

    tlore
    architect

    7:25 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    April 26th,2009

    Dear Mayor Will Wynn:

    With regard to the trees at Barton Springs, we can have both increased public safety and healthier trees by tapping into the wisdom freely presented by local professionals at the April 20 public meeting. The best approach, as put forward by several arborists at the meeting, would be to re-begin the process with the question of how we can best sustain these trees and keep them for another century. John Dromgoole from the Natural Gardener, who was instrumental in saving The Treaty Oak with his compost, explained how the immediate use of aerating, liquid nutrients and composting could lead to the result we want in less than three years. This would set the proper precedent for Austin to preserve and enhance its tree canopy rather than continuing with an unending, very expensive, regimen of neglect followed by major trimming, and finally removal.

    Installing support posts, cabling, loosely wiring major limbs to one another that might fall, trimming, concrete root anchoring, and guy wiring would be more than adequate unless a tree was detached from its root system. In extreme circumstances a tree might be isolated and roped off while various methods of preservation were developed. Even prosthetic like devices for trees are already being developed.The city's legal obligation to public safety is ill served by a policy that raises the bar of due diligence to a point that would require a comparable high-tech examination and preemptive removal of every tree within its jurisdiction to which the public is exposed. For a more practical legal shield, signs could be placed at the entrances to Barton Springs suggesting for example that a historic tree preservation area was being entered and that entry is at your own risk. This is traditionally how the city has handled any legal risk to the public at Barton Springs when the coliform count might be high and for times when there is no lifeguard. For a belt and suspenders approach a warning could be attached to questionable trees.

    Timely implementation of the above suggestions could be put into affect by empowering and funding a team of three city employees to meet with members of the public on a tree by tree basis with no more than 3 trees presented at each session. The team could then bid out the remedial measures it adopted. On those trees in which a consensus for removal is reached such trees would be referred to City Council one by one for Council to decide whether to send the referral back to the team to develop remedial measures or to start the legal procedure for removal.

    In addition, John Dromgoole from The Natural Gardener and Don Gardner, a well respected local arborist, have agreed to be part of a citizens group that is willing to sit down with empowered representatives from the city and go over the trees one by one.

    Dan Crow

    9:50 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    from friend in Mnpls -- who has worked to save Cold Springs there.

    Susan, last night I was watching a Global Voices on public television and they had a show about the Nobel Prize Winner Wangari Maathai and her Green Belt Project (they have planted millions of trees in Kenya). It opens with this magnificent fig tree by water, that her mother told her to protect. A sacred tree. Later it is cut down, and the water dries up. It goes on to explain the direct connection between water and trees, and how deforestation has caused water to dry up in Kenya. Fabulous!

    So I think of your trees and do they realize they are by Springs and that they threaten the water if they take them down!.

    Susu also has writings on this by some guy, who more scientifically shows the connection--she is susujeffrey@msn.com

    Oh, the very best of luck--I hope you can save them!

    peace
    Sue Ann

    10:57 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dear Environmental Board,

    Please stop the planned execution of the wonderful old trees at Barton Springs. Don't spend another dollar to cut them down and replant young trees. Use the money to nourish, prune and support the existing trees. I attended the first, Monday night meeting about the trees and spoke out with many others about this. Please assure me that our concern is being heeded and that the plans to remove those trees will be stopped.

    Some $56,000 was wasted hiring Davey, a company that does tree removal, to study the trees. Please use the remaining funds, $196,000—not to replant, but to pant new trees while saving the old ones. Without these shade trees the pool will be uninhabitable. There will be greater erosion on the hills and more runnoff into the pool.

    Don’t be cowed into the unfounded fear that the trees are dangerous! If you’re afraid of trees, get off the Environmental Board. This is just a ruse to deprecate the natural surroundings of Barton Springs and to make way for future development. The beautiful old cottonwoods of Deep Eddy were cut down in haste in a similar fashion years ago and they have proven to be irreplacable.

    I want you to take a firmer stand on this issue. It’s not enough to say, ‘let’s have a public hearing’ and then proceed to cut down the trees. It’s a travesty that so much money was wasted on paying an out of state company to tell us our trees are old. They need good pruning and we need to have an ongoing annual tree planting program to assure that new generations of shade trees are being fostered. I fear that the entire Master Plan for Barton Springs is going not benefit the pool but rather over develop it. It may mean the death of my favorite place in Austin.

    KK

    Karen Kreps

    Barton Springs Polar Bear, a Daily Swimmer and manager of the email list bartonsprings@yahoogroups.com (which has about 325 subscribers currently)
    __._,_.___

    2:40 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    They have sheltered us in our growing
    watched us as we watered under them
    Grown older in retirement grand as oaks
    and now they want to rest.We concrete them when limbs fall off
    when lightning splits-we add wood and wire around them
    to with hold against disease
    Volunteers wish to reseed for future harvests
    yet what shall we do with and for our only elders?
    To chop and clear is simple-to replace takes aeons
    Time has come for change and little Austin
    is now tarmac and toll roads,gridlock and McMansions
    These trees have seen our own elders lives
    and been with us since before our time
    To love them as we need requires intelligence and energy-
    those too far gone advocate euthenasia
    they fear legalities of falling limbs
    Reseeding is essential-the dead must leave
    so living trees can shield us from the terrible heat
    of their lives in our axemens hands..
    YOU ARE THOSE TREES April 28,2009

    thom

    11:17 AM  
    Blogger Penny Van Horn said...

