Editor:
Re: Park trees a danger, March 2.
This is the second time in two years that the city has decided to go ahead with a major tree “cull” at Maccaud Park. In January 2009, at least 25 trees were removed as well.
I live right across the street and my kids enjoy playing in the park. They were extremely upset in 2009 when so many trees were removed.
Over our eight years here, a few unhealthy trees have fallen or been removed every year. But 2009 was major. My children, then 10 and 9, wrote letters to White Rock Mayor Catherine Ferguson expressing their disappointment. Ferguson replied that the city would, later in 2009, be replacing every tree that was removed with two new healthy trees. This never happened.
Now, another 25 trees are coming down – literally, as I type this. No notice was given to the residents surrounding the park, just a small note in the Peace Arch News several days after we could see the red spray-painted trees.
In the past, the city left as much “stump” as possible for the beautiful woodpeckers to continue using as a food source. This round they seem to be removing the entire stump as well. I guess we won’t be seeing any woodpeckers this year or in the years to come… haven’t seen the park’s resident owl for a few years either. Such a disappointment.
At my count, the city now owes my kids at least 100 trees. In eight years at least 75 trees have been removed. Never has a single tree been replanted. Not one.
What happened to our lovely little urban forest? Gone.
I fully expect the city to live up to its promise and replace the trees. Not “later this year.” I want a date, before summer. I want my kids involved. We are free over spring break.
Get it done, city. Time to stop ignoring this park.
Karen Haugland, White Rock