Editor:
Re: The multi-faceted value of trees, June 24 column.
I just read columnist Anne Murray’s article on the importance of trees, and it’s a perfect summary of the benefits of forests and the problems faced by developers under pressure to minimize lot size and maximize house square footage.
Many of us here in South Surrey are saddened to see beautiful forests clear cut for high-density housing that almost completely eliminates landscaping.
The few people I know who find ways of speaking out feel like we’re talking into a vacuum.
I started a blog last year (www.savesunnysidetrees.wordpress.com), and one of my friends started one this year (www.growingupgrandview.wordpress.com) and others have started an entire neighbourhood organization (www.grandviewstewardship.org) that’s helping residents speak out about rezoning practices.
It’s still hard for residents to feel that our views are heard, so it’s heartening to see a well-written article in Peace Arch News that supports our opinions and gives us encouragement to keep trying.
Thank you for your beautiful article, and I hope everyone involved in the urbanization of South Surrey can realize the benefits of city forests while the trees still stand.
Alisa P. Ramakrishnan, Surrey
