Carnival

Went to the little portable amusement park down by the baseball field; just to take pictures. Can't get too excited about getting on a ride that is supposed to come apart easily (for transportation).

That was the highlight of the weekend; just before leaving work on Friday, I wrote my state Senator about a new, proposed state ordinance that would remove legislation that protects what few trees we have left in Atlanta:

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Dear Senator,

I am writing you about the proposed Senate Bill 294; in particular, the following clause:

"(B) The trimming or cutting of any tree or trees located upon the residential property of a homeowner when such trimming or cutting is done by or at the direction of such homeowner."

As a regular volunteer for Trees Atlanta since 1993, I've personally done what I can to plant as many trees as possible in the Atlanta area. We are often planting in areas haphazardly cleared by previous land owners without forethought or consideration for the neighborhood.

So, of course I am concerned when state legislation is proposed that would undo my volunteer work for the past decade. I am aware that it is imperative to strike a balance between the rights of a property owner and common good of the community, but there must be some enforceable guidelines in place to help keep people from destroying part of our city's vital infrastructure.

Removing any and all trees from private property has immediate, negative effects on everyone in the surrounding area, including:

Reducing oxygen production
Raising surface temperatures
Increasing risk of erosion
Reducing the soil water retention capacity

Heat, drought, and air quality are problems for everyone in Atlanta and are ameliorated by our tree canopy; people shouldn't be able to destroy this valuable resource without guidelines anymore than they should be able to block sewer lines, dig up sidewalks, cut gas lines, interrupt the power grid or otherwise adversely affect any number of public utilities "on their property".

Trees are a vital part of the quality of life in Atlanta and should be protected.

Thank you for your time.