    Thank you for your blog.
    I was at Eeyore's birthday party at Pease Park this weekend. There are a couple of trees that are COMPLETELY DEAD and in a high traffic area, yet nothing is being done about it. This just goes to show that there is an agenda at Barton Springs and some bogus number crunching. See you at the meeting. PENNY VAN HORN

    12:14 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Towering

    Above it all
    Bending with the wind
    Sheltering
    All below

    Those trees
    With ribbons
    Not indicating
    Prized possessions to admire

    But
    Monetary prized
    For the greedy
    To collect

    Insider action
    Seems to me
    For anyone with a knowledge
    Of Outside

    Would appreciate
    These trees
    Not say
    Take this one and that one

    Cut
    Chop
    Chew
    Hack

    The ribbons
    Show the strings
    That are attached
    To wallets

    Of the people
    Making stupid choices
    Removing
    Perfectly healthy

    "Wretchedly dangerous"
    Monuments
    To time gone by
    In exchange for pocket lining

    Would be highway robbery
    Once the highway
    is built
    There

    Ed Seymour
    04/28/2009

    2:45 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I recall the hot sun made the cold water colder still,
    and when I felt hungry I search the ground for
    the little black striped brown pecans,
    then crack one against the other
    in my hand,
    my reward a tooth-full of sweet moist nutmeat.

    No one ever noticed what I was doing --
    or knew what they were missing,
    or stopped to reflect
    that these nuts were a source of food for the red folk
    who camped beside the Springs
    in the shade of the lusty trees,
    fellow water lovers,
    for pecans grow by rivers and springs and streams.

    These mighty antiques are the "native pecans" of Texas,
    now replaced by their engineered descendents.
    (I wonder, since I have gone, do only squirrels
    enjoy the tiny pecans?)

    There is so much history in those trees,
    so many years of growth and bearing and giving!
    Who recalls their gifts of shade and food
    to wandering nomads?
    And now, heavy limbs rotten with age,
    already forced to live beyond their term,
    those who kept them alive will destroy them.

    Go to the Springs, look for the little pecans,
    each the promise of a tree.
    Take them home and pot them, grow your seedlings,
    carefully plant them back where they belong
    and even if you do not see your reward,
    the trees will be there for someone. Someday.

    Sue Littleton

    2:46 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Susan,
    I’ve been writing to Laurie Dries and suggested that the city consult with USFWS about the trees. Today she told me that USFWS has requested a mitigation plan for tree removal from the city under the 10A permit for the BS Salamander.
    This will hopefully slow the process down, and the city will have to mitigate the intended damage to the habitat.

    I’ll be at the meeting tonight, with signs.

    Barbara

    2:46 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    letter to env board --

    I don't care if Austin stays weird but by golly, I hope it stays treed.
    We NEED those trees near Barton Springs and everywhere else they are in
    somebody's way. Pile some manure around them and prune them and I betcha
    they will be healthy for a long long time. Ask Malcolm Beck; he saved a
    sick pecan tree that way a long time ago.

    Sincerely,
    Marge Wood


    __________________________

    8:06 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    another poem from Ed Seymour

    Sue

    My poem
    Was in response to three things
    While not an arborist myself
    I grew up on land of 60 acres hardwood forest

    Went to camp to learn to identify trees
    Learned the essentials in how to care for them
    So the three reasons for my poem
    Were

    Hearing of wasted tax payer money
    Walking to Barton Springs from my home and seeing ribbons around majestic trees
    Personal experience with wood pirates

    While I am not here to say
    Pecan are not sick
    I would not say
    Nothing could be done to save them

    Based on the size of these trees
    I know many folks will try to say Cut Them
    Allow them to dispose of them
    And find themselves richer by tens of thousands per tree

    If real tree folks say
    Time for them to go
    I say
    Careful selection of the folks who do it is essential

    My guess is
    These trees may need some TLC
    To remain
    For years to come.

    Ed Seymour
    04/28/2009

    9:05 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    After letters from PARD director, Sara Hensley, and from Parks Board Chr, Linda Guerrero saying tonite's Parks Board would include a public hearing about trees, they cut us off at 10 speakers. Go Figure. Future meetings below. We need to be sure they let us speak.
    SB
    ----

    Dear Ms. Hensley and Ms Guerrero,

    I think some good information came out tonite, and I like the approach Ms. Hensley articulates about gathering as many experts as you can find to share ideas about how to save as many trees as possible.

    The people who came to tonite's PARD board expecting to be able to speak and then were subjected to several hours of other presentations and then not allowed to speak I think had reason to be disconcerted.

    I have attached two notes, one from Ms. Hensley's staff and another from Ms. Guerrero saying the public would be allowed to give input at this meeting tonight.

