The DHTC Tree Guardian
            volume 4  -  issue 2

 President's Message

            As the incoming President, I wish to offer a heart-
         felt thanks to Dr. Mary Ellen Bluntzer, past DHTC
         president. We have been through many trying times
         together, and under her leadership we have won many
         battles. She has been one of the strongest supporters
         of the Coalition and its cause. Her involvement has
         been more than a job but rather a way of life. Her
         courage and heart has been an inspiration to us all.
         She will continue to support us as a Trustee and as the
         primary spokesman for the Coalition.
 
            The future of the Coalition does not rely on any
         one person but rather on you as a Coalition member.
         We are no different than any other group, in that we
         rely on donations of time and money. The question
         is: how much do you care about the cause? Our cause
         is primarily local issues that will affect the environment
         of current and future generations. We are promoters
         of responsible development which provides
         visible results that we can all enjoy. The Coalition has
         never asked for annual membership fees due to the fact
         that we want each one of you as members, regardless of
         whether you can afford it. This does not mean that
         we don't need your donation of time and money.
         We currently are enjoying matching funding for every
         dollar we receive so there has never been a better time
         to donate. We currently need to fill numerous
         positions within the Coalition and are always in need
         of professional services as well as general volunteer
         help (Contact Melody McGann in our office for
         more information).
 
            With the help of our membership, we have been
         able to accomplish much more than any of us ever
         dreamed possible. The Coalition is currently involved
         in four major projects and is sometimes overwhelmed
         by the workload. We compiled a list of major projects
         that we worked on last year with the intent to print it
         in the newsletter. The problem was that the list was
         staggering and the Trustees felt it was more important
         to inform the membership of current events. The
         point is that the Coalition's people have been working
         their buns off and are constantly striving to deserve
         your support. Please take the time to send a donation
         or offer to help. Together we will continue to affect
         issues that benefit us all.
 
                                Steve Houser - President
 
 
 

 LC.H.T.C Our New
    "Sister" Organization

              We now have a "sister" organization that began
           operations last year named Lake Cities Historic Tree
           Coalition (LC H.T.C.). The Coalition was formed as a
           response to poorly planned development between
           Denton and Carrollton. The Coalition's affairs are
           directed by Nancy Ustick and Sue Fritts, founding
           members. Formation of the group was facilitated by
           D.H.T.C. Trustees and much advice as well as support
           has been provided by D.H.T.C. They have already been
           involved in numerous projects and are doing quite well.
           They have been encouraged by the recent enactment of
           the Denton tree ordinance. They have met with
           development officials on a project called "The
           Preservation" to ensure that there is something actually
           "Preserved" when they are complete and to study the
           plans. A well thought Out list of suggestions was
           forwarded to the developers and more meetings are
           scheduled with them in the future. D.H.T.C. wishes
           LC.H.T.C. the best of luck and we will continue to
           support them in any way we can.
 
 

 Steve Houser Receives
      ISA Tree Preservation Award
 
          The International Society of Arboriculture
          awarded Steve Houser the first Tree Preservation
          Award April, 1998. Steve, a DHTC Trustee and
          newly elected president, has been instrumental in
          helping area cities write tree ordinances. DHTC is
          proud to have such a highly qualified and ethical
          person leading us forward.
 
 

 Trinity River Project Passes:
    Great Trinity Forest Threatened
 
        On May 2, despite efforts by Save the Trinity and
        DHTC, Proposition 11 narrowly passed. This granted
        the Corps of Engineers the matching funds to proceed
        with plans to destroy a 400 foot wide path of the
        Great Trinity Forest. The plans call for the forest to
        be cut along the length of the Trinity River.
        However, Save the Trinity and others continue to
        oppose this disastrous plan by all methods available.
        Fortunately there are many more steps before it can
        be implemented. If you would like to be involved,
       contact DHTC.
 
 

         We need EXACT addresses for mailing.
      Due to Bulk mailing requirements
      we MUST have your correct Street/Avenue/Lane,
      etc., or you will NOT receive your issue of the
      Guardian. This is a Postal System requirement.
 
 
 

 Carrollton Bulldozes Trees,
     Kills Egrets - Residents Outraged
 
            On July 23 bulldozers destroyed a federally
         protected egret nesting area, killing and injuring
         hundreds of birds. DHTC helped residents form the
         Carrollton Nature Coalition (Elizabeth Kim
         spokesperson, 972/446-7714) which has met with the
         City and demanded various reparations, including a
         tree ordinance to prevent such future disasters.
         Carrollton Nature Coalition has done a thorough and
         effective job. DHTC Trustee and Vice President, Bill
         Seaman has been instrumental in their success. If
         you wish to help with the cost of rehabilitating
         several hundred egrets - please send donations to:
 
            Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
            (214) 329-2473
            Kathy Rogers, Director
            100 East Highway 80 Mesquite, Texas 75149
 
            Bird watchers in Carrollton and Dallas were
         surprised to learn that a similar egret nesting area is
         threatened by the Trinity River Plan, supported by
         Mayor Ron Kirk.
 
 
 

 Don't Top Trees
            Why ?
 
            it's ugly
 
            it severely impairs tree's ability
            to fight off insects and disease

            it speeds growth of more numerous
            but much weaker limbs
 
            some species may be killed

            cuts off tree's ability to manufacture its nutrients
            for months

            exposes shaded plants and shrubs to abrupt
            intense sunlight and possibly death

         Solution: Consult a certified arborist to properly inspect
         and prune your trees.
 
 
 Save Forests - Use Less Paper
        The average American uses nearly 700 pounds of
         paper a year. Do your part.

  Share publications and documents rather than copying them

  Copy and print on both sides of the paper.

  Use electronic mail and don't print your e-mail unless absolutely necessary.

  Submit office forms such as purchase orders and time sheets electronically.

  Collect and reuse paper that is blank on one side.

 
 

 Downtown Improvement District
    Plans To Destroy Oak Trees
            The Dallas Downtown Improvement District
         plans to "renovate" Ferris Plaza including destruction
         of 21 Live Oak trees, each about 55 years old.
         DHTC Trustees carefully investigated and learned
         that this destruction is neither necessary nor
         desirable. Saving the trees would still allow the plaza
         and fountain to be restored and the grounds to be
         replanted. Ferris Plaza is one of the City's oldest
         parks. Help us stop this wasteful plan. Write to:
            Dallas Park and Recreation Board
            Dianne A. Curry, President
            1500 Marilla, 6FN City Hall
            Dallas, Texas 75201
 
            DHTC would greatly appreciate a faxed copy of
         any letters sent to Ms. Curry. Our fax number is
         (972) 286-6628.
 
 
 

 Treekeepers
            During the campaign to defeat the Trinity River
         Project certain members donated their scarce time
         and valuable talent. DHTC wishes to acknowledge
         their contributions by extending our heartfelt thanks
         and designating them official DHTC Treekeepers.

Lee Alcorn	Ned & Jeannie Fritz	Pat Melton
David Baker	Tim Harle	Linda Pelon
Melissa Baker	Monty Matthews	Holly Watson
Ann Bond	Michelle McCormick	Roy Williams
Bob Bond	Michelle McGann	Barbara Wolin
Sally Drews	Mike McGann	Mary Vogelson
Enrique Dura	Kassandra McLaughlin	D.J. Young
Brian Melton

 

 

 

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