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• <br /> removal. <br /> This brings me to the issues of safety and liability. I do not believe that any of <br /> the trees proposed for removal pose any more threat to property owners adjoining <br /> the park, than do any other trees. The truth is that n tree within 100 to 150 feet of a <br /> dwelling could be argued to be a hazard, especially due to the severe run off and wind <br /> problems on the lee side of the park. It is next to impossible to predict which trees <br /> will actually succumb to a wet winter or storms. I realize the city wants to protect <br /> itself, but ANY tree could fall. I strongly recommend that the city look into obtaining <br /> second opinions and assistance from the OSU experimental forestry people. I believe <br /> their assistance would be free of charge. They could perhaps more accurately <br /> determine if a particular tree actually has extensive root rot, which would pose more <br /> of a hazard. They might also have ideas or recommendations not yet considered. This <br /> second opinion might protect the city legally. <br /> I value trees and also value human life and safety. What I have seen and <br /> learned so far does not convince me that the targeted trees, other than the one first <br /> mentioned, pose an immediate hazard, or indeed any more of a hazard than healthy <br /> trees. These trees are many years old. They have withstood many severe winters, <br /> while other, healthier trees have not. We should work to alleviate the over saturation <br /> problem with creative solutions, such as continuing to limit, or even further limiting <br /> Summer irrigation on the lee side, and installing storm drains to carry run off from <br /> the road away from that side. Perhaps money slated for tree removal could be put <br /> toward the storm drain project. Removing eighteen, or even six or ten trees would in <br /> many cases create more of a threat to remaining trees. While we can replant trees, <br /> they cannot really be "replaced" per se, as we can't replace ninety years of growth in <br /> our lifetimes. I recommend not only monitoring targeted trees, but all trees <br /> bordering homes. Good stewardship of our beautiful park is not an easy task, but a <br /> very important one. I appreciate the hard work that has gone into this project so far. <br /> My recommendations are not intended to be in any way disrespectful of this work. I <br /> am including my comment sheets to help in your tally of group opinions. Thank you <br /> for your time and efforts. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Wendy Schwall <br />