    I wish the Parks board had let people have their say. There were lots of interested and articulate people in the room that were cut. I think the audience was fairly polite considering these two notices that they would be allow to speak turned out to be wrong. People are busy in Austin, I know I am, and when they give of their time to attend a board or commission hearing, I think they should be allowed to speak.

    There's probably an open meetings regulation about this too.

    Respectfully,

    Susan Bright
    poet, publisher, Plain View Press
    board member Save Barton Creek Association
    Barton Springs Swimmer



    From: "Parks, Admin"
    Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:22:15 -0500
    To: Karen Kreps
    Subject: RE: Parks - Save the trees at Barton Springs!!!

    DearMs Kreps,

    On behalf of the Sara Hensley, Director of the Parks and Recreation
    Department, I am responding to your concerns regarding the potential
    removal of trees from the Barton Springs area.

    We have received several inquiries from stakeholders across the City who
    are interested in how the city will respond to the recent Barton Springs
    Pool Tree Assessment Report.

    A public presentation on the tree removal plan was conducted April 20
    before the joint subcommittees of the Parks and Recreation Board and the
    Environmental Board. The City Council received a staff briefing on the
    plan at its April 23 session.

    Those interested in commenting on the plan are welcome to participate at
    three separate City Board hearings where presentations will be
    conducted.

    Those sessions include:
    * Parks and Recreation Board
    6 p.m. April 28
    Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St.

    * Urban Forestry Board
    6:30 p.m. May 19
    Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St.

    * Environmental Board
    6 p.m. May 20
    Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St.

    We invite you to participate in these sessions.

    Sincerely,

    Sara L. Hensley, CPRP
    Director, Parks and Recreation Department


    -----

    And here is a note from I think Linda Guerrero indicating also that the public would be able to speak tonite. The email came to me from Maryann Neeley, on the Env. Board, but the email address is Linda.

    From: lhg [mailto:lhg@grandecom.net]
    Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 5:23 PM
    To: lhg
    Subject: Barton Springs Tree Assessment Q and A sheet

    April 17, 2009

    Dear Barton Springs and Community Stakeholders:

    We’ve received several inquiries from stakeholders across the City who
    are interested in how the city will respond to the recent Barton Springs
    Assessment Report. Following is a list of frequently asked questions and
    answers that should help the community stay informed with the most
    current and accurate information.

    * *

    *Barton Springs Pool Tree Assessment Report*

    *Frequently Asked Questions*

    *Question: Where will I find the complete Barton Springs Assessment Report?*

    Answer: The entire Barton Springs Tree Assessment Report can be found on
    the City’s website at
    http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonspringsmp.htm, or you may view a
    copy of the report at the Parks and Recreation Department main office
    located at 200 S Lamar Blvd.

    *Question: Will the Public be able to give input? If so, when and where?*

    Answer: _Yes._ The public will have several opportunities to provide
    input on the report at any of the upcoming meetings:

    § Parks and Recreation Board and Environmental Board Joint Subcommittee
    meeting on April 20, 2009 at 6:15 pm at the Mexican American Cultural
    Center Auditorium located at 600 River Street Austin, Texas.

    § Parks and Recreation Board meeting on April 28, 2009 at 6:00 pm at
    City Hall, Boards and Commission Conference Room 1101 located at 301 W.
    2^nd Street.

    § Urban Forestry Board meeting on May 20, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the Parks
    and Recreation Department Board Room located at 200 South Lamar.

    § Environmental Board meeting on May 6, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the City Hall
    Council Chambers Room 1002 located at 301 W. 2^nd Street.

    The Austin Park and Recreation Department will provide a full briefing
    to the Austin City Council on Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 2:00 pm at
    City Hall located at 301 W. 2^nd Street.

    *Question: Will the City Arborist be involved?*

    Answer: The City Arborist Michael Embesi serves as an independent voice.
    Embesi was provided a copy of the report and upon a complete review of
    this report will make an independent determination on a appropriate plan
    of action. Michael Embesi can be reached at by email at
    michael.embesi@ci.austin.tx.us .

    ________________________________ ______________________________

    *Linda Guerrero, Chair* *Danette Chimenti, Vice Chair*

    *Parks and Recreation Board *

    9:10 PM  
    Blogger SB said...

    Thanks to everyone who made comments here --

    So much concern and love and expertise has been forthcoming from our community there is a good chance Parks and Rec Dept will look for ways to keep as many trees as possible at Barton Springs.

    That said, there are all kinds of cross currents here -- so I'd say we should keep writing these letters and emails so they don't think we have forgotten. Or we could wake up one morning and the trees will be gone.

    We'll keep everyone posted.

    Onward

    SB

    2:29 PM  
    Blogger SB said...

    Thanks to everyone who made comments here --

    So much concern and love and expertise has been forthcoming from our community there is a good chance Parks and Rec Dept will look for ways to keep as many trees as possible at Barton Springs.

    That said, there are all kinds of cross currents here -- so I'd say we should keep writing these letters and emails so they don't think we have forgotten. Or we could wake up one morning and the trees will be gone.

    We'll keep everyone posted.

    Onward

    SB

    2:30 PM  

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